Dream Tents are fun pop up tents that give your child their own private world at night. There’s an Undersea World, a Fairy Tale Forest, a Winter Wonderland, a Space Adventure, and so many more! Dream Tents make bedtime fun! Dream Tents are easy to set up and easy to store. They instantly pop open and they fasten to the bed in just seconds. They work on all twin beds, even bunk beds! To store them, you just fold, and put away. It’s that simple!
- 1 Why Folding Your Dream Tent Properly Matters
- 2 How to Fold Your Dream Tent: Step-by-Step Instructions
- 3 Tips for Folding Your Dream Tent Like a Pro
- 4 Comparison of Dream Tent Folding vs. Other Pop-Up Tents
- 5 Best Products for Dream Tent Enthusiasts
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6
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 6.1 What if I lost the instructions for my Dream Tent?
- 6.2 Can I fold the Dream Tent without removing the U-shaped connectors?
- 6.3 How do I prevent my Dream Tent from popping open after folding?
- 6.4 Is it okay to store my Dream Tent if it’s slightly damp?
- 6.5 Can adults use Dream Tents, or are they just for kids?
- 7 Additional Resources
- 8 Conclusion
Why Folding Your Dream Tent Properly Matters
Folding a camping tent correctly ensures durability and ease of use for your next adventure. Follow these simple steps to keep your camping gear in top shape! Properly folding your camping tent not only extends its lifespan but also makes packing and storage a breeze. When you’re folding a tent on the trail, the goal is to make it as small as possible so it’s easier to carry. This results in a fairly tight roll. When you’re folding up a tent for long term storage the priority should be keeping it in good condition. To do this, you’ll want to keep it loosely folded – instead of the tight fold you’ll do on the trail – in a cool, dry place. The looser fold will ensure that any excess moisture can escape the tent, reducing the likelihood of mold or mildew growth while in storage.
How to Fold Your Dream Tent: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Tent
Clean the tent before you begin folding. Most of the time, all you’ll need to do is shake out any dirt, sand, pine needles, or other debris. While you can attempt this later, the debris can get stuck in the tent folds. Before folding, ensure that the inside and outside of the shower tent are clean and dry to prevent mildew. Dust or moisture can damage the tent if not cleaned or dried properly. If you are going to store it it’s better to wash it as there is a chance for debris in the folds of the tent when not washed or cleaned properly. You can clean it with damp rag if you don’t want to wash it. Let it dry completely to prevent your tent from foul smell, mildew or mold.
Step 2: Remove Any Accessories
The Dream Tent stays in place on the bed using the 2 U-shaped connectors. They have large grippy nodules which hold the U firmly in place under the mattress. Before folding, carefully remove these connectors from under the mattress. Ensure no other accessories, like the clip-on light, are still attached. Inside the handy bag, you have the folded up Dream tent and a 2 in 1 light that includes a torch and a night light in three colours. You also get two u shaped grips that go under the mattress to hold the Dream tent in place. Set these aside in the storage bag to avoid losing them.
Step 3: Collapse the Tent Structure
(1) Grasp the tent fabric at the top of the tent, and pull it upward to start collapsing the tent. (2) As you are holding the tent fabric, push the sides of the tent toward each other, collapsing the tent into a compact shape. (3) Once the tent is mostly collapsed, use your other hand to push down on the top of the tent, and continue collapsing it until it is fully flattened. It may take a few tries to get the hang of it, but with some practice, you should be able to fold up the tent easily.
Step 4: Twist Into a Compact Shape
(4) Twist the tent into a circle shape to further compact it. Basically you stand with the ends of the poles at your feet (clipped together per instructions) and the arch up by your waist. You grab the arch, but instead of attempting to fold it straight downwards, which would break the poles, you twist it as you push it down, by pushing only one arm down till your arm is fully extended, then wrenching the other arm across your waist before pushing down, while the other arm remains fully extended. LOL its not easy! Any, it ends up creating a sort-of figure 8. I always break a sweat out of nervousness before doing it, but it works and you’ll get better at it as you practice.
Step 5: Secure the Folded Tent
(5) Fasten any straps or ties that are provided to keep the tent in a compact shape. Some pop up tents have attachments that secure it once it has been folded so there’s no risk of it popping open again until you want it to. If your tent has such features, make use of them now to hold everything in place. You can now put the tent back into its storage bag and zip it up ready for next time.
