Can I cook or put a candle in my tent?
No! Warning! Do not operate anything that burns fuel in a tent: i.e. stove, candle, gas lantern, or heater. Combustion consumes oxygen and can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which could lead to serious injury or death. Although most tent materials are treated with a fire retardant they will burn if left in contact with a continuous ignition source and so will you.
What is condensation?
Condensation forms when the tent is warmer inside than outside (physics). When people are in a tent it will always be warmer in the tent than outside the tent. Warm bodies heat up the tent and the colder outside air hits the warmer tent wall forming condensation. Also, each person in a tent exhales approximately 4 oz of water each night. If that water cannot evaporate out of the tent through venting it will form on the tent walls and floor. You should leave every window or vent open as much as possible to minimize condensation especially if there are a lot of people in the tent or it is very small. Only close your windows if it is very cold or rain is coming in. Remember, the more ventilation the less condensation!
What is the difference between fiberglass and aluminum poles?
Fiberglass poles are less expensive than aluminum poles. They are more likely to break, especially in temperatures below 50 degrees. In order to get the same strength as a fiberglass pole it has to be longer and thicker than an aluminum pole which can be problematic for a backpacking tent. Aluminum poles are lighter than fiberglass, less likely to break, stronger, and suitable for cold weather. They are more expensive than fiberglass and work well at any temperature. In backpacking tents, the sections tend to be shorter to make for a small pack size. Aluminum poles are essential for 4 season tents (snow and wind).
What is a single-wall tent?
Traditional double-wall tents vent moisture through windows and breathable nylon walls and roof vents. Single wall tents eliminate all breathable nylon and a separate fly. The walls function as the fly. Primarily, with backpacking tents, this is done to save weight. Condensation is eliminated from the tent through hooded vents. All tents will have condensation at some times, but single-wall tents may have a little more. The primary advantage to a single wall tent would be lighter weight and ease of set-up. Some tents identified as single wall tents are in fact shelters that often use trekking poles as frames and are well-engineered fly shelters that are very light.
Should I stuff or roll my tent when I put it away?
You should always fold and roll your tent and put it in its carry bag. Some people believe that if you fold and roll your tent the same way every time you will cause creasing in the urethane coating. This is not true; the coatings used today are very durable and will not crease. If you stuff your tent and it gets caught on the poles in the sack it will damage or rip the fabric. If you have to choose to stuff the tent without the poles in the bag make sure you carry the poles in a secure place on your pack so they will not fall out and be missing when you set up camp.
How do I roll my tent to put it in that little bag?
First, shake out all loose dirt and debris and make sure the tent is dry. Never store a tent for a prolonged period if it is wet or else mold and mildew will form and begin to destroy your tent. Lay the tent flat and fold one-third into the center lengthwise. Try to leave the windows and vents at least partially opened so as you roll the tent up, air won’t be trapped and balloon. The fold should be just shorter than the tent bag. Fold the fly in thirds and lay it on top of the tent and fold the last third of the tent over the fly. Put the folded ground sheet on top of that. Take the poles and stakes and place them at one end of the tent and tightly roll the tent up. It should drop right in the bag.
Can I pack my tent when it is wet?
If you are backpacking, there will be times when you will have to pack it wet. Always set it up and dry it as soon as possible. Never store it at home or for long periods of time wet. If you have a family tent and you leave a campground with a wet tent you must open and dry your tent as soon as possible in order to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
My tent has mold/mildew. How do I get rid of it?
Mold and mildew form under the urethane coating and invade the fabric. If left untreated it will cause an awful smell and possibly lead to delamination of the urethane coating and weakening of the fabric. To treat mold/mildew fill a bucket with warm soapy water (no detergents please). Add 2 cups of lemon juice and mix. Set up the tent. Take a sponge and gently clean all areas of the tent inside and out. Rinse the tent by lightly sprinkling it with a hose. Let it air dry and be sure to stake it down. To clean the fly lay it on the ground and repeat the cleaning procedure described above. After finishing one side, flip it over and do the other side. Rinse and air dry to finish.
How do I wash my tent? Can I put my tent in a washing machine?
NO! All tents must be hand-washed. Washing machines put a terrible strain on stitching and can rip your tent in short order. To wash your tent fill a bucket with warm soapy water (no detergents please). Set up the tent. Take a sponge and gently clean all areas of the tent inside and out. Rinse the tent by lightly sprinkling it with a hose until rinsed. Let it air dry and be sure to stake it down. To clean the fly lay it on the ground and repeat the cleaning procedure above. After finishing one side flip it over and do the other side. Rinse and air dry to finish.
If I touch the walls of my nylon/polyester tent, will they leak?
No. If you touch a canvas tent wall or ceiling it will leak. Canvas absorbs water causing the threads to expand and thereby stopping water from going through. However, if you touch the walls, you break the surface tension and cause a drip from that spot. A nylon/polyester tent has a waterproof urethane coating that prevents water from going through the fabric. What you will feel, though, is condensation. It is almost always present and certainly in prolonged rain or in tents with high occupancy it will be noticeable. Remember, the more ventilation the less condensation.
How can I pay for my order?
We use Square for payment and the following cards are supported: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB.