SKANFRIENDS GmbH
WECHSEL TENTS

Lankwitzer Straße 17-18
D-12107 Berlin

Tent care before your excursion

Before you embark on your trip, we advise you try setting it up to familiarize yourself with the handling (new purchase) and to check the tent for completeness (in case you haven’t used it for a while). It is best to replace bent pegs and defective pole segments. Zippers that are difficult to operate can be treated with care products such as silicone spray to make them slippery again. (Before use, free the zipper from dust and sand. Please do not use oil, because it can leave stains).

For longer tours we recommend taking along fabric tape (Gaffa/Duct Tape) and a repair tube with you to be able to fix a defective pole segment in case of emergency. A repair tube is always included in the initial delivery of our tents.

Tent care during your excursion

The care of the tent begins with the selection of the right location. A level surface, free of sharp stones, branches, etc., helps to protect the floor of the tent. Ground depressions should be avoided, as they could fill with water during heavy rainfall. Remember, even modern tents are not designed to stand in water.

Setup and use

  • Set up your tent according to the instructions. You will find the instructions and other information in the carry sack. All our models are designed for easy and self-explanatory set-up and can be easily assembled by one person.
  • Note: Strong winds can make pitching your tent difficult. Therefore, first fix the tent with the pegs before you start with the poles. The tent entrance should be facing away from the wind.
  • Especially when pitching tunnel tents, it is recommended to push the poles into the pole sleeves and never pull from the opposite side. When pulling, the segments can come loose. Re-connecting them in the pole sleeves will be difficult and may be the source of breakage.
  • Secure the erected tent against wind as needed by setting guy lines.
  • Always provide adequate ventilation to minimize the formation of condensation.
  • Do not use an open flame in the tent and never cook in the closed tent.

UV radiation
Prudent handling and proper care can permanently maintain the material properties of a tent. For longer periods of use in places with high UV radiation, always choose a shady tent site if possible, e.g. under a tree. A wing or tarp can be pitched for additional sun protection. If the first two options are not possible, waterproofing protection (e.g. Nikwax, Tent and Gear SolarProof) may help. Please do not impregnate the tent in the washing machine or dryer! Spray on the waterproofing protection evenly, let it work for 2 minutes and wipe off the excess waterproofing agent with a damp cloth.

Stretching behavior of nylon tents
When nylon gets wet, either from humidity or rain, the fabric can stretch. In changing weather conditions, be sure to tense up the flysheet promptly when it rains or relax the flysheet when it is sunny.

Tent care after your excursion

  • Before dismantling the tent, we recommend closing the doors and vents to prevent damage to the tent, such as by accidental pinching of the tent material.
  • Dry your tent before you pack it away. If you must pack the tent away damp, be sure to hang it up to dry or set it up again to air out after no more than 3 to 4 days. Mildew and mold can cause permanent damage.
  • Please clean your tent only by hand with a damp cloth. Never wash it in a washing machine and do not use cleaning agents, detergents, or bleach.
  • After the excursion, check the equipment for completeness and possible defects.
  • During longer breaks, it is recommended to take the equipment out of the pack and store it in a dry place protected from the sun's rays.

Care tips for camping mats

For self-inflating mats, we recommend blowing in some air before first use to help the foam expand for the first time. It is best to store your mat unrolled and with the valve open. Please clean your mat only by hand with warm water, a sponge, or a soft brush. In case of heavy soiling, you can also use a residue-free special detergent.

Care tips for sleeping bags

Store your sleeping bag in a storage bag or alternatively use a cotton pillowcase. Clean your sleeping bag according to the washing instructions. However, avoid washing too often to preserve the fibers.


Further links

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Otherwise send us a message and we will try to help you as soon as possible.

 

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