Published May 18, 2011 12:46AM
Stuff or Fold/Roll a Tent?
My friend and I have a debate going about how to pack a tent: He says stuffing it is better, but I say folding and rolling is better. Who's right?
'gear pro kristin_200x170'
Question:
My friend and I have a debate going about how to pack a tent: He says stuffing it is better, but I say folding and rolling is better. His thought is that folding and rolling creates seams that will eventually let in water. Who’s right?
Submitted by – Travis – Mitchell, SD
Answer:
My opinion is that it’s really personal preference. Me, I’m a stuffer. It’s just way easier and faster. Tent company reps have told me different things: some say that repeated creasing will eventually damage the waterproof coatings; others say than stuffing it can cause the same problem over time. Like I said, it’s comes down to preference.
One thing’s for sure, though: Make sure your tent is totally, 100%, completely dry before storing it for any period of time. Cramming a wet tent into a stuff sack and letting it sit is when the real damage happens.