Properly folding a wall tent is essential for its longevity, ease of transport, and compact storage. While the process requires methodical steps, it can result in a surprisingly small package, even for large tents. For instance, as highlighted in a YouTube video titled "Folding A Wall Tent," a 14 by 15-foot wall tent can be folded so efficiently that it could, with effort, fit in a glove box.
Preparing Your Wall Tent for Folding
Before you begin folding, ensure your wall tent is clean and completely dry. This prevents mildew, protects the fabric, and ensures the tent remains in good condition for future use.
- Clean Thoroughly: Remove all dirt, leaves, and debris from both the interior and exterior of the tent.
- Dry Completely: Lay the tent out in the sun or a well-ventilated area until it is bone dry. Even slight dampness can lead to mildew and fabric degradation during storage.
- Remove All Accessories: Take out any poles, stakes, ropes, and a stove or stove jack from the tent. Ensure all zippers are closed.
- Lay Flat: Spread the tent out on a large, clean, flat surface, such as a tarp, driveway, or clean grass. Try to smooth out as many wrinkles as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide to Folding a Wall Tent
The goal is to create a compact, rectangular bundle that is easy to manage and store.
1. Initial Folds (Lengthwise)
Begin by folding the tent along its longest dimension. The exact number of folds will depend on the tent's width and your desired final width.
- Fold in Half (or Thirds): If your tent is very wide, you might fold it in half lengthwise first. For narrower tents, or to achieve a more compact final width, fold each long edge towards the center, overlapping slightly, to create a strip approximately 2-3 feet wide. Imagine dividing the tent into thirds and folding the outer thirds over the middle section.
- Smooth and Flatten: As you make each fold, walk along the seam, pressing down to push out any trapped air. This is crucial for achieving a compact bundle.
2. Final Lengthwise Fold (Optional)
If the resulting strip is still too wide for your storage bag or space, fold it in half again lengthwise. Always aim to remove as much air as possible with each fold.
3. Folding from Ends (Widthwise)
Once you have a long, relatively narrow strip, you'll start folding it from the ends.
- Fold Ends Towards Center: Take one end of the tent and fold it towards the center of the strip. Repeat with the other end, bringing it to meet the first folded section. This typically involves folding the tent into quarters or thirds of its current length.
- Continue Folding: Keep folding the tent on itself, working from the ends towards the center, or simply folding it in half repeatedly, until you reach your desired final length. With each fold, press firmly to expel air.
4. Compressing and Securing
The final step is to compress the folded tent and secure it for storage.
- Roll or Compress: For ultimate compactness, you can roll the tent tightly from one end to the other, or simply continue to press it down into a flat, compact rectangle.
- Use Compression Straps/Bag: Secure the folded tent with heavy-duty compression straps or place it into its designated storage bag. If using a bag, work slowly to feed the tent in, continually pushing out air.
Tips for Optimal Wall Tent Folding
| Tip Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Air Removal | The most critical step. Walk, kneel, or use your body weight to push air out of the tent with each fold. Trapped air makes the tent bulky. |
| Even Folds | Strive for clean, even folds. This prevents creasing in odd places and makes the final bundle much neater and more compact. |
| Protective Layer | Consider folding the tent with the floor or a durable side facing outwards to protect the more delicate canvas or roof material from abrasion during transport or storage. |
| Team Effort | For larger wall tents, having two or more people makes the folding process significantly easier, allowing for better tensioning and air removal. |
| Storage Bag | Invest in a quality, oversized storage bag for your wall tent. Some bags come with compression straps built-in, or you can use external straps to cinch the tent down further. Remember, as demonstrated with the 14x15 tent, incredible compactness is achievable with diligence. |
| Long-Term Care | Once folded and bagged, store your wall tent in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, pests, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Avoid storing it in extremely tight spaces if possible, to allow the fabric to breathe slightly, though significant compression is fine for transport. |
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively fold your wall tent into a manageable and compact size, ensuring it's ready for your next adventure.
