brother52 wrote:Just got back from an overnight camp today and wondered if my ritual when I get back home is worth the effort. Basically, when I get back I repitch the tent indoors- it’s a Soulo so no need for pegs into my wife’s hardwood flooring- and clean, ( wipe down with a damp sponge), and air dry it, then tie up the guy lines with rubber bands every trip. Question is, since I mostly go camping in good weather, it’s mostly condensation I am drying off, would this cause mould if I didn’t go through this ritual and packed it away as is? Am I best to keep doing this or is it a bit overboard,( the tying up the guy lines I think I will keep doing as I don’t want to be undoing spaghetti in the rain at my next camp😉)? What do others do with their gear?
If its at all damp, it gets aired until it is dry, that's critical or you will get mould and stinkyness. If its not damp when I put it away, it doesn't. I don't tend to worry about cleaning it unless its properly dirty, I just want it dry.
I never used to tie my guys, but it is worthwhile. Just double them over a few times and then do a loose overhand knot, nothing fancy. Fortunately my two current tents have clever guys that are easy to stow away.
Very, (and I mean very) occasionally I'll pitch it outside and have a good look over it, wipe down any real dirt, look for problems. Mine do get used often enough that most inspections are just done whilst camping though.