Xiaomi tents are compact and functional solutions for tourists who value technology and convenience. However, even the most advanced models, such as the Mi Camping Tent or Smart Tent, can cause difficulties when folding, especially if you are doing it for the first time.
In this article, we will take a look at step-by-step instructions for different Xiaomi tent models, reveal the secrets of fast folding, and warn against the typical mistakes that even experienced tourists make. You will learn how to put the tent back into the case in 5 minutes without putting too much effort.
What Xiaomi Tent Models Are and How They Differ
Before you start folding, itβs important to understand what model youβre dealing with. Xiaomi produces several types of tents, and each has its own design nuances:
- ποΈ Mi Camping Tent (2-3 The most popular model with an aluminum frame and water repellent fabric, suitable for car trips or cycling.
- ποΈ Smart Tent - folds and folds in seconds thanks to flexible arcs, ideal for festivals or short trips.
- ποΈ Mi Outdoor Tent (4 seats) - an enlarged version for family holidays with a veranda and moskito-grid.
- ποΈ Mi Lightweight Tent - ultra-light model for backpacking tourism ~1.5 kg).
The main difference is the framework mechanism, for example, the Smart Tent is folded in the open umbrella principle, whereas the classic Mi Camping Tent requires disassembling the arcs and neatly stacking the fabric. If you are not sure about the model, look at the tag inside the tent - there is the name and article (for example, MJSXJ02FM for Mi Camping Tent 2).
Also pay attention to the material: budget models fabric thinner (150D polyester, and premium - stronger (210D s PU-This affects how much you can pull the tent when you fold it.
Preparing the tent for folding: what to do before laying
Before you fold a tent, you have to prepare it properly, and this is a phase that is often missed, but it's critical to the longevity of the product.
- Clean up. Remove all the trash, leaves and sand from the tent. Check the corners especially carefully, because dirt often accumulates there. Use a soft brush or a wet cloth (but not wet!).
- Drying. You can't fold a wet tent, it'll cause mold and a bad smell, spread it out in the sun or in a ventilated place for 2-3 hours, if you don't have time, wet the cloth with a dry towel.
- Frame check. Check the arcs for cracks or deformities. Xiaomi models often use aluminum or fiberglass struts, so they can't bend by force.
- Remove the extra accessories. Disconnect the moskito mesh, the floor mat (if any) and the arc cases. They fold separately.
If the tent has been in the rain for a long time, treat it with a water-repellent spray (such as Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof) before laying it down, which will prolong the life of the fabric.
β οΈ Warning: Never fold Xiaomi tent with sand inside! abrasive particles damage PU-And the tent will start to leak in a year or two, and this is especially true for thin-cloth models (150D).
βοΈ Checklist before folding
Step-by-step: how to fold a classic tent Xiaomi Mi Camping Tent
Classic Mi Camping Tent models (such as MJSXJ02FM or MJSXJ03FM) are folded according to the standard scheme, but with the specific features of the frame.
- Disassemble the frame. Remove the pegs and unhook the braces (if they were attached). Remove the arcs from the covers on the fabric. In Xiaomi models, they are fixed with clips β gently flick them off. Spread the arcs on a flat surface. They are connected by an elastic cord β do not pull it too hard, so as not to break.
- Folding the fabric. Spread the tent on the ground so that the entrance is on top. Fold the side walls to the center, as shown in the diagram below. Start rolling the tent from the feet (the opposite side of the entrance) to the head. Try to do this evenly, without skewing.
- Arrow stacking. Fold the arcs with an accordion (each in half, then in half again) and place them along the rolled fabric.
- Final packaging. Roll the tent with the arcs in a tight roll. Set the belts (include) and put it in a case.
The visual process looks like this:
[Entering]
β
[Side 1] β [Center] β [Side 2]
β
[Feets] β Rolling β [Head]If the tent doesn't fit in the case, don't push it -- you better turn it around and try to fold it again. A common mistake is that users try to force the tent, but it deforms the fabric and the arcs.
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If the arcs do not fold smoothly, moisten your fingers with water - this will reduce friction and help gently bend the aluminum racks.
