How To Fix A Tent Pole

How to Fix a Broken Tent Pole

There have been 58 reviews with an average rating of 3.7 stars out of 5 stars for this product. Tightly woven tent poles serve as the skeleton of your outdoor shelter, giving support and structure to keep the tent standing. If a pole breaks, your tent may wobble, flap, or fully collapse, therefore it’s a good idea to be prepared with the essential materials and know-how to repair a broken pole before you go camping. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to do the following:

While in the field, learn how to use a repair sleeve or an old tent stake to hold a broken tent pole together until it can be repaired at home. Learn how to replace the flexible shockcord inside your tent pole if it breaks or wears out and how to make an at-home repair.

Repairs by professionals: If you require expert assistance, many REI locations can do simple repairs. Alternatively, TentPole Technologies, the nation’s best pole repair service, is a fantastic alternative. REI Repair Services is a division of REI.

Splinting a Broken Tent Pole

The damage done to your tent pole by a violent gust of wind or stepping on it is irreversible. A kinked, split, or shattered pole requires rapid treatment when out camping (when you get home, you can look into having the pole replaced or professionally repaired.) There are two alternatives available to you:

In the field, whether your tent pole is kinked, split, or snapped as a result of a stepping on it or a strong gust of wind, you must act quickly to fix the damage (when you get home, you can look into having the pole replaced or professionally repaired.) Alternatively, you can:

Using a Pole Repair Sleeve

A pole repair sleeve is the quickest and most convenient method of repairing a damaged pole. This little tube, which is also known as a splint, is frequently included with your tent. If you don’t already have one, go out and get one. Pole repair sleeves should be somewhat bigger in diameter than the pole they are intended to fix so that they do not move about too much. A repair sleeve is an easy way to patch a broken tent pole. Here’s how:

Stack the broken pole components in a straight line
It is possible to straighten out the curvature in the pole if it is bent but not completely broken. Adjusting the sleeve over the pole end until it’s perfectly centered over the break or kink can necessitate the use of pliers or a rock to bend spread sections so that the sleeve can glide over them
Make two or three wraps around each end of the sleeve/pole, using duct tape or whatever heavy-duty tape you happen to have on hand. It may be necessary to splint the portions of a broken pole together where one pole end fits into the next pole end
However, this will prevent the poles from folding neatly when you pull the tent down.

Using a Tent Stake as a Splint

If you’ve misplaced or forgotten your pole repair sleeve, you may make a rudimentary splint out of a tent stake as follows:

Stack the broken pole components in a straight line
The curve should be straightened out if the pole is bent but not completely broken. Align the stake such that it is centered close to the breach in the ground
Wrap duct tape around each end of the stake/pole many times, or use whatever heavy-duty tape you have on hand.

How to Replace Tent-Pole Shockcord

After a period of time, the flexible shockcord that is included within your tent poles may become abraded and snap, or it may just lose its elasticity completely. Despite the fact that the shockcord snaps while you’re out in the field, you may still utilize the pole by carefully assembling each of its component pieces. But when you arrive home, you’ll want to replace the shockcord since it simplifies the assembly process and prevents you from losing a pole segment during transport. Fortunately, the procedure of changing it is uncomplicated.

A permanent marker
Masking tape (optional)
Scissors
Locking pliers (optional)
A new 1/8-inch-diameter shockcord (about the length of your tent pole)
A permanent marker
Locking pliers (optional).

The following is the procedure for replacing the shockcord:

Begin by placing the tent pole out straight on the ground. Sections can be labeled with a permanent marker (masking tape can be used if you don’t want to write directly on the pole) to prevent them from becoming mixed up. Remove the old cable by snipping it, and then take the elastic out of the pole end. Maintain the same sequence and alignment of all of the pole parts for the duration of your job
It is common for tent poles to have a little metal piece attached at either end where the string is fastened
Keep an eye out for these pieces and make sure they are not lost. Using your old shockcord, untangle the ends and place them next to your new shockcord. the length of the new piece of shockcord should be trimmed to match the length of the original The replacement part should be approximately 8 inches shorter than the previous section if the old shockcord has become stretched out and no longer has its elastic properties. Tighten one end of the shockcord and pass the other end through all of the pole sections until the last one
Make a temporary knot in the shockcord to prevent it from slipping back into the second-to-last pole piece
Alternatively, you may use a pair of locking pliers to secure the cord in place. Feed the remaining shockcord through the final part of the pole and tie the end together. Return to the beginning and untie (or unclamp) the rope that connects the final two pole parts. Check to make sure that all of the pole components are securely fastened to the completely completed pole. If the shockcord is still too slack, untie one end and pull it out 6 inches at a time until the poles are securely fastened together when the shockcord is tightened. It is important not to over-shorten the rope. Using pliers, remove the parts of the pole and fold it up starting at the center position

