Torn Floor
With good sealant, your torn floor is a simple tent repair. This three step, double-sided repair process, is quick and easy, just remember to let the glue set for a few hours before use.
Tape the outside of the tent and line up the pieces of the tear so you can glue them back together.
Once taped, put sealing glue on the inside of the tent, and let dry for 10 hours. Be sure to cover the entire rip, and a half-inch out on either side of it. Take the tape off the outside of the tent, and repeat the second step. Let it sit for another 10 hours.
If you plan to leave for your camping trip in less than 24 hours, or are currently on one, consider taping the rip until you return, when you can let the sealant dry properly.
More: How to Clean a Tent
Broken Zipper
A broken zipper is a must-fix issue. Unfortunately, if there are teeth missing, you'll have to send it back to the manufacturer for repair. Most other issues can be fixed with a variety of DIY methods.
Zipper Teeth: If your zipper's teeth are intact, but not closing, there's a problem with the slider. "The slider is essentially two channels that come together, pulling the zipper teeth in and pressing them together," says Emily Gindlesparger of Summit Hut. "Well-loved and well-worn zippers sometimes loosen up from top to bottom, so they don't put enough pressure on the teeth to lock them together."
In this case, bring the slider to the bottom of the zipper, and use pliers to clamp the sides together from top to bottom. Gindlesparger says to use a medium-firm pressure. Do this on each side and test it out. If it still separates, tighten more and try again.
Slider: A stuck slider is the most common issue with this part of the zipper. The first step in fixing this problem is to avoid it all together and clean the teeth with each use, as it's easy for grime and dirt to get stuck there. If your zipper is stuck, use a mild silicone gel or lubricant to get it moving. Once unstuck, use rubbing alcohol to remove the gel, as it could cause more grime and dirt to stick.
More: 7 Tips for Sleeping in a Tent
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