There are a number of hardy souls who go camping in winter. The vast majority of people, though, think of camping as something to be enjoyed in better weather and take winter off from the great outdoors.
Before settling in for a season in front of the fire it’s important to ensure your tent is ready to be packed away. That way it will be ready to use in spring and offer you years of good service.
Mould And Mildew
Before packing the tent away in the attic or garage, set it up in the back garden. This will give it a chance to air properly. If you put it away wet the last time it was used there could be a chance of mould or mildew forming on the material if left for a long time.
A good airing for a day will eliminate that possibility. If you see any areas of mould, wash them with soap and water and then leave the tent to dry fully.
If you live in a flat or somewhere you can’t air the tent outside, put it up as best you can and leave it for several hours to air out before folding and putting away.
Rips
p While the tent is out is a perfect time to inspect it for any rips or tears that might have happened and that you’d missed. Check the seams to ensure they’re firm. If you encounter rips or tears, take the time to repair them properly.
Depending on the material there are set ways to do this. It doesn’t require advanced sewing skills, but take time to do it properly. This ensures the rip doesn’t open again the next time you erect the tent. Don’t discard the tent just because of a single rip. A good tent is expensive item and can be successfully mended.
As most tents are nylon, you’ll need waxed thread, a seam sealer intended for nylon, ripstop nylon repair tape and a needle. You should also have grommets on hand as sooner or later these will need replacement. If you have a kit of all these items you’ll be prepared for most types of tent repair.
Also check all the poles, ropes and tent pegs. Unless the pegs are heavy duty they’ll need to be replaced regularly as they’ll bend, break or become lost. Autumn is a good time to do this. Buy more than you need; a few extra will see you safely through the next camping season. Poles can last a long time, but check the elastic that joins them to ensure it’s not worn. In many instances you’ll have to send off to the manufacturer for replacement poles. Winter is the ideal time for this, rather than scrabbling around in spring when you want to be out camping.
Storing
Where you store the tent for the winter is important. Keep it away from damp places to minimise any chance of mould forming. The best storage is an airy room. Fold it carefully and store in the bag (if it comes with one). This gives an extra layer of protection for your tent.