Getting Started with Tent Care
How to Repair a Tent
Checklist for Backpacking Repair Kits
How to Set Up a Tent

Contributing Experts

Jon Almquist works as a product manager for tents at the REI Co-op headquarters in Kent, Washington.

Laura Evenson

Currently, Laura Evenson works as a sales lead in the camp and climb departments at the REI Conshohocken location in Pennsylvania. Laura’s 2013 Appalachian Trail thru-hike included 27 consecutive days of rain, demonstrating her tenacity as an adventurer.

Chris Pottinger

When Laura Evenson works at the REI Conshohocken, Pa., store, she is a sales lead in the camp and climb departments. Her 2013 Appalachian Trail thru-hike included 27 days of continuous rain, demonstrating Laura’s strength as an adventurer.

Lindsey Stone

Currently based in Seattle, Lindsey Stone works as the operations director for Rainy Pass Repair Inc.

Prior to that, she worked as a professional sewing technician for a total of 12 years. Her family, which includes her husband, kid, and dog, likes hiking, camping, and canoeing together.

Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation Breaking a tent pole might bring your camping vacation dreams crashing down around you, literally, if you’re not careful. That is, unless you know how to do a few simple repairs on your own. A few simple, readily-available supplies will have you back in the warmth and safety of your dependable shelter in minutes, whether you’re tape up a pole that’s been split down the middle, strengthening a broken part, or replacing a worn out shock wire.

1 Place the damaged pole on a level place and allow it to air dry. This may be accomplished with the use of a portable camping table or picnic table. You may also place the pole on top of a flat piece of equipment, such as a cooler or a toolbox, if you don’t have access to either of these pieces of furniture. The worst-case situation may be solved by placing a smooth rock or a level stretch of ground on the ground.

There is no need to disassemble the pole or remove the elastic shock wire that binds it together
This is a simple procedure. Clean up any leaves, twigs, pine needles, sand or other similar material from your work surface before you continue. It is possible that if any of these materials make their way onto your tape, they will impair its ability to adhere correctly.

2 Cut a piece of gaffer’s tape the same length as the split part and place it over the split segment. To decide how long a strip of tape you will require, align the loose end of the tape with the extreme end of the segment, then gently unspool the roll until you reach the far end of the segment. Cleanly tear the tape to ensure that both ends are perfectly square

2 Cut a piece of gaffer’s tape the same length as the split part and place it over the split segment. 3 Determine the length of the segment by aligning the loose end of the tape with the extreme end of the segment and progressively unspooling the roll until you reach the other end. Tear the tape as cleanly as possible to ensure that both ends are perfectly square

Tip: This simple, no-frills solution is best suited for emergency scenarios, such as when a pole splits on you while you’re already out in the woods. Advertisement
s3 Place the lateral edge of the tape over the split and press firmly into place. Cover the full length of the split with a strip of tape measuring 1 4–1 2inch (0.64–1.27 cm). Depending on the breadth of the roll you’re working with, you’ll have between 1 2 and 11 2 inches (1.3 and 3.8 cm) of reinforcement left over.

It is significantly more beneficial to tape a split longitudinally than than merely covering the ends of the split. The greater the amount of surface area on which the tape can attach, the more securely it will clamp the split together.

4 Continue wrapping the tape around the divide until it is completely covered. Fold the tape with care to prevent leaving wrinkles or creases in the fabric. The pads of your fingers can be used to smooth down the strip once you’ve secured the entire strip in place. You are now free to continue erecting your tent without any further concerns.

By wrapping the tape in this manner, you will be able to overlap the split itself at least twice while simultaneously tying the remainder of its length. It should be fine to go for the rest of the season, if not longer, if you use the proper type of tape and wrap your pole tightly.

