How to Pack a Backpack Tent

Backpackers, tent manufacturers and outdoor writers have long debated whether the best way to pack a tent it to stuff it, roll it or fold it. Stuffing it seems to be the most preferred method. Stuffing a tent eliminates the creases caused by folding or rolling a tent numerous times. Creases eventually cause the fabric to breakdown and compromise the tent's water repellency. Stuffing a tent also allows the use of all the available space in a stuff sack and may make it easier to compress the tent.

Things You'll Need

  • Tent
  • Rainfly
  • Stuff sack
  • Tent poles
  • Pole bag
  • Tent stakes
  • Stake bag
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Instructions

    • 1
      Remove the fly and shake off moisture and dirt.

      Unhook the rainfly from the tent poles and the guy-ropes (if using) from the stakes. Shake the fly vigorously to remove moisture and dirt. Stuff the rainfly into the bottom of the tent stuff sack.

    • 2
      Fold the poles from the center out.

      Unhook the tent poles from the tent. Fold the poles in half, then fold the remaining sections together. Folding the poles in half first reduces the amount of stress on the shock cords. Slide the poles into the pole bag.

    • 3

      Pull the tent stakes from the ground. Wipe the dirt off and slide them into the stake bag. Slide the stake bag carefully into the tent pole bag and slide the pole back into the tent stuff sack with the rainfly. Ensure that the poles are at the bottom of the stuff sack.

    • 4
      Stuffing is the preferred way to pack a tent.

      Pick up up the tent and shake it vigorously to remove dirt and moisture. Stuff the tent into the stuff sack beginning with one corner of the tent. Work around the pole bag and make sure the tent is firmly on top of the rainfly at the bottom of the stuff sack. When the tent is in the sack, tighten the drawstrings.