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A few simple backpacking tent care and storage tips can make the difference between a tent that lasts for one season and a tent that lasts a lifetime.

A backpacking tent is a serious investment and one of the most important pieces of equipment a backpacker carries. You want your tent to function well for as long as possible, keeping you warm and dry on many backcountry trips. Take good care of it, and a good backpacking tent can last for many years.

First, I recommend that you buy the highest quality tent you can afford. Cheap tents are made with cheap materials that don't hold up well to the rigors of wilderness travel. A more expensive tent will probably cost you less over the long run, because you won't have to replace it every year. Also, high-end tents are simply more comfortable, adding to your outdoor enjoyment.

That being said, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good quality tent. Some companies like Kelty and Eureka make affordable tents that are very durable and well-designed. Do your research before you buy to ensure that you're getting a well-made tent.

A good backpacking tent is made to take a certain amount of abuse; after all, it's designed to be out in the elements, protecting you from wind, rain, snow and bugs. But that doesn't mean you can't seriously damage it if you aren't careful when handling it.

Pack the tent carefully in your backpack. Make sure your liquids are sealed well and packed below the tent; stove fuel in particular can do real damage if it leaks. Keep sharp objects like knives and trekking poles away from it.

Pitch your tent on a hard surface that is clear of sharp sticks or rocks. Consider using a ground cloth to protect the tent floor. I don't normally use a ground cloth when backpacking, to save weight; but I always use one if I'm car camping.

If you expect any wind or rain, stake the tent down using all available guy lines. Try to get even tension all around; don't overstress one side of the tent fly or body.

Don't pitch the tent near a campfire. Sparks from the fire can land on the tent, burning holes in it.

Keep sharp objects away from the tent, and don't lean on it. Backpacking tents aren't designed to bear a person's weight.

Don't leave your tent out in the sun any longer than necessary. UV rays break down the fibers in the canopy over time.

Keep your tent as clean as you can. Leave your muddy boots outside, and shake out the dirt when you're taking it down. If it's really dirty when you get home, wipe it down with a mild soap solution.

When you take the tent down, break down the poles from the middle first. This keeps the tension of the inner cord even, preventing overstretching.

Keep your tent as dry as possible. If it gets wet, spread it out in the sun to dry the first chance you get. If it's still wet when you get home, hang it up to dry completely before you pack it away. Putting a tent away wet is a sure recipe for mold.

Store your tent in a cool, dry area, away from food, liquids, and of course, sharp objects.

If you take good care of your backpacking tent, it will take good care of you. Not only will you be well protected from the elements when you're out in the wilderness, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that the investment you made was money well spent. A quality camping tent can provide years of reliable service and happy memories, provided it is well cared for. Caring for a tent is all about getting the basics right, when done correctly it will become second nature.

Tip 1: Campsite Selection. Tent care starts when you are selecting your campsite. You should try to find an established campsite on a flat and even spot with no vegetation. The ideal campsite is sheltered from the wind and far enough away from other campers to afford you some privacy. You should pay particular attention to the type of ground, hard rocky ground or loose sandy areas can be very tough to place tent pegs into.

Prior to pitching your tent, you should clear any rocks, sticks or any other foreign objects from the area. This will not only make your sleeping place more comfortable, it will also help protect your tent by ensuring you don't step on a sharp rock and puncture the floor.

Tip 2: Use a footprint. If possible you should always use a "footprint" which is a cut to size ground sheet that goes underneath your tent and provides extra protection from any roots or rocks which you may have missed when clearing your site. Many tent manufacturers offer footprints to match their tents, or you may use a cheap tarpaulin folded and cut to the size of your tent. A footprint will also keep your tent clean and dry which will make packing up easier and quicker.

Tip 3: Pitch it Taut. When pitching your tent you should ensure all lines are tight and the rainfly is covering the entire tent. This will avoid any saggy areas that would allow water to stand, in turn weakening the tent and making a wet night more likely.

Tip 4: Remove your shoes. When entering and exiting your tent you should always remove your shoes first. This keeps sand and mud away from your bedding, and also reduces wear on the tent floor. Tents with good sized vestibules allow you to leave your shoes outside while protecting them from the rain. This is ideal if you or your partner has smelly feet!

Tip 5: Clean and Dry Storage. The most important rule to getting a long life out of your camping equipment is to ensure it is clean and dry when placed in storage. If there is any moisture in your tent this will cause mildew to form over time which not only smells bad, it also weakens your tent fabrics considerably.

If it is raining when you pack up camp, or even if it is dry but you pack up early and the tent is slightly damp from condensation then it is very important to set your tent up again when you return home and allow it to completely air dry.

Mike Sullivan has a lifetime of camping experience in the surrounds of Denver Colorado. When camping with his family Mike stays in an Eureka Tetragon Dome Tent which he highly recommends.

To read Mike's reviews of the Eureka Tetragon and other Eureka Tents, visit Mike's blog at Eureka Tent Reviews.