1 If required, trim or break off the jagged edges surrounding the break to prevent it from fraying. Remove any shards or splinters that are visible extending out beyond the shaft of the segment with wire cutters, or pry them loose with a pair of pliers if they are stuck in the shaft of the segment. This will ensure that the afflicted area has a consistent thickness and that the rough edges do not cause more harm.

It’s possible that you’ll have to manually bend aluminum poles back into shape in order for them to fit inside the tent pole repair sleeves that you’ll be utilizing. A large number of aluminum tent poles can be bent by hand, but if you are having trouble, you may try using an arbor press in the same way that you would bend tiny aluminum sheet pieces.

It’s possible that you’ll have to bend aluminum poles back into shape by hand in order for them to fit inside the tent pole repair sleeves that you’re going to use. The majority of aluminum tent poles can be bent by hand
But, if you are having trouble, you may try using an arbor press in the same manner you would bend tiny aluminum sheet pieces.

Most modern tents come with at least one repair sleeve, which allows you to do quick repairs in the field. These are often constructed of an ultra-strong aluminum alloy, which results in a splint that is both durable and lightweight. Alternatively, if you don’t have a repair sleeve available, a tent pole or a stout stick might be used as a substitute.

Tip: Although it is not required to disassemble the pole in order to slide the sleeve into position, it may be more convenient to do so. 3 Duct or gaffer’s tape can be used to secure the ends of the sleeve. Strips of 4–6 in (10–15 cm) wide tape should be torn off the pole and wound around the spots on the pole where they emerge from the sleeve’s outer borders. After you’ve applied the tape, you’ll be free to set up and pack your tent as you usually would, safe in the knowledge that the splint will function to stabilize the fracture.

Tip: While it is not required to disassemble the pole in order to slide the sleeve into position, doing so may be more convenient. 3 Duct or gaffer’s tape can be used to secure the sleeve’s ends together. Strips of 4–6 in (10–15 cm) wide tape should be torn off the pole and wound around the spots where they emerge from the sleeve’s outside edges. As soon as you’ve applied the tape, you’ll be free to set up or pack your tent as you normally would, certain that the splint will function to stabilize the fracture.

First, look for an identically sized replacement section to use in place of the damaged pole. Some tent manufacturers include replacement parts with their products, such as poles and pole segments, in the initial packaging. It’s possible that your tent didn’t come with any replacement parts, in which case you’ll have to buy a new section from the original manufacturer. If you’re buying an old segment, make sure you measure it across the opening to ensure you’re obtaining one with the correct measurements.

You may also be able to locate a specific pole segment that meets your requirements on a website or via a merchant that specializes in old outdoor equipment. Replacement tent pole segments are often constructed considerably longer than conventional tent pole segments, allowing them to be readily trimmed to fit
However, replacement tent pole segments are not always made this way.

2 Measure and mark the length of the new section to ensure that it is the same length as the previous one. Place the two segments side-by-side on a level surface with their bottom edges lined and their bottom edges aligned. Use a felt-tipped marker to draw a thin line on the shaft of the new section where the previous segment stops, and then cut along that line. This line will identify the location of the new section segment where you will be performing the necessary alterations

Alternatively, you can place a strip of contrasting masking or painter’s tape around the segment to indicate where you want to make your cut. If your poles are constructed of fiberglass, cutting through the tape rather than the exposed shaft may also assist to prevent cracking or splitting. Don’t worry about being too accurate here
The goal is to prevent cracking or splitting. Whatever the length of the new segment is relative to the length of the original section, it will perform perfectly.

3 Using a hacksaw, cut the section to the desired length. Orient the pole piece such that the portion bearing the mark you just produced extends beyond the edge of your work surface when you place it at the edge of your work surface. Then, using smooth strokes and steady, moderate pressure, glide the teeth of your hacksaw back and forth over the line. Continue to saw until you reach the end of the segment
This will take some time.

The opposing end of the section should be held securely in place with your free hand to prevent it from sliding around unexpectedly while you’re attempting to concentrate on sawing. When using your hacksaw, proceed with caution. Despite the fact that they are not very hazardous instruments, an accident might still occur if you are not paying attention to what you are doing.

While you’re attempting to concentrate on sawing, hold the other end of the section firmly with your free hand to prevent it from sliding around suddenly. When using a hacksaw, exercise caution. It is true that they are not very hazardous instruments, but if you are not paying attention to what you are doing, an accident might still occur.

