Your tent has seen you through epic sunrises, wild backcountry hikes and long weekends off the grid. It’s battled sand, salt, mud, rain — and won. But now that winter’s kicked in and the camping calendar’s slowing down, it’s time to pack your tent down properly and give it the off-season love it deserves.
Because storing your tent right isn’t just a nice idea. It’s the difference between another season of solid performance… and unzipping a mouldy, mildew-riddled mess next spring.
Here’s how to prep and store your tent over winter so it’s ready to go the second the sun’s back out.

Clean It Down. Every. Single. Part.

First rule of winter storage? Never — and we mean never — put your tent away dirty or damp.
Even if it “looks fine.”
Even if you “only used it once.”
Moisture, dirt and bacteria left behind will grow mould and start breaking down the fabric and seams.
Here’s the go-to cleanup process:
– Pitch it somewhere dry if possible
– Brush off loose dirt, mud, leaves and sand
– Use cold water and a soft sponge to wipe down inner and outer layers (no harsh detergents)
– Give extra attention to zips, seams and air venting areas
Let it fully air dry before you even think about folding it.

Inspect It Before You Store It

This is your chance to spot and fix any issues before they get worse.
Check guylines, poles, stakes, zips and flysheets for wear and tear.
Did you lose a peg?
Did a pole crack in that last windstorm?
Log it. Replace what you need. And if a repair kit can’t sort the problem, browse replacement gear at Kiwi Camping.
Because nothing kills a spontaneous summer trip faster than busted gear mid-setup.

Store It Loose, Dry And Off The Ground

Forget stuffing your tent into its original compression bag long-term. That’s fine for transport, but bad news for fabric over months of storage. Instead, fold it loosely and let it breathe. Use a cotton or mesh gear bag if possible — even an old pillowcase will do.
Store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot — not somewhere damp like a garage floor, basement or garden shed. Keep it off cold concrete and away from direct sunlight.
If you’ve got gear lockers, perfect. If not? Top of the hallway cupboard, in the back of the wardrobe or up high in the laundry room are solid options.

Don’t Ignore The Extras

Check and clean all tent accessories:
– Groundsheet? Shake it off, wipe it down, let it dry.
– Tent pegs? Make sure they’re not muddy or rusty.
– Poles? Collapse them fully and check for damage or stress wear.
And don’t forget to air out your tent bag too. Mildew can grow anywhere.
Want to replace or upgrade accessories? Shop tent accessories at Kiwi Camping.

Add Silica to Keep It Dry

If you live in a high-humidity area, throw a silica gel sachet or two into the tent bag when storing. This helps keep moisture at bay and prevents mildew from silently taking hold over winter. You can reuse ones from old shoe boxes or buy purpose-built gear dehumidifiers online.

Keep It Ready. Keep It Reliable.

There’s nothing worse than pulling out your tent to find it smells like wet socks and looks like a biology experiment. Take twenty minutes now to store it right and set next season’s adventures up for success.
At Kiwi Camping, we build tents tough — but proper care keeps them looking and performing like new, season after season.
Need gear to replace, repair or upgrade for next summer?
We’ve got what you need, ready to ship anywhere in New Zealand.
Explore our full range at kiwicamping.co.nz