Enjoying the great outdoors can be the most fun experience any person can have…especially if they love nature life. It doesn’t matter if the great outdoors is near the lake/river or if it’s in their own backyard… it’s just the matter of having a good time. And, a part of that good time means having a quality camping tent to 
sleep/rest in. You might say, “a tent is just a tent… what differences could there be?” For your first tip (and one of the most important), you need to understand that all tents are not made the same.
The Most Important Tip – Finding Yourself A Quality Tent
When you’re in the market, it’s important to remember that phrase: “all tents are not the same”. Some tents are made rather cheaply, which will show immediately after putting it together. Other tents, such as the ones made by Eureka, are made of high-quality materials, have an array of original features and are quite durable so they last a lot longer.
Course, making your camping tent last longer is the trick…but it’s not that difficult to accomplish. Rather, it takes a little know-how and you can keep that new tent purchase looking like you just bought it over and over again.
1 –Set The Tent Up (The Right Way)
Okay, you’ve got that quality tent so now it’s time to practice setting it up. Why is this so important, you ask? Well, unless you want to be caught outside in a downpour or want the tent to tear, you need to practice it until you get it down cold and it come second nature to you. Be sure you take your time so that it’s done right.
Also, be sure you have the correct stakes for the area you’ll be staying in, as different environments and geographical locations have their own kind of stake that should be used. Make sure, as well, that tension is applied to the stake…the right amount of tension. Anything more or less to this tension can cause it to tear if it rains or a huge gust of wind comes through.
2 – Tarps (For All Kinds Of Tent Uses)
When you’re out purchasing your tent, you don’t need to forget the tarp. The tarp has many uses to it. Here’s a look at the three reasons you need to have a tarp.
A – Ground Tarp
This keeps the bottom of your tent shielded from the Earth such as stones, sticks, rocks, etc. It can also help keep water from getting into the tent. However, you need to ensure that the tent tarp is smaller than the tent itself. Anything larger will allow water to come on into the tent. Plus, it’s an additional comfort layer, as it keeps you from feeling all those rocks, sticks and stones.
B – Over The Tent Tarp
An over the tent tarp won’t allow sunlight to disintegrate the fabric. Of course, you have an additional way to keep the tent looking good. Just place it underneath a tree to block the sun from hitting it directly.
However, a tarp can be so much more than a sun protector. Rather, it can also protect your tent from the sticks, the rain and the bird droppings. Ask yourself if you really want to go home with a tent full of bird droppings.
C – Inside The Tent Tarp
A tarp on the inside of your tent will help you keep it looking its best, as the dirt, insects, leaves and everything else can get inside and ruin the bottom of the tent. However, a tarp will keep that from happening. And, no matter how hard you try, these things will still find their way in even if you don’t wear shoes inside your tent. On top of that, a floor tent will give you that additional comfort, similar to the ground tarp.
Think of tarps as an insurance policy for your tent. It keeps it looking good anytime, all the time.
3 – How To Clean, Dry and Store Your Tent (The Right Way)
When you have a tent, you must learn how to clean it. And, the best thing you can do is follow the owner’s instructions you get from the producer. The majority of tents just need to be cleaned with cold water and allowed to air dry it. You should never use soap on your tent, as it could strip away the protective coating that’s been applied to it. You should also avoid using a washer or dryer since they can also damage the tent.
Besides cleaning the tent, you need to clean the tarps, stakes and poles with cold water and allow them to air dry. And, on the poles, you need to put on a spray-silicone lubricant that protects the metal from corrosion. If this is scratched off, it could cause the poles to rust.
You need to ensure that, before storing your tent, you dry it off entirely. Any semblance of moisture left on it when it’s stored will cause it to mold and mildew, which can cause damage to the tent and waterproof coatings. Also, it can cause the tent threads to weaken. Should you not have time to wait on it drying, go ahead and leave the bag unzipped. When you’re at home, take it out, wash it and then let it dry out by air.
Finally, store the tent and poles in an area that’s dry and cool but don’t place them on the floor, as chemicals can seep into the tent and ruin it. Be sure the tent is in its bag and the poles are in another bag.
With the three tips listed above, you can have a tent anytime you want, always in good shape. Learn how to protect that all-important investment today.