It is advisable to use sandpaper with a grit that is anywhere between 80 and 120 while doing this activity.

This process will be best accomplished with a sandpaper with a grit ranging between 80 and 120.

When you pull the cable out, be cautious not to lose any of the loose pole pieces that may have come away. Because they’re cylindrical, they’ll be more prone to rolling than other shapes. Due to the fact that you will be dismantling the pole in order to install the new shock cord, now is a good time to replace any pole segments that are showing signs of wear.

Tip: Use a felt-tipped marker to number the pole parts, starting with the end that was cut first. Putting them all back together in the proper arrangement will be a piece of cake later on. 2 A knot on one end of the replacement cord will serve as an anchor for the replacement cord. Simply choose a point 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) away from the end of the string and loop it into a basic double overhand knot to complete the look. After that, give the knot a couple of strong tugs to make sure it’s secure

Tip: Use a felt-tipped marker to number the pole parts, starting with the end that was chopped off earlier. This will make it much easier to put them all back together in the proper arrangement later on
And 2 A knot on one end of the replacement cable will serve as an anchor for the new cord. Simply choose a point 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) away from the end of the cord and loop it into a basic double overhand knot to complete the design. Make a few of vigorous tugs on the knot to ensure that it is securely tied

3 Each of your pole segments should have a fresh cable threaded through it. Running the cord through each section one at a time and securing them all together is the quickest and most efficient method of accomplishing this. In most cases, when you purchase a replacement shock cable, it will come with an attachable wire pull-through mechanism, which will assist you in speeding up the procedure somewhat.

3 Each of your pole segments should have a fresh cable threaded through them. Running the cord through each piece one at a time and securing them all together is the quickest and most straightforward method of accomplishing this. When you purchase a replacement shock cable, it will almost always come with an attachable wire pull-through device, which will aid in the speeding up of the procedure.

4 Remove one end of the cord and tie it off with the pole stretched out to its full length. Once you’ve completed the process of running the new cord through each section, lay the entire assembly down on the floor. Extend the cord to generate some tension, then twist up a second double overhand knot 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) from one end of the cord opposite the one you began with. That is all there is to it.

Remember to put a second washer onto the string before tying your final knot if you used one on the first side
Otherwise, the knot will not hold. It is important to remember that if your shock cords are connected with metal pull tips rather than anchor knots, you must replace them according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Things You’ll Need

Gaffer’s tape or duct tape for tent pole repair
A tent pole repair sleeve Wire cutters or pliers (as an alternative)
Optional: a tent stake or a stout stick (for use as a makeshift splint)

Toolkit includes: replacement pole segment
Felt-tipped marker
Hacksaw
Metal file or medium-grit sandpaper
Contrast tape (optional)
And instructions.

Sharp knife or scissors, steel washer (optional), replacement shock cable (optional), hacksaw (optional), and other miscellaneous supplies. Alternatives include: a file or sandpaper. Optional: a felt-tipped marker

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Hey, hey, summer has officially here. Yes, the pandemic implies that some people may be unable to go or camp due to the disease, and many campgrounds will remain closed. However, scattered camping is still an option almost everywhere, and new campsites are being built all the time to accommodate the growing demand. To put it another way, it’s time to break out the tent. Alternatively, if one of the tent poles becomes damaged while being removed from the tent, it is necessary to utilize the little metal sleeve that came with the tent.

I’ve been camping for several decades and had never needed to use one before then.

It took me a while to figure out how the repair sleeve worked because I’d never used one before.

In this little video from MSR, the manufacturer of the Hubba Hubba NX, which is one of my all-time favorite hiking tents, you can see how simple it is to do that repair in the field.

Help! My tent is broken! – How to fix your tent and repair poles

Summer has finally arrived, at long last. Traveling and camping will be out of the question for many because of the epidemic; several campgrounds have already closed their doors as a result. However, scattered camping is still an option almost everywhere, and new campsites are being built all the time to accommodate the increasing demand. In other words, it’s time to get out the tent. Alternatively, if one of the tent poles becomes damaged while being removed from the tent, it is necessary to utilize the little metal sleeve that came with the tent.

That particular tent pole had been in use for five years until the strain became too much for it.

Later, I found it out, but not before spending 30 minutes frustratedly attempting to remove the pole portion from the connection that connected the several poles together.

