Care Instructions

Zipper Maintenance

Be sure to keep your zippers clean by keeping them out of the mud and dirt.  We suggest rolling the door inward and letting it sit on the inside of the tent so that dust doesn't collect in the zipper teeth.  We also recommend cleaning and lubricating the zipper with Zipper Cleaner/Lubricant whenever the zipper isn't as smooth.  Don't force the zippers or they could break.  If you're in the backcountry and need to maintenance your zippers, we recommend using warm soapy water, if it is available.  Also, don't tug on your zipper pulls and weird angles.  There are tabs at the bottom of each zipper, or simple pinch part of the material behind where you intend to pull from to reduce stress on the zippers. 

Door Care

As mentioned above, when opening the door to your tent, roll it down and sit it on the inside of the tent.  Whatever you do, don't lay it out in front of the tent.  And for the love of God, don't stand or kneel on the door flap if you do set it outside.  This could cause small punctures in the door flap, which would render it less waterproof.  If you get punctures, repair them with small patches of DCF Repair Tape. 

Keep the Tent Clean

When rolling up your tent on a backpacking trip, try to brush off as much dust as you can as you roll it.  Over time, grains of sand or small rocks can slowly wear on the material or cause small punctures.  If you get a puncture in the material, we recommend patching it with a small piece of DCF Repair Tape, which is included with each tent. 

Don't Expose your Tent to Extreme Heat

Adhesives are used throughout the construction process of the tent, including the seam sealing tape.  Although these adhesives hold well in cold conditions, they become less effective in extremely hot conditions.  Try not to leave your tent in a hot car for an extended period of time.