Chris Pottinger

REI Senior Tent Designer

Chris Pottinger worked for 8 years as a senior tent designer for REI Co-op in Washington state.

Latest Articles

Care and Repair
How to Repair a Tent
121 reviews with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars
Learn how to do some simple tent repairs, such as fixing a pole and patching tears, both in the field and at home.
Skills
How to Set Up a Tent
200 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars
Learn how to select a good campsite and get tips on setting up your footprint, poles, rainfly and guylines when you’re pitching your tent.
Care and Repair
How to Clean a Tent
328 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars
Properly cleaning your tent will allow you to enjoy many years of happy camping. Learn how in this article.
Care and Repair
How to Fix a Tent Pole
98 reviews with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars
Learn how to fix a broken tent pole in the field and at home.
Care and Repair
Tent Care Basics
461 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars
Learn how to extend the life of your tent by proper setup and takedown; also get tips on how to clean, dry, store and restore it at home.
Care and Repair
How to Store a Tent
231 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars
Storing a tent properly is key to keeping it performing well for years. In this article, we teach you how and where to store your shelter.
Care and Repair
How to Waterproof a Tent
374 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars
If your tent is leaking, it’s time to shore up its waterproofness. Learn how to seal seams, apply urethane coatings and refresh the DWR.