In this little video from MSR, the manufacturer of the Hubba Hubba NX, which is one of my all-time favorite hiking tents, you can see how simple it is to perform that repair while out in the wilderness. If only I’d known it would have saved me at least 20 minutes of wailing and cursing.

Fixing a bent tent peg

Hello, hey, summer has finally here. Yes, because of the epidemic, some people may be unable to go or camp, and many campgrounds will remain closed. However, scattered camping is still an option almost everywhere, and new parks are sprouting all the time. It’s time to break out the tent, to put it another way. If, however, one of the tent poles becomes damaged during the process of removing the tent, it is time to use the little metal sleeve that came with your tent. I’ve been camping for several decades and had never needed to use one of the pole wraps until this year, when I accidently walked on a pole when it was under strain.

I wasn’t sure how the repair sleeve worked because I’d never used one before.

In this little video from MSR, the manufacturer of the Hubba Hubba NX, which is one of my all-time favorite hiking tents, you can see how simple it is to do that repair while out in the field.

Replacing a snapped guy line

Guy lines are generally rather robust, and I haven’t come across one that has snapped yet. However, if this does happen to you, don’t be concerned, because replacement guy lines are readily available online.

Fixing Leaking Tent Seams

Guy lines are generally rather robust, and I haven’t come across one that has broken yet. However, if this does happen to you, don’t be concerned, because replacement guy lines are readily available online and in most sporting goods stores.

The waterproof coating or seam sealant has become ineffective
The seam has been stretched beyond its breaking point, and the seal has been compromised. A previously undiscovered fault has just recently become a problem as a result of a change in wind/rain strength and direction.

You should also double-check that the seam is indeed leaking, as moisture in a tent may often give the appearance of a leak. You could even find yourself with a pool of water in your tent if your tent hasn’t been properly ventilated before you set up camp. An additional consideration is that certain poly-cotton or canvas tents may have somewhat leaky seams the first time they are used, since the materialstitching has not yet settled (well, this is what one manufacturer reported anyway). It is simple to repair a little leaky seam.

If you want a more permanent solution, you may acquire some tent seam sealer instead.

Click here to read an article on how to avoid a leaky tent and how to stop the tent seams from leaking.

Waterproofing Your Tent

It is also possible to seek treatment for leaky seams if you believe that water is no longer running off the tent material as it used to, which is something you should investigate further. Even the soapy combination used in your child’s bubbles might be a source of concern for them. Was it ever brought to your attention that laundry detergent might destroy the waterproof covering from your tent? A problem might arise even from the soapy combination used in your child’s bubbles. You may purchase a spray-on waterproofer, which is a convenient item to have on hand when camping.

Although it is considerably more difficult and time-consuming to apply to the entire tent (with the added danger of making it appear ‘patchy’), there are some firms that will do this for you, as well as thoroughly cleaning the tent to make it look as near as possible to its original condition.

Fixing a Bent or Broken Tent Pole

Now, the answer to a broken or bent tent pole is highly dependent on the type of tent pole in question, as well as the location and severity of the damage.

Replacing ‘bendy’ Fibreglass Tent Poles

If your tent is equipped with flexible tent poles (which are normally constructed of fiberglass or a composite material and are typically black or grey in color), they are the easiest to repair and replace.

1. Simple DIY Tent Pole ‘gaffa’ Repair

Most of the time, these sorts of poles are capable of splitting, exposing the inner elastic that binds the various pieces together. The best in-field fix for this is a simple piece of gaffa or duct tape. We’ve done this previously, and the tape really lasted for a few more seasons after that. When you go camping, always remember to bring some gaffer tape with you.

2. DIY Replacement Section

Most of the time, these sorts of poles may be split open, revealing the inner elastic that binds the various portions together. Regular gaffa/duct tape works well in this situation for in-field repairs. Before, we had done something similar, and the tape really lasted for a few of seasons after that. ” When you go camping, always remember to bring some gaffer tape.

Replacing Steel Tent Poles

It is possible to straighten a bent steel tent pole if it is a straight portion and it has not been bent too far out of shape; however, this is not recommended. But if that isn’t possible or if the tent pole is formed, it is preferable to take it to a metal craftsman with a non-bent pole that is identical to the bent pole. The metal worker will be equipped with equipment that will allow him to quickly return the pole to its original shape, as well as the ability to heat the pole if necessary to avoid straining the metal.

