Seam Sealing
We recommend use of a sealer such as McNett Outdoor SeamGrip. Seam sealing should be done in a fully ventilated area. Set the tent up or lay the tent out flat. Taut seams allow for even application and penetration of the sealer.  Seams that will be exposed to rain, runoff, or ground level water should be seamed sealed, while seams on uncoated nylon or mesh panels won't need treatment. We recommend sealing both floor & fly seams for reinforcement. Apply sealant to the inside and outside of all exposed seams. Draw or brush the sealant along the seam, spreading it evenly and liberally into all of the needle holes. Several thin layers will work better than one thick layer. Allow the sealant to completely dry before storing the tent.

Set Up Tips
When it's windy, mosquitoes will congregate on the lee side of objects to avoid being blown away. So pitch your tent door into the wind. You'll be able to enter without bringing the swarm in with you. 

If zippers stick, lubricate with silicon. Never force a zipper that has material caught in it, as this will bend the slider and prevent the zipper from closing. Continual use in a sandy environment can cause slider to erode and fail to close the zipper. 

You may want to use a footprint to help protect the tent floor from sticks, stones and rough spots. It also helps to keep ground water from seeping in.

Give Air an Escape Route
When buying a tent look for breathable sidewalls and roofs to minimize condensation. Also look for mesh windows, doors and ventilation panels that allow air in, keep creepy crawlies out, and provide views. Find tents with a rain fly that can be removed so that on warm dry days it can be taken off and the tent can be aired out properly.

Storing Your Tent
Sweep out your tent. Make sure that rocks, leaves, dirt and branches are all out of the tent before packing it. It is easiest to roll the tent if doors and windows are left open in order to allow air to escape as the tent is collapsed. Letting the air escape as the tent is collapsed will make rolling and storing it easier. Rolling the tent toward the open doors and windows will help too.

It may be easier to fold the tent along original fold lines. However, after a few years, this becomes more difficult as the lines fade. A good rule of thumb is to fold the tent about the same length as the tent poles before you roll it up.

Roll your tent lightly and neatly with poles and stakes (in their bags) rolled into the tent body. This technique uses the tent poles as a structure to help roll the tent. A slow, tight roll of the tent is one of the easiest ways to compact the tent for an easy fit into the storage bag.

If at all possible, only take down your tent when it is completely dry after rainstorm or morning dew. Wait until it dries, so you will not have to worry about drying the tent at a later time. Your tent must be stored dry. If you must close camp in the rain, open your tent and set it up as soon as possible to avoid mildew and odors. When your tent is stored between camping trips, a cool, dry place is ideal.

Cleaning Your Tent
Clean the tent by setting it up and wiping it down with a mild soap (liquid hand soap) and lukewarm water solution. Use the warm water, a sponge and mild, non-detergent soap. Do not use dishwashing liquid, detergent, bleach, pre-soaking solutions, or spot removers. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Do not use Washing machines or dryers because they can damage the tent's protective coating and seams. After cleaning, be sure the tent is completely dry, especially the heavier, double-stitched areas such as the seams, before storing or mold and mildew are likely to grow. You may also find a detergent that will not reduce the waterproofing. If that's not readily available try spraying a waterproofing spray onto your tent once its dry, try Grangers Spray-On Waterproofing for Synthetic Fabrics.

Clean the tent poles with a soft, dry cloth. This is especially necessary after Oceanside camping trips to remove salt spray so the poles don't corrode or stay gritty.

Color Transfer
Due to the nature of tent fabrics, color can transfer from darker fabric to lighter fabric if two colors are in contact over time when wet, damp, or exposed to the combination of moisture and high heat. This does not affect a tent's performance. To prevent/minimize color transfer from occurring, always make sure that your tent is completely dry prior to packing and storage.

General Tips
Do not keep food inside the tent. Hungry critters will chew through the tent fabric in search of a snack.

Always build your campfire away from your tent, trees and other inflammable material. And remember, although a campfire may look like it's "out" (on the surface)... the core may still be burning. Be careful!

When tenting, set up camp on well-drained sandy or rocky sites, or on vegetation that is heavily-laden with soft humus. Do not establish camp on high ridges that are exposed to wild weather (ie. cold, high winds and lightening). Camp at lower elevations that are protected by surrounding rocks, trees, and brush. Avoid camping in basins because cold, damp air collects and you'll probably awake cold and damp. Camp at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from lakes and streams to help keep pollutants out of water sources. Also, seek out slightly sloped areas to ensure that you don't awaken in the middle of a puddle of water.

Stake your tent down. Even in a minor storm it can be blown away.

Always test out the tent before heading out to the woods or campsite. It will ensure you know how to set it up and that no parts are missing.

Check your tent's conditions and contents before every trip. It's better to be safe than sorry.