My new tent took forever to stop smelling like factory chemicals

I got a fresh tent from a big sale last month. It had that strong plastic smell right out of the bag. I hung it up in my garage for two full weeks, airing it out daily. The smell is finally gone and it's ready for the trip. Don't set it up right away if you can help it.

3 comments

3 Comments

bailey.mia1mo ago

Hanging it in the garage for two weeks is a good start, but in my experience, direct sunlight really speeds up the process. @avery_murray's story shows how bad it can be if you skip that step completely. Just a few sunny afternoons outside makes a huge difference.

jordan_sullivan401mo ago

Sunlight is absolutely key for that. Tossed mine over a patio chair for a weekend in the yard and it made all the difference, zero chemical smell after that.

avery_murray1mo ago

Learned that the hard way last season. Got too excited on a Friday night, pitched my new tent straight from the bag in the backyard for a "test run." Spent the whole night breathing in what I can only describe as concentrated regret. My own fault for not having the patience to let it off-gas for more than five minutes.