NO TENT LEFT BEHIND
Festival season is in full swing, and whilst the British weather has been a lot hotter and drier this summer, plenty of tents have still been through a lot.
After days of being pitched, slept in and exposed to the elements, then shoved back into a bag that always seems too small, your tent is likely to have picked up some dirt, dust and general grime.
Whatever condition your tent is in after a summer of adventures, taking a little time to care for it before putting it away can make a big difference to how long it lasts.
Every year, thousands of tents are left behind at festivals. Many of them are perfectly usable, while others may simply need a little care and attention, maybe a clean, a re-proof or a small repair.
We want to encourage people to look after and repair their outdoor gear wherever possible. Taking a little time to care for your tent can help it perform better, last longer and importantly, stay out of landfill for longer.
For festival-goers, your tents become your home for days on end.
By the time you pack up, it's no surprise if your tent is looking a little worse for wear. But that doesn't necessarily mean your tent has reached the end of its life. Outdoor gear is designed to be used, and a little wear and tear is to be expected. The key is making sure that small problems don't become bigger ones.
Before you decide that your tent is ready for the bin, take a closer look. Is it just dirty? Is it not as waterproof as it used to be? Is there a small hole that could be patched? These are all things that can often be dealt with relatively easily.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with a tent is packing it away when it's still wet or covered in dirt.
Even during a hot, dry summer, tents can pick up moisture from morning dew. If you've packed up early, your tent may not feel particularly wet, but it's still worth making sure it's completely dry before storing it for any length of time.
Leaving moisture trapped inside your tent for long periods can encourage mould and mildew, while dirt and grime left on the fabric can affect its performance over time.
If you packed up in the morning dew or after a busy festival weekend, lay your tent out on a dry day when you get home. Give it a clean to remove any dirt and grime, and consider re-proofing it if the fabric is no longer performing as it should.
Once it's completely dry, you can safely pack it away ready for your next adventure.
Once your tent is clean and dry, it's a good opportunity to check it over properly. Some problems can be fixed quickly and easily, particularly when they're caught early.
A small tear, for example, doesn't have to mean replacing the whole tent. Our Tear-Aid patches can prevent the damage from spreading being completely waterproof, airtight and flexible.
If the fabric has started to lose its waterproofing, re-proofing can also help restore its performance and extend its life.
A few minutes spent checking your tent now could save you from a bigger problem further down the line (and help you get more adventures out of the gear you already own).
Festival waste is a huge issue, and tents are a particularly visible part of it.
If you're heading home from a festival and your tent is still usable, take it with you. If it needs a little attention, consider whether it can be cleaned or repaired before deciding it's no longer worth keeping.
A tent that looks a little worse for wear after a festival isn't necessarily a tent that's reached the end of its life.
Looking after your gear is one of the simplest ways to keep it in use for longer. A clean, a re-proof or a small repair could be all it takes to get your tent ready for another weekend away.
Before you leave your tent behind or decide it's time for a new one, take a second look. If it's still got more adventures in it, it's worth giving it the care it needs to keep going.
