Klargøring af et Outwell® Polycotton-telt

Drying and storing your tent correctly is essential for maintaining its waterproof performance and extending its lifespan.

Our tents are designed for camping holidays and occasional outdoor use, with an expected use of approximately 2–5 weeks per year. They are not intended for permanent, seasonal or continuous pitching.

Dry Your Tent Completely Before Storage

Always make sure your tent is completely dry before packing it into its storage bag.

If you need to pack away in wet weather, unpack and pitch the tent again as soon as possible after returning home. Allow the tent to air-dry fully before storing it.

Pay particular attention to areas where water can collect or remain trapped, including the groundsheet, seams, webbing, storm straps and fabric around zips.

Why You Should Never Store a Wet Tent

Packing away a wet or damp tent can damage the waterproof coating and seam tape. Over time, moisture may also cause mould, mildew, staining, unpleasant odours and leaks.

Once the waterproof coating or seam tape has been damaged, it can be difficult – and in some cases impossible – to restore the tent’s original performance.

Important: Storing a tent while wet or damp will invalidate the product warranty.

How to Store a Tent Correctly

Before storing your tent, ensure it is clean, fully dry and free from mud, grass and other debris.

Store the packed tent in a dry, well-ventilated location, away from damp conditions, direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid leaving your tent in a damp shed, garage or vehicle for long periods.

Before your next camping trip, inspect the tent fabric, seams, zips, poles, pegs and guy lines for signs of wear or damage.

Cleaning Your Tent Before Storage

For everyday tent care, clean the fabric with lukewarm water and a soft sponge only.

Do not use soap, detergents, household cleaners or other chemicals, as these can damage the tent’s durable water repellent (DWR) treatment.

For advice on removing marks and stains, read our Tent Cleaning Guide.

Check Your Tent’s Water Repellency

After cleaning and drying your tent, check whether water still beads and runs off the outer fabric. If water begins to soak into the fabric, the tent may need reproofing.

Read our guide to how to waterproof and reproof a tent to restore the water-repellent finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack away my tent when it is wet?

You can pack away a wet tent temporarily when leaving a campsite, but it should be unpacked, pitched and dried as soon as possible when you return home. Never store a wet or damp tent for an extended period.

How long can a wet tent stay packed away?

Dry your tent as soon as possible. Leaving a tent packed while wet or damp increases the risk of mould, mildew and damage to the waterproof coating and seam tape.

Can I dry my tent indoors?

Yes. If you have sufficient space and ventilation, you can pitch or hang sections of your tent indoors to dry. Ensure all fabric, seams, straps and the groundsheet are fully dry before packing it away.

Where is the best place to store a tent?

Store your tent in a dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture, direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.