The summer sun, sand and ocean spray can be hard on a camping tent. If the proper care is not used, those elements and others may cause your tent's fabric, zippers and tent poles to degrade. With that said, here's a quick rundown on five tasks that should be completed after every summer camping trip:
Inspect the Tent's Zippers
It is important to inspect your tent's zippers because broken zippers will make the tent difficult to get in and out of. You'll want to look for dirt and signs of rust. Dirt and some rust may be removed with the aid of an old toothbrush. You may also want to consider lubricating the tent's zippers. There are companies that make products designed to lubricate and waterproof a tent's zippers all at the same time. Those products are available for purchase through specialty shops and tend to sell for $7 to $15 per container.
Inspect the Tent's Seams
A tent's seams should also be inspected because a faulty seam could cause your tent to leak or tear during a storm. If your tent's seams appear dull or frayed, you may want to consider coating them with seam sealer or replacing them with the aid of a stitch kit. Seam sealers and stitch kits are available for purchase through camping stores. Seam repair kit prices tend to start at $5.
Inspect the Tent's Walls
A tent's walls should be checked for dirt, signs of insect activity and wear. Failure to do so may result in damaged fabric and a stinky tent. Any dirt present should be removed with a tent safe cleanser. You may also want to consider treating the tent's fabric with sprays designed to repel water, insects and UV rays. The sprays are often sold through outdoor outfitters for $18 to $25 each.
Inspect the Tent's Floor
A tent's floor should also be inspected for dirt, insects and damage. I would recommend that you remove any loose debris from your tent's floor before attempting to clean it with a tent safe cleanser. Tent safe cleansers tend to sell for $10 a container through outdoor outfitters.
Inspect the Tent's Poles
You'll also want to inspect your tent's poles for damage or excessive wear because they are what hold the tent upright. Broken tent poles with jagged edges could also cause your tent's fabric to tear. You may opt to have your tent's poles professionally repaired or repair them yourself. DIY tent pole repair kits typically sell for $15 to $25 each.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys summer sports and recreation with her family. She has also traveled extensively.
More from this contributor:
Top 5 Features to Look For When Buying Summer Camping Clothes
Travel Insurance: Know the Risks Before You Buy
