My old way of packing a tent was a total mess... | Camping Gear Reviews

Iris Rivera · 2026-04-13T04:55:06.823936+00:00

I used to just stuff my old 4-person dome into its bag any which way, which always took forever at the campsite. After a rainy trip to the White Mountains last fall, I watched a friend roll theirs tight and it clicked. Now I fold and roll my new Marmot Tungsten 3P the same way every time, and it takes me under two minutes to set up. Anyone have a different method that works for them?

elliot_grant385mo ago

Respectfully, I think you guys are overcomplicating this. I've been backpacking for over 15 years and I still just stuff my Nemo Hornet 2P into its bag like a trash compactor. Rolling it tight sounds like it adds extra steps and time when you're tired and just want to leave the campsite. I've never had any issues with wrinkles, tears, or water damage from stuffing. The tent goes up fine every time. Maybe I'm just lazy, but I don't see the need for perfection when the thing sleeps you well enough without being folded like origami.

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tessa_kelly6mo ago

Wait, you're telling me there's a method besides just shoving it in the bag and sitting on it until the zipper closes? I used to wrestle with my old tent like it owed me money, lmao. Rolling it tight was a total game changer for me too, though I still sometimes end up with a weird lump that makes the bag look pregnant.

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ray_coleman416mo ago

Oh man, I feel that... my old tent was a total nightmare to pack up too. @tessa_kelly, the sitting on the bag thing is way too real, haha. Rolling it tight changed everything for me, though I still get those weird lumps sometimes.

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