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Whether you’re a casual backyard camper or an outdoor enthusiast accustomed to spending summers car camping across national parks, your tent is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll take on your adventure. A good tent shelters you from rain and wind, provides shade, keeps pesky mosquitoes and campsite critters at bay, and offers privacy in a crowded campground. It’s also among the most expensive gear you’ll purchase. So you’ll want to keep it in good shape for as long as possible.

Most tent manufacturers estimate a five- to 10-year lifespan for their tents. But Wirecutter’s expert testers have found that with proper care and maintenance, the tents of careful campers can be used for at least 15 years.

Here’s what you need to know to make your tent last, from setup to pull-down.

Tidy your campsite. Search for a smooth, relatively level site to pitch your tent. After you’ve picked a place, take some time to clear any debris from the site. Be sure to brush away small stones, sticks, pine cones, and briars, since they can poke holes through the tent floor.

Lay down a groundsheet. A groundsheet, also referred to as a footprint, is a lightweight sheet—about the same shape and size as your tent’s floor—that goes under your tent to provide a barrier between it and the ground. The more you use your tent, the more wear and tear the bottom will be subjected to, so a groundsheet will help keep it protected from small abrasions. Tent manufacturers usually sell footprints sized to fit specific tents. These footprints are usually a bit pricier than cheap tarps, but because of the exact match with the tent, they’re ideal for preventing water from pooling. If you’d like to spend a little less, a low-priced tarp will get the job done—just be sure you buy it or cut it to fit. A too-big tarp will collect rainwater off the fly and funnel it right under your tent. If you’d rather not cut your tarp to fit, outdoor retailer REI recommends tucking any excess material under the tent floor to prevent water from pooling.

Avoid setting up in direct sunlight. Tent designer Bob Howe, one of the experts we spoke with while researching our guide to the best tents, told us that UV damage is a “top tent killer.” Over time, the sun’s rays will degrade the fabric. So even though setting up in a sunny spot seems enticing, you may want to pitch your tent in the shade to prolong its life.

Zip your tent gently. Don’t tug too hard on the zipper, and if it gets stuck, do not force it. To clear the fabric path and prevent snags, Wirecutter senior staff writer Kit Dillon suggests placing a thumb in the area just above of the direction you’re pulling the zipper. If the zipper does snag, REI recommends holding the track with one hand and gently wiggling the slider from side to side, to free the fabric.

Make your tent a shoe-free zone. Always remove your boots before climbing inside. Dirt, pebbles, and other debris covering the floor of the tent can erode the fabric and lead to small punctures.

Don’t keep food in your tent. Instead, leave food and other fragrant personal-care items in a secure container outside your tent; the scent can attract small critters who will chew through the fabric to reach their next snack. Most campsites provide bear-proof storage boxes for stashing food. If your campsite doesn’t, consider keeping your food and toiletries in a bear-proof canister at least 100 feet from your campsite. It’s always a good idea to keep food in a scent-proof container, and be especially careful if you’re camping in bear country—otherwise, you could have more to worry about than chipmunk and raccoon nibbles.

Sweep out your tent. Kit warns that small pebbles and sticks packed inside the tent can rub and erode the material over time. If you have a freestanding tent that holds its structure when it’s unstaked, you should be able to lift the tent and shake out any debris. If you’re serious about keeping your tent clear of detritus, pack a small whisk broom and dustpan to keep the floor tidy for the duration of your trip—not just right before packing up.

Roll up your tent, rather than stuffing it in its carrying bag. Though it feels easier to stuff your tent into its case, REI warns that stuffing it in a carrying bag puts stress on the tent’s fabrics and coatings.

Once you’re home, thoroughly clean your tent. Although you won’t necessarily have to do this after every short outing, after an extended camping trip, you should wipe your tent clean to get rid of dirt and grime. As soon as you return home, use a mild soap, such as liquid hand soap, and lukewarm water. Never use detergent or run your tent through a wash-and-dry cycle. This could damage the tent’s protective coating and seams. Don’t forget to wipe down the zippers with soapy water, especially if you’ve been camping in a sandy area—otherwise, the sliders will wear out over time. Tent poles, on the other hand, should be wiped down with a dry, soft cloth. If you’re more of a casual camper, you can probably skip this step and wipe down your tent once a season to keep it in good shape.

Air-dry your tent. Always air out your tent after a trip—you should never pack away a damp tent. Avoid excess moisture at all costs: Not only is it a breeding ground for mold and mildew, but it will also start to chemically break down coatings over time. Set up the tent indoors or in a shady spot outdoors; if you don’t have room to do this, drape the tent or hang it until it’s completely dry.

Store your tent loosely in a cool, dry place. Don’t roll the tent as tightly as you would while traveling; you’ll want to give the fabric a chance to relax and breathe. Though you may want to toss it in the basement or attic, REI suggests avoiding damp or hot locations. If you don’t have other storage options, consider using an air-tight storage container instead to keep the fabric fresh and mildew-free.

When the Wirecutter outdoor team goes car camping—as opposed to backpacking and carrying gear into the wilderness—this is the gear they bring.

Investing in some high-quality basics can get kids excited about camping out—and help you avoid a mid-trip detour to the nearest big-box store.

The easy-to-set-up REI Co-op Screen House Shelter is our canopy tent pick, with good sun and insect protection and a bright, roomy feel. We researched 14 canopy tents and tested eight top contenders before deciding.

by Jenni Gritters, Liz Thomas, and Kalee Thompson

After testing dozens of sleeping pads, we think the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap is best for car campers and the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT is best for backpackers.

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