2. Replacing the bent pole section

When it comes to poles that can’t be replaced, your options are quite restricted. There are occasionally some replacement poles available for straight portions, however most steel tent poles are made to a specified form for the tent type that you have purchased.

3. Contact the retailer

The first thing I would suggest is that you contact the store where you purchased it, and if that is unsuccessful, you should contact another retailer who carries your brand of tent. Some merchants may have a few extras on hand, or they may have some old stock that they are willing to sell you. Of course, depending on the part, this may entail a modest premium over the standard rate.

4. Contact a spares supplier

Tent spares are only available from a few providers that offer a repair service. One such service isTentSpares.co.uk, a specialised outdoor repair service such asScottish Mountain Gear, which is one example of this type of service. My own experience with their service is limited (thank goodness! ), but I am aware of a few other people who have had positive experiences with it.

5. Contact the Manufacturer

It is uncommon that contacting the tent maker is effective. They send a lot of goods out to shops and don’t keep spares on hand, and they don’t keep stock on hand to assist consumers directly. unless they sell tents directly to the public, in which case there’s a chance they’ll have some on hand. You may also anticipate that the manufacturer will not be able to repair a single tent pole but will only be able to deliver (sell) you a whole set of tent poles because this is what is left over from their manufacturing run.

This might end up costing you almost as much as purchasing a brand new tent.

6. E-Bay

For popular tent models, there is a considerable second-hand market to choose from. While the expense of purchasing a second-hand version of your tent for the purpose of replacing a pole may seem extravagant, it may still be less expensive than other alternatives. Keep an eye out on the second-hand market for any more tents that may be available as spares. Somebody else’s tent may have been damaged, but it may have been in a different place, and you will be able to pick it up for a far lower price.

Repairing a Ripped Tent

A ripped tent does not necessarily imply the end of the tent.at least not if the rip is not too severe. When you are camping, gaffa tape will come in handy if you have a little rip. In case of an emergency, you may also purchase tent repair tape to use in the meanwhile. Cover the area with a tarp if you need to make an emergency repair to a larger rip — you do have a tarp, don’t you? (read this). Some tents include some repair cloth as well as some glue for minor repairs (and a few with a self-adhesive patch).

If your tent does not come with a patch, you can purchase one from a store; however, the color of the patch may not match the color of your tent.

If you require anything further, you may need to call a local tent repairer (whom your local camping shop may be able to recommend) or look into purchasing a used tent.

Useful items for DIY Tent Repairs

Here are some tools and supplies you may use to repair your damaged tent on your own. GorillaTapeIdeal for making quick repairs in an emergency. Outwell The Luminous Guy Line is a line of clothing that is brightly colored and stands out from the crowd. VangoGuy Line is a transportation company that specializes on vangos. There are a variety of colors to choose from. OutwellDurawrap These are available in a variety of sizes. Outwell Steel Pole with a Straight Base These are available in a variety of sizes.

VangoFibreglass Pole is made of fiberglass.
McNettSeamSure For the purpose of repairing leaky seams McNettSeamgrip It is used for mending seams that have fallen apart.
Patches of McNett’s tenaciousness For bigger holes in your tent, use a tent sealant.
NikwaxTent It is possible to purchase them in either spray-on or bigger sizes.
Photos courtesy of Thomas Guest.

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Your Tent Pole Just Snapped—Now What?

Outdoor What Should You Do If Your Tent Pole Breaks? The 28th of August, 2017 You’ve been hiking for the better part of the day to come to this spot: your dream camping. You may finally unload your heaviest load and begin setting up your camp. If you move quickly, you’ll be sitting around the campfire eating dinner just as the first star appears in the sky. What was that loud crack you heard? Having a tent pole break while camping is a terrible, but somewhat regular, camping incident. Strong winds, poles that have been weakened with age, and inexpensive materials are all potential causes—and occasionally it’s just plain old wear and tear.

If this happens to you, there’s no need to fear; you’ll just have to get creative if you want to make it through the night without falling asleep.

Carry a Repair Sleeve

Outdoor What Do You Do If Your Tent Pole Breaks? Tuesday, August 28 This is the destination you’ve been looking forward to all day. Now is the time to put your heavy bag down and begin setting up your campsite. The first star will appear as soon as you sit down to dine by the campfire if you move quickly enough. What was that loud crack you were hearing earlier? A broken tent pole is an unpleasant, yet relatively typical camping catastrophe that may happen to any of us. Strong winds, poles that have been weakened with age, and inexpensive materials are all potential causes—and occasionally it’s just plain old wear and tear that does the trick!

