Once you’ve gone to the time and trouble of setting up a party tent, you might be tempted to just leave it up, but this isn’t a good idea for most tents. The tent will be exposed to rain, UV rays, and wind that can shorten its useful life. Lightweight aluminum poles not designed for extended use can warp or bend and become unusable. For long-term use, check out something like a canvas or military tent, which is designed to handle weather and UV exposure.