Fold vs. Stuff: The Great Canvas Tent Debate (and Why We Fold Neatly!)

The age-old question for canvas tent owners: To fold, or to stuff? There are passionate arguments on both sides, and honestly, there's no single right answer. It really boils down to your individual needs and priorities. Let's break down the pros and cons of each method.

Ben taking down the Bandit tent using the neat fold method

Method 1: The Neat Fold

   Here's a quick refresher on the pros and cons:

• Pros:

  • Organization: Easier to store and stack.

  • Inspection: Allows for thorough canvas inspection.

  • Faster Setup and takedown: Familiarity with the fold

    speeds up the setup and takedown method.

  • Aesthetics: Some appreciate the neatness.

• Cons:

  • Crease Stress: Folds can weaken canvas over time.

  • Time Consuming: Neat folding can take time and effort.

  • Precision Required: Needs a flat, clean surface.

  • Potential for Mold: Trapped moisture can lead to mold.

Method 2: The "Stuff It" Approach

   And again, the pros and cons:

• Pros:

  • Reduced Creasing: Avoids permanent creases.

  • Speed and Convenience: Quick and easy.

  • Flexibility: Works even if not perfectly clean/dry.

  • Less Exacting: No specific technique needed.

• Cons:

  • Disorganization: Bulky, irregular shape.

  • Difficult Inspection: Hard to check for damage/mildew.

  • Slower Setup: Tangled canvas slows setup.

  • Increased Risk of Damage: More abrasion and friction.

So, why does Roamin Home advocate for the Neat Fold?

For us, it all boils down to the way we transport our tents: on the backs of horses and mules! When you are packing for a back country trip, organization, weight distribution, and space are at a premium. A neatly folded tent creates a predictable, uniform shape that is far easier to secure onto a pack animal. We need to know the tent will sit on the sawbuck of the pack saddle without shifting around endangering our animals or dumping the whole load.

While we acknowledge the potential for crease-related wear, we mitigate this by:

• Ensuring our tents are completely dry before storing.

• Periodically re-treating the canvas to maintain its suppleness and water resistance.

• Taking extra care when folding to minimize hard creases.

  
  

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But if you're packing your canvas tent for a trip where space and organization are key, we believe the Neat Fold is the way to go.

Uniformity and space saving is important when packing the Roamin Home tents.

Happy Camping!