Step 6: Store in the Carrying Bag
(6) Store the tent in its carrying case or in a safe place. They pop open and fasten the bed in just seconds. To store them away, just fold and return to the storage bag. The Dream Tent is so light and flexible that it’s really easy to manoeuvre into position. Once you have the tent tucked in as tight as possible, slide the main tent into the car. Start at one end, like a traditional campout and start folding over. This step is very important! Once you are getting back to your car, make sure that you are going to be able to easily fold it back up and secure it with a bungee cord or tie wrap. A bungee cord will save you a ton of time and effort once you are back at the campsite.
Tips for Folding Your Dream Tent Like a Pro
- It’s no good simply trying to screw the tent up and force it into its bag; you’ll never get very far. The following steps will help to ensure that packing away your pop up tent is as painless as possible.
- If you don’t have the instructions that came with the tent, search online for folding videos. Most pop-up tents use similar basic folds, so you can manage to fold up any tent with a little experimentation.
- It’s all a matter of practice. Though the folding process is easy and simple beginners can feel hesitant or concerned about packing it back. Experimenting is the key even if you have got a tent with different folding techniques.
- Read carefully the instruction leaflet of your tent and fold it with confidence. Happy camping.
- A lot of campers struggle with getting a pop up tent back into its bag, despite the fact that these tents are super easy to put it. It seems counterproductive to have something so convenient to begin with that turns out to be a nightmare when you’re ready to pack away. But it really isn’t as complicated as you might first think.
Comparison of Dream Tent Folding vs. Other Pop-Up Tents
Feature | Dream Tent | Standard Pop-Up Tent | Camping Shower Tent |
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Ease of Setup | Instantly pops open and fastens to the bed in seconds | Simply ‘pop up’, making setting up your camp one of the simplest things you’ll ever do | Most tents have collapsible poles, quick to assemble |
Folding Complexity | Twist into a circle, secure with straps, fairly intuitive | Fold the top and bottom poles together, flip and push into a figure-8 | Fold sides inward, roll tightly, more steps involved |
Storage Size | Compact circle fits in a 45cm storage bag | Folds into a neat, packable circle | Rolls into a tight bundle, fits in carrying bag |
Best Use | Indoor use on twin beds or bunk beds | Camping, festivals, outdoor activities | Outdoor privacy for showering or changing |
Best Products for Dream Tent Enthusiasts
- Dream Tents Space Adventure – Perfect for kids who love outer space themes, complete with a reading light.
- Dream Tents Unicorn Fantasy – A magical option for unicorn lovers, easy to fold and store.
- Coleman 4-Person Pop Up Tent – A versatile outdoor alternative if you want to expand beyond bedroom camping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I lost the instructions for my Dream Tent?
No worries! Most pop-up tents, including Dream Tents, follow a similar folding process. Start by collapsing the tent, twisting it into a circle, and securing it with any straps. You can also search online for videos showing how to fold similar bed tents for visual guidance.
Can I fold the Dream Tent without removing the U-shaped connectors?
It’s best to remove the U-shaped connectors first. Leaving them attached could make folding trickier and might damage the tent fabric or the connectors themselves. Take a minute to unhook them and store them separately.
How do I prevent my Dream Tent from popping open after folding?
Use the provided straps or ties to secure it tightly after twisting it into a circle. If your tent doesn’t have these, a bungee cord or even a strong rubber band can keep it compact until you slide it into the storage bag.
Is it okay to store my Dream Tent if it’s slightly damp?
Avoid storing it damp if possible. Even a little moisture can lead to mildew or a musty smell. Shake it out and let it air dry completely before folding it up to keep it in great condition for your next use.
Can adults use Dream Tents, or are they just for kids?
Dream Tents are designed for single beds, typically for kids, but a small adult could use one if it fits their bed. They’re not as spacious as regular tents, so check the dimensions¡ªusually meant for twin beds¡ªbefore trying it out.
Additional Resources
- REI Expert Advice on Tent Setup – Learn more about tent handling from the pros.
- WikiHow: How to Fold a Pop-Up Tent – Step-by-step visuals for various tent types.
Conclusion
The Dream Tent will only fit a single bed sadly, I’d be more than happy with one myself. The design is really attractive and looks great from inside or out. It lets enough light through that it’s never ‘dark’, but really is a ‘tent’ and exciting to be inside. By mastering the art of folding your camping shower tent, you transform what used to be a cumbersome chore into a quick, simple task – ensuring more time is spent enjoying the great outdoors. For those new to camping, familiarizing yourself with these steps in advance can alleviate stress and enhance your overall experience. Happy folding!