OutdoorGear BlogFor the great outdoors

When you purchase a tent it will be waterproofed to a specific level. The more you use a tent, the more you will begin to notice that when it rains, water is no longer forming into small balls and running off your flysheet. This in turn gives the fabric a wet look.

This is because the water repellent finish on the outside of the flysheet has been worn off (either through dissolving in rain, degraded by UV, or rubbed off as you pitch).

Don’t worry, this does not affect the waterproofness a tent but it does mean it takes longer to dry. The application of Fabsil or a suitable Nikwax product will restore the water shedding properties to your tent.

Outdoorgear are proud to stock a large selection of fabsil and Nikwax products. To see out full range click here

A few tips for pitching your tent.

• Select an area which is as flat as possible. Avoid low lying or marshy ground which could flood in heavy rain.
• Clear the site of anything which could damage the groundsheet, stones or sticks for example.
• Make sure that all doors are fully zipped up before you pitch your tent. If you don’t, the zips may be under too much tension to work effectively.
• Do not peg the groundsheet out too tightly.
• It is better not to pitch under trees. When it rains, trees continue to drip long after the rain has stopped, some trees drop sticky sap and birds don’t care where they drop….
• Make use of any natural windbreaks, such as hedges and try to face the tent door away from the prevailing wind.

When packing away your tent it is essential that it is stored away clean and dry. If you follow the tips below you will be sure to get the most out of your tents life. Read the rest of this entry »

Have you recently purchased a new tent? Wondering how to get the most from it? Well, here are a few simple tips to help you with your new tent. Read the rest of this entry »