Tent care before the tour
Perform a trial set-up
Before the tour, we advise you to perform a trial set-up to familiarize yourself with the handling (new purchase) and to check the tent for completeness (if it has not been used for a long time). It is better to replace bent pegs and defective pole segments. You can treat sluggish zippers with a care product such as silicone spray to make them glide smoothly again. (Remove dust and sand from the zipper before use. Please do not use oil, as it leaves stains.)
Help in an emergency
On longer tours, we recommend taking fabric tape (gaffa/duct tape) and a repair sleeve with you to fix a defective linkage segment in an emergency. A repair sleeve is always included in the original scope of delivery of our tents.
Tent care during the tour
It's the location that counts
Caring for your tent starts with choosing the right location. A level surface, free of sharp stones, branches or similar, helps to protect the tent floor. Sinks in the ground should be avoided as they could fill with water during heavy rainfall. Remember, even modern tents are not designed to stand in water.
Setting up and use
Pitch your tent according to the instructions. You will find the instructions and further instructions for use in the pack sack. All our models are designed for easy and self-explanatory assembly and can be set up by one person without any problems.
Note: Strong winds can make pitching difficult. Therefore, first secure the tent with the pegs before you start with the poles. The tent entrance should ideally face away from the wind
When pitching tunnel tents in particular, it is advisable to push the poles into the pole channels and never pull them from the opposite side. The segments can come loose when pulling. Reconnecting them in the channel will be difficult and can be the source of a breakage.
UV radiation
Prudent handling and proper care can maintain the material properties of a tent in the long term. For longer periods of use in places with high UV radiation, always choose a shady camping spot, e.g. under a tree, if possible. A wing or tarp can be erected as additional sun protection. If the first two options are not guaranteed, waterproofing protection (e.g. Nikwax, Tent and Gear SolarProof) can help. Please do not impregnate the tent in the washing machine or tumble dryer! Spray on the waterproofing protection evenly, leave to work for 2 minutes and wipe off the excess waterproofing agent with a damp cloth.
Stretch behavior of nylon tents
When nylon gets wet, whether due to humidity or rain, the fabric can stretch. In changing weather conditions, it is essential to ensure that the flysheet is stretched in good time when it is raining or relaxed when the sun is shining.
Tent care after the tour
Careful when packing
Before taking down the tent, we recommend closing the doors and ventilators to prevent damage to the tent, such as the tent material becoming trapped. Dry your tent before packing it away. If you have to pack the tent away damp, make sure that you hang it up to dry or pitch it after a maximum of 3 to 4 days. Mildew and mold can cause permanent damage.
Cleaning & storage
Please only clean your tent by hand with a damp cloth. Never wash it in the washing machine and do not use cleaning agents, detergents or bleach. After the tour, check the equipment for completeness or possible defects. For longer breaks in use, it is advisable to take the equipment out of the pack sack and store it in a dry place protected from the sun.
More care & cleaning tips
Care tips for sleeping mats
We recommend blowing a little air into self-inflating sleeping mats before using them for the first time to help the foam expand for the first time. It is best to store your sleeping pad unrolled and with the valve open. Please only clean your sleeping pad by hand with warm water, a sponge or a soft brush. For heavy soiling, you can also use a special residue-free detergent.
Care tips for sleeping bags
Store your sleeping bag in a storage bag or alternatively use a cotton pillowcase. Clean your sleeping bag according to the washing instructions. However, avoid washing too often to protect the fibers.
Further links
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