You will just have to get creative in order to make it through the night without waking anyone up.

Duct Tape, Duct Tape, and More Duct Tape

While repair sleeves may not be an usual thing to find in a backpack, the chances are excellent that someone in your party took duct tape with them on their vacation to the mountains. Depending on where the pole snapped, you may be able to salvage a temporary remedy by wrapping the duct tape around the pole. The more you tape, the stronger it will be, so tape away.

Borrow From the Fly

If your tent is equipped with a fly, you may be able to be a bit more creative with your setup. Consider a vestibule as an example: it’s lovely to have, but it’s not absolutely necessary—if you have one, borrow its pole and see if it can be adjusted to replace (or support) the damaged pole. A sagging wall, on the other hand, may be OK provided you have a sturdy fly covering the opening to keep the elements out of the room.

Seek Help From Mother Nature

If the pole snapped at an inconvenient time, check around camp for a robust and sturdy stick to substitute for it. If you use some thread or duct tape to attach it to your pole, you might be able to use it as a temporary splint. Choosing this option will likely necessitate some ingenuity on your part when it comes to clipping and pole sleeves, since they aren’t designed to accept sticks and branches—but doing so may provide your tent with the structural stability it requires. Instead, if you’re on a well-traveled route or camping in a more popular location, you might be able to discover an old can that has been discarded someplace.

To cut the can, use a multitool to split it in half and then wrap the metal over the broken tent pole segment.

Make Do Without

If the pole has snapped and there doesn’t appear to be a way to repair it or replace it with anything else, you may have to make a small concession in terms of convenience. If your tent requires numerous poles to be set up, it may be feasible to get away with putting the tent up without using the damaged pole in question. Although it may cause the inside to become less spacious, it will serve its purpose in an emergency.

Sleep Under the Stars

You might want to consider changing your sleeping arrangements if you have a more minimalist-style tent with only a few poles that has proven hard to repair. In the absence of poles, you may still set up your tent by laying the tent material down to cover the ground, unrolling your sleeping bag, and using the fly as a blanket to help keep some moisture out. Visualize your trip as a sandwich, with the tent and fly serving as the crusty bread on the exterior and you and your sleeping bag serving as the vegetables and meat on the inside.

Make a point of picking up a tent repair kit when you get back to civilization; they are all temporary solutions that will get you through a night or two, but you’ll want something more permanent for future camping trips.

How to Replace Shock Cord in Tent Pole

There are various little components in a tent that might fail, but these do not need the purchase of a completely new unit. Tent pole shock cords are susceptible to failure, deterioration, and brittleness with time, and finally loss of their elastic qualities. Your tent pole may no longer operate properly if the shock cord is no longer functioning properly. You may believe that new tent poles are required. Purchasing new tent poles, on the other hand, may be quite expensive, and there is a lot more affordable option.

It is simple to replace the shock cord in your tent pole; all you need are a few simple components and a positive mindset.

We’ll also talk about why shock cords are vital, as well as some preventative actions you may do to avoid more harm.

If you know how to mend a broken tent pole in the field, a broken tent pole in the field does not have to be a reason for panic.

What is a tent shock cord and why is it important?

Modern tent poles are equipped with shock cords, which serve primarily to keep your tent poles connected to one another. Tents of the past had poles that easily split apart into tiny portions, however the newer design preserves all of your poles in one piece and makes pitching your tent much simpler. You may still utilize the fragments of a broken shock cord from one of your poles if the cord is from another pole. Nonetheless, because your tent poles are intended to be linked, pitching your tent may prove to be a significant issue.

Upon assembly of the poles, the shock cords are formed of an elastic material, which allows for the individual segments to be kept together with elastic once the poles have been joined.

