Mastering the Art of Packing Away an AirBeam Tent
Camping can be an amazing experience, but the thought of packing up and putting away the tent can sometimes dampen the excitement. It's especially true for AirBeam tents, which seem to magically pop up when set up but can be a bit tricky to fold and store properly. If you've ever struggled with this task, fear not! We're here to guide you through the process step by step, making it a breeze to pack away your AirBeam tent.
Step 1: The Importance of a Dry Tent Before you even begin the packing process, there's one crucial rule to follow: always pack your tent away dry. Moisture trapped inside the tent can lead to unpleasant smells and even mold growth, which is something you definitely want to avoid. In case you find yourself with a wet tent, be sure to take it out and dry it thoroughly at the earliest opportunity. Keep in mind that any issues arising from packing a wet tent won't be covered under warranty.
Step 2: Preparing for Packing To make the packing process smoother, you need to prepare the tent for set down. Here's what you should do before deflating the beams:
- Remove all items from inside the tent, including accessories like the carpet.
- Ensure the tent pockets are empty.
- Close all the windows securely within the tent.
- Leave the tent doors 3/4 closed, allowing for airflow outside the tent. This prevents air from getting trapped inside the inner tents and groundsheet.
Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to move on to the next phase.
Step 3: Flattening the Tent Now that the tent is prepared, it's time to start deflating the beams and flatten the tent for easy packing:
- Double-check that the tent is clear and empty.
- Close all curtains and leave the doors 3/4 closed as before.
- Open the valves to let the air out of each beam.
- Allow the tent to collapse naturally to the ground.
- Unpeg the tent completely.
- Walk along the beams toward the outer valve to compress any remaining air inside the tent.
- If your tent has a porch, fold it back over the sewn-in groundsheet.
Step 4: Folding and Packing the Tent With the tent flattened, it's time to fold and pack it away neatly:
- Place the tent bag at the end of the tent to use it as a guide for folding, folding to the width of the bag.
- Position one person at the rear left of the tent and another at the front left.
- Together, fold the tent towards the outer valve. Typically, four folds work perfectly.
- Start rolling the tent tightly from the rear toward the front.
- Once you're done, the tent bag should be nearby, with the straps inside.
- Strap the tent together securely and then place it into the bag.
- If you have a pump and pegs, it's advisable to pack them separately, unless you're already familiar with the process.
By following these simple steps, you'll become a pro at packing away your AirBeam tent. No more wrestling with fabric and poles; just a neatly packed tent ready for your next camping adventure. Happy camping!