Using a bivouac sack (also known as a bivy sack) with your sleeping bag will increase your comfort while sleeping. Since you will lose much heat to the ground, it is very important to use a sleeping pad, perhaps even two. This will insulate you from the ground and keep you warm.

If you have a mummy sleeping bag make sure you close it up so your eyes, mouth, and nose are exposed. Breathing into your sleeping bag, will wet it and decrease its ability to keep you warm. If you have another style of sleeping bag, sleep with a hat on. (more…)

Understanding the different parts of a tent and how they work together is important in many regards. You’ll have better knowledge when you are ready to buy your first tent and what to do with it afterwards! (more…)

Sealing the seams on your new tent is an absolute requirement in order to stay dry. Rain and even morning dew will seap in through the seams without any waterproofing. It is very easy and inexpensive to seal your tent.

After setting up your tent on a sunny day, apply seam sealer to all threads on both the outside and inside. Usually you must shake the bottle before applying. You will also want to seal the seams on your rain fly.The sealer will need a few hours to dry. For best results, repeat the process again.

It is a good idea to repeat this procedure each year if you do a lot of camping. Besides for waterproofing your tent, you now know how to assemble it.

When camping in fields or the woods, definately use a tarp under your tent. You must be careful when laying the tarp as it must not extend past the edge of the tent. Rain or dew will drop down the sides of your tent and collect underneath your tent floor. So to make sure you don’t wake up in a puddle, fold the edges of the tarp underneath to make sure it isn’t longer than your tent.

When camping at a sandy campground or the beach, a tarp under your tent is not necessary as sand absorbs water very efficiently. Having a tarp underneath your tent will cause rain to pool up inside. You can put the tarp inside your tent if desired.

In general you want to try to camp on as high ground as possible. Also remember to seal your seams on an annual basis.

Look for high and level ground when selecting the best location to pitch your tent. Setting up your tent in a low spot or depression will allow rain to pool underneath the tent and waking up in a wet sleeping bag is no fun - trust me.

WD-40 applied on your sleeping bag or tent’s zippers will allow it to close much easier. A pencil (#2 works best) rubbed along the zipper teeth will also work in a pinch. Beeswax is another option.

After returning from your trip, set it up and check for dirt. Use a damp sponge and mild soap and rub gently. Let your tent air dry and don’t pack up until it is completely dry. Sunlight in form of UV rays can weaken your tent fabric and fly sheet so don’t leave your tent up drying for days unnecessarily.

Store your tent in a cool dry place. Your attic gets very warm and this can damage the coating.

Poles can be cleaned especially if used in rainy weather. Some car wax will reduce friction and let them slide through better. Silicone spray on zippers (keep away from fabric) will help.