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HI

Before taking the poles out, undo the mesh doors but close up the main doors.  That way the air can get out.

If possible just drop the poles and leave to settle for a while as a lot of the air does escape naturally.

As the previous person said - throw yourself on it to get the rest of the air out!

Hope this helps.

Is it necessary to pack away over the winter? I've always been taught that for longer term storage (i.e. over winter) it is better to fold loosely and keep out of any container in an appropriate atmkosphere (not too hot, not too cold, not too moist, not too dry). The theory being that you're not putting undue pressure on natural folds or on accidental kinks which may, over the years develop into cracks and tears. We basically leave everything loosely folded in the attic and re-pack tightly a few days before we set off.

Incidentally, the same applies to bed-rolls, pillows and sleeping bags.