Do you folks fold your tent when you place it in the storage bag or stuff it to avoid creating creases? I stuff it, and for that matter stuff it into a compression sack to bring down the bulk. (Poles are obviously separate.)

I have a Kelty 4 man.

What says the board?

I have always rolled my tent for both packing and storage. If there have ever been any creases I don't think I noticed. I wouldn't stuff it for long term storage though. Hanging would be ideal, loosely rolled works too.

I roll mine too- I guess I never thought about stuffing it. Seems like it would be hard on the zippers.

I roll the tent, but if I forget to lay the rainfly on top of the tent before rolling, then it gets stuffed on top.

I usually fold and roll my tents. If it's raining or I'm in a hurry I stuff them. My solo and 2 person tents pack smaller rolled, than stuffed and cinched in a compression pack. The bigger tents, not enough difference.

butthead

Hmm. I've always stuffed my Apex and I haven't blown out any zippers or anything yet. I should probably unstuff it and hang it for long term storage, But I've had it for 5 or 6 years and it's still in great shape. I agree with butthead on the big tents though. My big tent (some tent by Alps) doesn't even fit in the bag if it's not folded right, But My Apex can compress way down.

I've heard that stuffing is better because if you roll then all the creases and seams are in the same spot every time and are more likely to wear out. And with stuffing, the creases are different every time and you're less likely to wear a certain spot out. That said, I prefer my tent to be as small as possible when on the trail but in storage I like it rolled up nice and neat, though not compressed.

I also have heard that stuffing is preferred so you don't develop creases. I have done it both ways but find that if I roll the tent and fold it different ways it probably does not add creases. I have 2 Eureka Timberling 4's that I have packed folded for years and they are still fine. The oldest one is close to 15 years and still works fine. The best piece of advice is to store them out of the stuff sack if you have room. I did not have room until recently and did not store tham out of the sack. They still have served me well for years.

Is the tent wet or dry?

I roll my tent when it is dry. Why? Cause that's the way I've always done it. :-)

If the tent is wet, I'll pack everything into my pack. Then I'll roll closed my plastic pack liner. Then on top of the closed pack liner, I'll just stuff in my wet tent. That way it is separate from everything else and won't get stuff wet. Furthermore, since it is not within the pack liner, some of the moisture may wick and evaporate away through the pack.

I have generally folded it as it came folded... that's just me... if it is wet, I stuff much as Bannock said above...

Bruce

Have always just rolled tent. We keep our sleeping bags in the larger storage bag when not in use. Also clean and air out the tent before putting it into storage. What is the reason for not storing the tent in a stuff sack, to let the air get at it (avoid mildew) better? We do not have the room to hang the tent, but I was curious.

I've always rolled, but Cliff Jacobson recommends stuffing because it is easier and faster -- I'm going to try it this year.

I stuff my Timberline 4xt in a compression sack. I should probably roll it though. I can just see one of the pins that the poles slide on to compressing right thru the tent fabric!

My new North Face Tadpole23 stuff sack has built in horizontal compression straps. It rolls up nice and when you cinch down the straps its only about half the diameter. Pretty slick!

I have always folded and rolled, never a problem with creases in these 30 years - Eureka tents of all sorts.

One side tip: NEVER assume it's dry enough to toss into storage after a trip. Always air out on a line in bright sun for a day after use. Rolled wet for just several days after a rainy visit to Yellowstone, one of our big-ol' car camping Eureka Space II 10x10's developed mold on the rip-stop threads and nothing would take out the black spots or the smell.

I always have stuffed. Had a number of different backpacking tents, and have never had a problem. It is very quick and easy.

I have tried both, and have found that rolling it is better for me because I can get a consistent size to the bundle.

The amount of time that it will take for the fabric to wear out because of folding it in the same place is way too long for me to change my ways.

Fold, roll, stuff- go paddle/hike.

Chalk me up as a stuffer. I do this for crease reasons mentioned above. My Eureka Crescent is about 11 years old now and still in good shape.

Hex