Tents: Stuff or Roll?
Add to Del.icio.usThis Month's Gear Guru Question:
by Backcountry BobQ. What's the best way to pack a tent—fold it or stuff it? What are the pros and cons of each method?
A. First and foremost, I would go with what the manufacturer suggests, but often they do not even offer that advice. I used to stuff my tent but have since changed my ways; the main reason being that a lot of today's tents and flies have windows or vents that fair better, from a wear standpoint, being folded or rolled flat. Folding prolongs the life of these features. If your tent lacks these features, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
The plus side of stuffing is that usually you can get the tent very small, somewhat smaller than folding, especially if you use an after market compression sack. (Carry the poles separately.) The downside of stuffing is that unsightly, wrinkled-tent look, something to consider in today's upscale camping areas…just kidding!
The MOST important consideration for tent storage is that it be completely dry when rolled and stored in the stuff sack. Any moisture will turn to mildew, which is extremely harmful to the tent material and is not covered under any manufacturer’s warranty. When I return from a trip I set up the tent, inspect it, clean as necessary, and then let it completely air dry before storing in the stuff sack.
Good luck and happy camping!
This month’s Gear Guru question was submitted by Rebecca Johnston from Albuquerque, NM. She will receive a BackcountryStore.com Nalgene bottle for her question. Enjoy Rebecca!