How to Deflate, Fold, and Pack an Inflatable Tent
A tent that will not fit its bag may still hold air. Follow the correct disconnection, valve, folding, rolling, drying, and storage sequence.
If an inflatable tent will not fit back into its bag, trapped air is often the reason. For this LINKSOLAR tent, remove the solar roof and accessories first, open the deflation valve, fold the body into a rectangle, and roll from the pump end toward the open valve.
1. Disconnect equipment and remove accessories
On the solar package, disconnect phones, storage devices, and the controller before removing the detachable solar roof. Place the roof on a clean, dry surface and fold it only along its intended fold lines. Do not trap a cable in the tent fold or bend a solar section backward.
Remove the awning parts, stakes, and guylines. The six short pole sections form two complete awning poles. Separate all six sections before packing them, and keep hard parts away from the tent fabric and air beams.
2. Open the deflation valve
Let the tent body settle naturally after opening the valve. Do not step hard on the air beams and do not use sharp tools to speed up the process. Giving the first rush of air time to escape makes the next folds easier to control.
3. Fold the body into a quarter-size rectangle
Smooth the fabric so the mesh panels, doors, and zippers are not twisted. Fold the tent into a long rectangle about one quarter of its open width. Position it so the pump end is opposite the open deflation valve.
4. Roll from the pump end toward the valve
Start at the pump end and roll slowly and evenly toward the open valve. This pushes remaining air through the beams and toward the exit. If a section balloons or the roll becomes uneven, open it back up a little, smooth the fabric, and continue. Do not force an inflated section into the bag.
Secure the finished roll with the straps and place it in the carry bag, which is approximately 54 × 24 × 24 cm. The detached solar roof folds to about 30 × 28 cm and should be stored without reverse-folding its solar sections.
Dry everything before long-term storage
The tent has a 4,000 mm waterproof rating and taped seams, but waterproof fabric should still be dried before storage. If rain or dew forces you to pack it wet for the drive home, unpack it again as soon as you reach a suitable dry place. Dry the tent fabric, air-beam area, solar roof, and cables fully before long-term storage.
Brush away loose dirt or use a soft damp cloth where needed. Avoid harsh cleaners and stiff brushes on the solar surface. Before the next trip, check the valves, zippers, straps, cables, attachment points, and pump battery.
For the steps that come before pack-down, see the complete setup sequence. Current dimensions, packages, and included parts are listed on the LINKSOLAR tent product page.
Frequently asked questions
Why will my inflatable tent not fit back into the bag?
Air is probably still trapped in the beams, or the body was rolled in the wrong direction. Keep the deflation valve open and roll from the pump end toward the valve.
Can I step on the tent to make it deflate faster?
Avoid hard stepping or crushing. Remove the accessories, open the valve, let the body settle, and use a slow, even roll to move air out.
Should I roll the solar roof inside the tent body?
No. Disconnect and remove the roof first. Fold it separately along its intended fold lines.
Can I leave the tent packed after rain?
Only as a temporary way to transport it. Unpack and dry every part completely as soon as possible before long-term storage.
When should I remove the stakes?
Disconnect equipment and remove the solar roof and awning parts first. Then remove the stakes and guylines before deflating and folding the body.
How should I store the pump battery?
Remove it from the pump, keep it dry, and follow the battery instructions for periodic checks and charging. It is a pump battery, not a phone charger or solar-storage battery.
About this guide: Prepared from the finalized product instructions and LINKSOLAR pack-down video footage. Follow the current manual supplied with your tent.