Tents & Groundsheets

• I am travelling with my tent. What things do I need to be aware of?
• Can I impregnate my tent?
• Can I put my tent in the washing machine?
• How can I best store my tent?
• What do I do if a tent pole breaks whilst I am travelling?
• How do I repair leaking seams or a tear in the tent?
• Which things should I note in orde to keep the zip working on my tent for a long time?
• Waterproofing a tent: when is the right time?

• I am travelling with my tent. What things do I need to be aware of?

  In order to be able to enjoy your tent for as long as possible, please note the following recommendations:

  • Always use a matching tent groundsheet (which matches our tent models:FLOORSAVER – Zeltzubehör, in order to protect your tent from getting damaged from anything on the ground.
  • Pitching your tent in the shade protects the tent material from UV rays, which are the biggest cause of wear and tear for all tent fabrics.
  • Follow the steps in the assembly instructions and ensure that the tent is pitched as taut as possible, so that it will be able to better withstand winds and is more stable and less noisy.
  • Your tent should always be completely dry when packed away. If this is not possible due to weather conditions or time constraints, then dry it as soon as is possible.
• Can I impregnate my tent?

  Yes. Over the course of time, and after extensive use, the outer surface of the tent fabric may become rough. This means that droplets of water do not drip off the fabric as easily. You can use a standard impregnating agent in order to treat the outer tent.
  Please ensure you follow the instructions for use!

  The inner tent groundsheet should not be re-impregnated. Instead, we recommend the use of an underlay tarp or an Aquaseal product. The latter is available from specialist outdoor retailers and is simply brushed onto the groundsheet.

  Unfortunately, we are unable to offer this as a service or repair to our customers.

• Can I put my tent in the washing machine?

  No! Never put your tent into the washing machine or take to a dry-cleaner, and never use any aggressive stain removers. This can irreversibly damage the coating of the tent.

  Remove dirt using a soft sponge and lukewarm, soapy water UNIVERSAL CLEANER PLUS.

• How can I best store my tent?

  Always make sure that the tent is dry when storing. Mould and mildew can only be avoided if the tent and the packsack are completely dry. Even the smallest amount of moisture can cause extreme damage.

• What do I do if a tent pole breaks whilst I am travelling?

  Short-term repair solution:
  If a segment breaks whist you’re out and about and you wish to continue using the tent, the damaged section can be splinted using the pole repair sleeve which is supplied with every tent: remove any sharp edges as best you can before sliding the repair sleeve over the damaged section and fixing it in place with a few turns of adhesive tape.

  

  Long-term solution:
  A broken tent pole should always be replaced. Defective poles can be exchanged at the JACK WOLFSKIN STORE. Please contact your local store or retailer, who will be able to order the appropriate replacement parts for you. In this case, you will need to send the entire pole to us and not just the faulty section. If you purchased the tent from our official JACK WOLFSKIN online shop, then please contact our customer service team concerning your repair request.

• How do I repair leaking seams or a tear in the tent?

  Check the integrity of all seams and seam seals prior to storage. If it is necessary to use a seam sealer, then please pay attention to the type of tent material in question (appropriate seam sealer for silicone or PU coating).
  In order to to complete this treatment, you must first pitch the tent and then leave the paste to dry for around 10 hours (pay attention to instructions).
  Any fine tears in the fabric can be sewn up or sealed using fabric tape from the inside and outside. Seams on the outer tent must be sealed with a seam sealant. You should additionally seal the edges with a seam sealant, even when using adhesive repair patches.
  If, after a long period of use, some of the seam tapes become detached, remove the loosened pieces with scissors and replace with seam sealer.

• Which things should I note in orde to keep the zip working on my tent for a long time?

  The integrity of the zips should be checked regularly. Heavy-duty zips can be kept in good working order with a silicone spray. You can use a pair of pliers to lightly pinch the slider so that the zip fastens again reliably.

• Waterproofing a tent: when is the right time?

  Escape into the countryside and spend the night under the stars! There’s nothing quite like it. Consequently, it is worthwhile waterproofing your tent so that any wind or rain will not get in the way of these plans. Then you can rest assured that you are protected in your tent no matter how heavy the downpour.
  Please note: You will not need to waterproof a new tent. This has generally already been done by the manufacturer. If you want to be certain that this is the case, then take a quick look at what has been written in the product description. However, every tent needs a refresh after a while. A tent will gradually lose its protective coating after being subjected to rain, wind and rubbing during transport.
  Moreover, UV radiation will take its toll on the material and make it age more quickly. It makes sense to waterproof a tent after every two to three years of use. And it is really easy to do. Follow our step-by-step guide.

  Step 1: Test the extent of waterproofing still in the tent’s material

  A couple of days before you set out on your next camping trip, check that the tent is still water-repellent. Pitch the tent in the open. The tarpaulin should be taught. Use a garden hose or watering can to spray the tent with water. If the water drips off the material in small droplets, then you can rest assured that there is still sufficient waterproofing in the material. By contrast, if the material appears to soak up the water, thereby creating a film of water and the inside of the tent becomes wet, it is high time to waterproof the tent once more.

  Step 2: First of all, thoroughly clean the tent

  Pitch the tent in the garden or somewhere out in the open. Check to make sure there is no noticeable damage. Everything as it should be? Great. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much dust as possible. Then take a damp cloth with a little washing-up liquid and clean the material.

  Step 3: Choose a suitable waterproofing product

  As far as the material is concerned, tents are usually made of synthetic materials such as polyester, and very rarely from materials like cotton. Use a waterproofing product that is especially for the material in question. You generally have a choice between a waterproofing spray and a liquid.
  You will need to spray from a distance, and the liquid waterproofing product normally needs to be diluted. A spray is normally easy to use and the contents will penetrate the pores of the material. If using a waterproofing liquid, you will need to ensure that it has been applied evenly, hence this will take a little longer.

  Step 4: Seal the seams if necessary

  The seams are the weak points of a tent. Did any of them have leaks when you carried out step 1? Then it would be wise to seal them before waterproofing the tent. Use a so-called ‘seam sealer’ for this. This is a special adhesive that you apply to the outside of faulty seams and leave to dry.

  Step 5: Apply a waterproofing method/product

  Is the tent clean and dry? Then it can now be waterproofed. First of all, ensure that you have fastened all zips, buttons, etc. Now spray the tent with the waterproofing spray approx. 20 to 30 centimetres away from the surface. Don’t rush this job, make sure that you have sprayed the tent all over evenly. If your waterproofing product is a liquid, dilute it in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, and then apply using a sponge or cloth. Irrespective of whether you have chosen a spray or liquid: waterproof your tent in the outdoors only. We would recommend that you wear a mask to prevent inhalation of any possible fumes.

  Step 6: Leave to dry

  Allow the waterproofing product to take effect and dry. You can generally gear the length of time it needs to dry from the manufacturer’s instructions on the product. Is it dry? Then repeat the test that was explained in Step 1. If some parts of the tent do not appear fully waterproofed, repeat the procedure several times. Always ensure that the tent is dry before repeating the process. No water has penetrated the tent? Then you can set off on your next outdoor adventure.