Message Forums

Hi Spodomodo and welcome to the site,

Both Sunvalleysue and arsenaldes advise good techniques. I would only add that we roll, unroll and re-roll.

There was an earlier posting (possibly last summer or even earlier) that advised this and it's the best piece of advise that this forum has given us. Can't recall who was the initial poster was (thank you, masked man!)

This is such a good way of getting the excess air out and compacting the tent down, that I was even able to pack the tent away solo on one occasion.

 I agree the Outwell bags are normally quite generous but for info have a look at 'bags4everything.co.uk'

They make bags to measure and also stock lots of different style bags for holding camping stuff. I'm liking the look of the padded lcd tv bags. Handy for when you get stuff that doesn't come with its own bag.

Make sure when you roll a tent up that the pins are on the outside or at least lying flat. If you are going to roll all over your tent trying to get the air out there is a possibility the pins can damage the material.

I lay my tent out then fold it completely in half so that the rings and pins on both sides are together and on the outside of the tent. I then fold it completely in half again and it is now the right width to fit the bag. It can then be rolled up from one end, usually the back end so that air can escape out the front door as previously suggested. I actually prefer to fold mine again in the opposite direction before rolling but that is personal choice.

The last time I went camping a few weeks ago I had problems getting it rolled up. I don't know why as this was the first time I had trouble. It was quite a breezy day so I think more air was getting in than I could squeeze out. I was very grateful when another camper who had obviously seen me struggling (and cursing) came across to lend a hand and between us we managed to get it rolled up. Getting it into the bag was the easy bit.