tarp poles?

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Bishop

Full Member
Jan 25, 2014
1,719
692
Pencader
I often find myself on the hills as opposed to woodland so I need some form of pole to create a tarp selter

I often see walking poles used for this but are there any other options. I was thinking something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Replaceme...hash=item2ed17156dd:m:msD3wLJQfY0cFqj5WIV_Uzw may work?

any other suggestions?

Those fibreglass poles are not rigid enough to be used vertically on their own being so prone to wobble they eventually slip out of position. Plus without some sort of end cap they put a lot of pressure on a small spot and that seldom ends well for the tarp. However using those poles as intended as an arch under compression can be applied to tarp & poncho's. Last time I messed around with this setup I used DIY 'grenade-pins' made from a keyring split rings and cotter pins to secure the ends and it worked reasonably well with a British Army Basha/tarp. The real beauty is of course that as you wander exploring you will find abandoned dome tents can be surprising common in some areas. if you don't mind orange I've got a dozen under the bench here.
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IC_Rafe

Forager
Feb 15, 2016
247
2
EU
I use with my 3X3 DD tarp
A set of robens poles
http://www.campingworld.co.uk/Mobile/MobileModels.aspx?ModelID=8323

Used them in lots of conditions wind rain and snow and have never failed and reasonably cheap

Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk

22 euro? for that price you can just get actually lighter hiking poles (ok, they kinda suck as hiking poles themselves, bad strap etc, but decathlon has a single one for 9 euro, which i'd count as a better option then ;) ).
 
Dec 6, 2013
417
5
N.E.Lincs.
The 'alpha poncho tent' makes a brilliant mobile hide too, it's incredible how close you can get to wildlife when holding one up in front of you, I've literally walked straight up to Deer almost to within stroking distance, they just stand and look at it and don't associate it in anyway with a human, very strange, it's even possible to take photos through the hole designed for sticking your head through.just remember it's like carrying a large umbrella though in the wind.

D.B.
 

Paul_B

Bushcrafter through and through
Jul 14, 2008
6,201
1,569
Cumbria
Anyone got an idea for a good set of poles to use for with a tarp when cycle touring/bikepacking as well as walking in the hills?
 

Quixoticgeek

Full Member
Aug 4, 2013
2,483
23
Europe
When cycling I still use my walking poles as tarp poles. Alternatively if weight is an issue, you can buy the poles that Luxe use on their shelters separately. They very light, but perhaps not the cheapest on the market.

J
 

Paulm

Full Member
May 27, 2008
1,089
183
Hants
I use with my 3X3 DD tarp
A set of robens poles
http://www.campingworld.co.uk/Mobile/MobileModels.aspx?ModelID=8323

Used them in lots of conditions wind rain and snow and have never failed and reasonably cheap

Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk


I use the same when car camping if uncertain about sourcing natural material on site, work great and you can raise and lower a side of your tarp easily for changes in weather, space etc.

For backpacking though, although I haven't had a need so far, walking poles would seem to be the best option as many have suggested.
 

Paul_B

Bushcrafter through and through
Jul 14, 2008
6,201
1,569
Cumbria
Used walking poles for years backpacking. Adjustable for those times you really need to hunker down low. Just drop the pole height and widen the pegging points, instant wind shedding. Simple really. I suspect most tarp poles sold just for that purpose don't have as much adjustability.
 

Paulm

Full Member
May 27, 2008
1,089
183
Hants
Used walking poles for years backpacking. Adjustable for those times you really need to hunker down low. Just drop the pole height and widen the pegging points, instant wind shedding. Simple really. I suspect most tarp poles sold just for that purpose don't have as much adjustability.

The Robens tarp poles have loads of adjustment between something like 1m to 2.5m, don't quote me on the actual figures, but infinitely adjustable between packed length and fully extended.

Wouldn't see them as a backpacking choice though as said.
 

Paul_B

Bushcrafter through and through
Jul 14, 2008
6,201
1,569
Cumbria
I think I saw a Robens pole at 2kg weight somewhere. I hope that's wrong. Too heavy except for car camping.
 

Paul_B

Bushcrafter through and through
Jul 14, 2008
6,201
1,569
Cumbria
I might be looking at something else. IIRC there's two Robens tarp poles and one is a heavy car camping type like a heavy clothes line prop.
 

janso

Full Member
Dec 31, 2012
611
5
Penwith, Cornwall
Ive got a pair from Robens which I use for a drive away awning. I have seen a thinner lighter pair from Robens which would suit better. Can't recall if they are a different colour than standard bright steel or not. A quick Google fu should help


Sent from my hidey hole using Tapatalk... sssh!
 

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