Tents are perfect for providing a temporary sleeping solution outdoors. In most cases, people prefer pop-up tents since they are easy to set up. You don’t have to spend many hours and a lot of energy setting up a tent. The design of most tents allows for a simple pop-up and they are ready to use. However, the real challenge usually comes down to folding the tent. You need the tent to fold compactly so as to allow for easy storage and transportation.
Folding a Pop-up Tent Guide
Below, we discuss simple steps on how to fold a pop-up tent. The folding process might vary a little depending on the size and design of the tent. A backpacking tent that you can carry over your back must fold compactly for easy carrying. Whether you’re folding a single-person or 2 person tent, here are simple steps to follow.
Step 1: Clean the tent before folding
You don’t want to fold and store the tent with all the dirt and debris on it. You need to shake the tent to remove any leaves, sand, and dirt on it. Shaking the tent after folding will not help as debris and dirt will get stuck inside the tent. If you have time, you can wipe down the tent using a moist rug and some detergent.
If the tent is wet, move it to a sunny area to dry. Never fold and store a wet tent as this can lead to the growth of mold. If you have do not the time for the tent to dry, you can pack it but make sure you clean it and let it dry once you reach home.
Step 2: Fold the two poles together
Once the tent is clean, you need to fold the two poles together. Reach out your hands and hold both poles at the top. With both your hands holding the pole ridges on the top, pull them together and grasp both sides. This step is pretty easy and requires little effort.
Step 3: Fold the bottom two poles together
Next, you need to reach the bottom poles on the edges of the tent and fold them together. You need to reach each pole with your left and right hand. Get one of the bottom poles over the top pole. The same should apply to the other bottom pole getting over the other top pole. This way, you need the four poles held together with the top and bottom poles matching.
While doing this, the tent door should be left open to let air inside escape. Folding the tent with air inside makes the tent bulky hence a little difficult to carry.
Step 4: Stand the tent on the side
By now, the tent is in a taco shape. While holding on to the four poles turn the tent and let it stand on the side. You can do this by flipping the tent to the side with the taco shape resting on the ground. This is another essential step that will help in folding the tent poles.
Steps 5: Fold the poles to the back
Here, you need to stretch your hands again while holding the four poles together. Stretch your hand and reach the uppermost part of the tent. Hold the back of the taco shape and fold it down to the other hand holding the poles. Go ahead and wrestle the tent to the ground while flattening it.
The tent should be easy to bring down and flatten as the poles are usually flexible and lightweight. You only need to apply minimal effort to get the tent down to the ground and flattened.
Step 6: Slide the tent halves together
By now, your tent needs to appear in two halves. This is of course if you’ve followed the steps correctly. Now, you need to bring one half over the other half to make the tent compact and easy to pack. You need to maintain a firm grip on the poles while doing this to prevent the tent from popping open again.
Remember, pop-up tents are designed to open with ease. If you let loose, the poles will pop up and open the tent again.
Step 7: Press the tent and seal it inside a bag
Now that the tent is compactly folded, you need to press it further to release any air that might be trapped inside. You can do this by using your knees and hands at the same time. You can then strap the tent and slip it inside the carry bag for use in the next camping adventure.
Final verdict
Folding down a pop-up tent is not difficult if you follow the right steps. This helps store the tent compactly and allows for easy storage and transportation. You don’t want to carry a bulky tent on your back when it can fold down compactly.