Tents should be stored dry, free of debris, and folded in the same fashion as when you unpacked the tent (assuming that you bought it new). I suggest that new tents be set up in your backyard and seams sealed before using them at the campground for the first time. This exercise will familiarize you with how the tent sets up, it gives you an opportunity to add some water-proofing, and it let's you practice packing the tent up. For new tents, remember how it is folded when you remove it from the manufacturer's boxes. This is how you should refold and pack your tent for storage.

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