Features of folding automatic tent Xiaomi Smart Tent
Xiaomi Smart Tent (such as the MJSXJ04FM) is pop-up like an umbrella, and the key is to break the mechanism properly so as not to damage the flexible arcs.
- Preparation. Make sure there are no foreign objects inside. Shake the tent so that the sand or debris is poured out.
- Folding. Take two opposite arcs (usually marked with color) and bring them together as if you've broken the tent in half. You'll hear a click, that's OK. Keep stacking the arcs in a circle until the tent turns into a flat circle.
- Fix. Secure the folded tent with a rubber band (it comes in) and put it in a case.
Important: Don't pull the cloth, just the arcs! In Smart Tent, the cloth is sewn to the frame, and if you pull it, the seams can break.
If the tent doesn't fold the first time, try turning it 90 degrees and repeating the action, and sometimes the arcs stick in one position.
β οΈ Warning: Do not store Smart Tent folded for more than 2 weeks. Flexible fiberglass arcs can deform if you stay bent for a long time. After the hike, deploy the tent for a day to "rest" the material.
Table: comparison of ways to fold Xiaomi tents
| Model | Type of frame | Folding time | Difficulty | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Camping Tent | Aluminum arcs | 5-7 minutes | Medium | Requires careful rolling of fabric |
| Smart Tent | Flexible fiberglass arcs | 1-2 minutes | Easy. | It folds like an umbrella, but is sensitive to excesses. |
| Mi Outdoor Tent | Aluminum + steel pegs | 8-10 minutes. | Tall. | Requires disassembly of additional elements (veranda, moskito-grid) |
| Mi Lightweight Tent | Ultra-fine arcs | 3-5 minutes | Medium | The fabric is very thin - you can not stretch very much |
And you can see from the table that the Smart Tent folds up the fastest, but it's more fragile, and if you're a frequent cyclist or hiking enthusiast, you'd better choose the Mi Lightweight Tent, which is smaller, although it requires more precision.
Frequent folding errors and how to avoid them
Even experienced tourists sometimes make mistakes that shorten the tent's lifespan.
- π« Stacking the tent wet, it causes mold and rotting seams, and if the tent gets wet, dry it for at least 1 hour in the wind.
- π« Use of force in arc laying. Aluminum struts in Mi Camping Tent can crack if bent at the wrong angle!
- π« Condensed storage. If the tent has been in the case for months, the cloth and arcs deform. Turn it around every 3 months for a day.
- π« Ignoring sand and dirt. Abrasive particles erase the water-repellent coating. Always shake out the tent before laying down.
- π« For example, if you roll the fabric first and then try to pull out the arcs, you can tear the rack covers.
Another common problem is that the tent doesn't fit in the case.
- πΉ Uneven rolling (one side is thicker than the other).
- πΉ Too tight stacking of arcs (they should lie along the roll, not across).
- πΉ Remaining items inside (lantern, powerbank, etc.).
If the case seems too small, try using a vacuum compression bag (sold in tourist shops) that will reduce the tent's volume by 30-40%.
What to do if the arc breaks?
How to store Xiaomi tent between hikes
Proper storage is as important as correct folding, and here are the key recommendations:
- π¦ Storage space. Keep the tent in a dry, ventilated place (such as in mezzanine or closet) Avoid damp basements or balconies, where mold may appear.
- π§΄ Cloth care. Treat your tent once a year with a water-repellent spray. Xiaomi will use silicone or silicone-based products. PU.
- π Periodic unfolding. 3-4 Take out the tent for a month, turn around for a day, and air out, and that will prevent the arcs and cloth from deforming.
- π§Ή Clean. Dispose of dust and dirt with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner at minimum power. Do not use the washing machine!
If you keep a tent in a garage or in a cottage, put a silica gel bag next to it (absorbs moisture), and you can wrap the case with a fabric bag, which will protect against dust.
For models with moskito-grids (such as Mi Outdoor Tent), it is important to keep the mesh separate from the main fabric so that it does not deform. If the mesh breaks, it can be sewn with a thin nylon thread or glued with a special glue for the fabric (for example, Gear Aid Tenacious Tape).
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Never store a Xiaomi tent in a plastic bag, which creates a greenhouse effect and leads to condensation. Use only breathable nylon or cotton cases.