My tent was still wet when I had to take it down on Sunday 1st August 2010. It wasn't raining thank goodness.
Whilst flat on the Eco-Mats, I shook off what I could, then folded and rolled it normally, and put it in its bag.
At home on the Monday, I erected it in the garden, and whilst it dried I removed the debris and insects from inside. (I also use the 48 hour max rule)
When sure it was ready, I re-packed it as normal.
If need be, I'd erect it in the rain, and wait for dry weather.
Using a tarp or similar can, (and does) lead to pooling of water under the SIG, that's one reason I use Eco-Mats.
They also protect the SIG from stones/twigs etc, and keep it mud free.
It doesn't stop the toad that crept in under the SIG. I'm sure it was the same one we had, the last time we went to the same ground the month before, with the Dome tent. LOL
Regards James
------------- In the beginning there was darkness.
Then I bought a tent.
I'm not destitute, I'm just poor.
Weve just come back from the New Forest with a wet tent. We are experienced campers so we just chuck the outer tent in a large dustbin bag and when we get back we hang it over the washing line outside and tie the guylines to the fence so that the tent doesnt go anywhere. Assuming the weather is dry and warm it will dry in no time at all and then can be put away straightaway. If the great british weather isnt so good to hang the tent out then suspend your tent up in your loft, it will soon dry out. My dad had the tent hung up in his garage once and that worked okay. (Ive never tried the loft thing by the way but have heard that people do it). Just out of interest ive had the ground sheet on the line today, it dried nicely and now its packed away. If your tent is wet when its time to come home make sure it is the last thing you pack to come home. Generally as you are packing the car the day has warmed up and the tent will dry quite a bit (assuming its not raining) anyway, make sure that taking it down is the last thing you do and it will be a good part dry.
Like many others here we simply don't have room to put the tent back up to dry. We packed up in the dry on Saturday in Cornwall but there was horrendous condensation inside and outside the porch area and on some of the mud flaps. We left the heater on and moved it into the porch and sponged off what we could.
When packed it was (luckily) mostly dry so I have just now unpacked it and it is spread out in the front room. It will go over the bannisters tonight.
The problem this year is earwigs - there were dozens hiding in places when we packed up. I have just dumped four in the front garden which I spotted when unfolding so there must be others hiding which I will somehow need to find before the final pack. I don't relish the thought of unpacking next year and finding a dried out erawig surrounded by an area of mould destroying an expensive tent.
Love the idea of a builders sack, brilliant, just make sure that you dry it as soon as you get home, if you can then pitch it outside, if not hen put it over the washing line. If it's still raining outside then it's going to have to be in the garage or in the house over the bannister or anywhere else you can get it to dry really, and as hot air rises then possibly in the loft as this is likely to be one of the warmeest places available.
------------- Steve
Look into my eyes, not around my eyes but into my eyes
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Topic: Packing away a wet tent
