Stuff, fold or roll

[opie]

I was taught to always stuff your tent, fly and footprint. As well as your sleeping bag. The reasoning was it will prevent creasing the same spots in the material everytime you put it away.

However...Ive noticed everything comes rolled nowadays. Is that new? Does it really matter?

 

[Darton]

I don't think it would really matter. You probably wouldn't crease your tent enough time to damage it but I do understand the concept. I usually fold mt tent flat then rool it to compress all the air out that gets traped by the waterproof material. that way I can pack it as small as possiable b/c all the air is squeezed out.

 

[spressomon]

Down is best stuffed not rolled. I can't speak for synthetics...

 

[Darton]

Also for sleeping bags, it is best to store them out of their stuff sacks. the fiber fill in them can get compressed overtime and loose its effectiveness.

 

[sandalscout]

I roll my tent, I don't think I could repack it if not. I stuff my bag, if not, I really struggle to get it in the compression bag. I store it long term in the cinch-top gift bag that is was sent in.

 

[ntsqd]

I ruined a nice bag by leaving it in its small stuff sack while in storage.

Some tents I roll, some I fold. Depends on how they came out of the package originally. I figure it fit in the bag that way and it may not any other way.

Clothes I roll.

 

[opie]

I always stuff the bags...and leave them out when storing...

The tents have been rolled though. (not by me, but when I get them. Ive acquired 3 tents in recent weeks) And in order to roll them you have to fold them...I always heard having the material being folded in the same spot over and over....

Maybe its nothing...I was just curious.

 

[Tom and Elaine]

Our Walrus tent came with instructions to "stuff" not roll. The tent and the fly both fit nicely into the stuff sack. We've had it about 12 years and its as good as new. I've used on fun trips, fires and searchs and is shows little wear. Drying out has been the secret after we used it. Hang it up and let it get some sun and air. Tom and Elaine

 

[hikingff77]

I always stuff my sleeping bag, down or synthetic but as for my tent I end up rolling it most of the time. This is partly because I'm anal and want it neat and it packs so much nicer in the bag it came in. However, when on the trail, I mostly stuff the tent in my backpack.

 

[Co-opski]

I would keep stuffing your gear. Roll if you need the space but do not store your tent for long periods rolled up or folded. This is when the creases break down the water proof coating in those areas.

 

[XJINTX]

My good bags and all my Thermarests are laid out under the bed in the spare room. My wife hates that I do that but I like to let them "Breath" and not be rolled, folded or stuffed while stored.

It may serve no purpose beyond that "Warm Fuzzy" I get but my equipment does not seem any worse for the wear

Definitely would not ever store bags stuffed... My tents are rolled but I have purchased bigger bags so not rolled a tight as newly packed.

 

[Poorboyota26]

I've had a Slumberjack synth. for 14 yrs. Always stuffed it. have never had a problem with it. I also have stored it stuffed in the orig. bag that came with it. Still warm and cozy no lumps.

My tent is a 1994 Hillary 6 man. It was given to me by my dad who folded it in thirds and rolled it to remove air. Stored that way too. It doesn't leak there are no holes and has performed flawlessly for the 100's of times we have used it.

 

[Co-opski]

My good bags and all my Thermarests are laid out under the bed in the spare room. My wife hates that I do that but I like to let them "Breath" and not be rolled, folded or stuffed while stored.

It may serve no purpose beyond that "Warm Fuzzy" I get but my equipment does not seem any worse for the wear

Definitely would not ever store bags stuffed... My tents are rolled but I have purchased bigger bags so not rolled a tight as newly packed.

I would agree with everything your doing. This is the best for your gear if you have the space.

 

[Christophe Noel]

Tents come rolled from the factory simply because it looks nicer. You can fold or stuff. If you fold, just do a loose, uneven fold so the folds never fall at the same spots. Tents are like bags and should never be stored in the stuff sacks. Always store them in cotton storage bags away from moisture.

Same goes for bags.