It is possible that when you first start camping you don’t realize that the tent you bought needs some attention. The tent is brand new and clean, but it’s likely that the manufacture has left out some things or cut corners in certain areas. You need to take care of these things if you want to have the best camping experience. You need to take these steps.
Camping requires a good tent, but even expensive tents benefit from improvements. You can prepare your tent for camping by following these simple tips.
Create a footprint.
The footprint is an insulating sheet that protects your tent from water. It sits in between the tent and ground. This prevents the water from leaking through your ground into your tent. It also keeps the tent’s bottom clean. The majority of tent manufacturers have footprints designed specifically for your tent model.
Increase the stakes
The stakes will hold down your tent and keep it in place even when the winds start to blow. You can upgrade your tent stakes to heavier ones if they are not heavy duty. Tent manufacturers often offer aluminum stakes that are easily bendable. Steel stakes can withstand the pressure of being driven into the soil.
Buy a rainfly.
Rainflys are waterproof sheets of fabric that cover the tent’s top. It’s designed to keep out rain and it also provides additional insulation in cold weather. You can purchase an extra one if your tent did not come with it. Be sure that you buy a tent accessory that is the appropriate size, and one made out of durable waterproof materials.
Investing in a waterproof tarp is a good idea.
The tarp can be compared to a large sheet of material you lay down on the floor beneath your tent. The tarp is an excellent way to shield your tent’s floor from water. It also adds insulation to the colder weather. Buy one large enough to cover the whole area underneath your tent without any gaps.
The tarp can be placed above the tent to make entering and leaving easier in rain.
Use a spray that is waterproof.
You can use a waterproof spray to help stop water from getting into your tent. This is especially important around the seams. Clean the tent using warm soapy, water. Remove any dirt and grime which may have accumulated. When the tent is dry and clean, apply the waterproofing spray. Read the instructions from the manufacturer before you start. Start at the tent’s top and spray in an sweeping movement. Avoid saturation by keeping the spray bottle at least 8-12″ away from fabric. Cover the entire tent in a uniform coat of waterproofing. Let the tent dry out completely before using it.
Purchase a tent-repair kit.
A tent repair kit is a great idea because even the strongest tents will wear out over time. The kit will contain extra supplies such as tent stakes, poles and patch materials in case anything breaks.