What you need to replace the shock cord in a tent pole

Make sure you have all of the materials you’ll need before starting to work on your tent repair. A replacement shock cord may be purchased at your local camping store, and there are several companies who sell shock cords online as well. You will require the following materials:

Make sure you have all of the materials you’ll need before beginning to work on your tent repair. Purchasing a replacement shock cable is simple and may be done at your local camping supply store or from one of the many internet sellers. It is necessary to have the following materials:

How to replace a faulty shock cord in a tent pole

The moment has come to get started on mending your shelter now that you have all of the equipment you need, as well as some new shock cable to replace the old, faulty ones you had to start from scratch. If you follow our instructions, your tent will look and function like new! The first thing you should do if your shock cord is still intact is to cut it with scissors by pulling apart two portions of your tent pole and severing the shock cable within them. You will see that your tent pole will come apart into its many components after the cable has been severed.

Because it’s probable that the pole portions in the middle are similar, the end pieces where the rope is knotted are the most critical parts to avoid getting mixed up in the process.
Perhaps you’ll need to remove your grommet pegs and then untie the remaining cable before you can continue.
2.
Remember to collect the proper dimensions for each tent pole if you’re replacing the shock cord in a number of different models.
Make a mark on the cord using a marker pen to indicate the length that will be needed, but do not cut it yet!
If you are unable to use your previous cord as a reference, measure and mark the new cord to be approximately 8 inches shorter than the pole, or around 75% of its overall length.
You’ll need to cut the cord to a length that’s slightly longer than the length of your tent poles in order to leave enough room to thread it through.

How to Repair a Shock Cord if it Breaks in the Field

A snapped or overstretched shock cable might make erecting your shelter more difficult if you’re already out on the trail during your camping vacation. If you want to repair the wire without having to replace the entire length, fortunately, there is a simple solution. However, while this is not a permanent solution, it will allow you to use your tent for a short period of time until you can replace the cord completely. If the cable hasn’t snapped, but rather has become too stretched out to go around your tent pole, there’s a simple solution.

Then, draw the shock cable through the grommet peg until it is taught once again, and reattach it to the grommet peg.
If the shock cord on your old tent pole has snapped, you’ll need to remove the pole using the steps outlined above to fix the problem.
Remove a few inches of the cord’s elastic core on each side of the break, leaving only the braided sheath on the other side.
The reason you need a thinner segment of cord to tie the knot is so that the knot will not become trapped in the poles and will be able to flow through freely.

Using string as a temporary replacement for a broken shock cord

If the shock cord in your tent pole is damaged beyond repair and you don’t have a new replacement cord on hand, you can use a string to tie the poles together until you can purchase a new replacement cable. Although this will not have the same elastic characteristics as real shock cable, it can be used as a temporary replacement until you can make more serious repairs. Keep this in mind when using this. All you need to execute this DIY patch is a length of strong string and a hair bobby pin, making it a simple repair that can be completed with a small number of supplies.

Remember to be careful not to mix up the pole pieces once again, so that you can quickly put them back together thereafter when you’re through.
Calculate the length of your string based on the length of your tent pole plus a few additional inches for tying the knots, and then cut it.
This will make it much easier to thread the string back through the tent.
Dropping the bobby pin down through the pole and then gently pulling it out from the other side is a good way to do this.
Because you’re using string rather than an elastic cord, you won’t be able to tighten it before tying it off properly.
Tie off your string on the grommet peg, allowing for the additional length, and then singe the ends to avoid fraying.

When you’re finished, we recommend that you unfurl your poles to make sure there’s enough slack to pack away your tent properly. Any mistakes can be corrected by untying the end at a peg and making any required modifications.

How to repair a broken tent pole

The shock cord isn’t the only part of your tent pole that might break; the outer poles themselves can be susceptible to breaking at times. If you experience a tent pole breakdown while on a camping vacation, it might render your shelter entirely inoperable! You should be familiar with these simple methods for repairing a damaged tent pole as well as changing the bungee cord so that you are prepared for any situation that may arise. A pole repair sleeve, also known as a splint, is the most straightforward method of repairing a broken pole.

Purchasing a repair sleeve is a cheap option if your tent does not come equipped with one; you never know when you might require one.
If the tent pole has simply been twisted, and not completely cut, gently bend the metal back into place to prevent further damage.
If there are any shards of broken tent pole metal in your path, try bending them back inwards with some pliers or, if necessary, a rock to clear the route.
Alternatively, if you do not have a tent pole repair sleeve, you can splint the pole with an extra stake.
Using duct tape, secure a stake to either side of the broken tent pole and then line up the broken tent pole the same way you did previously.

Preventing damage to your tent poles in the future

If you’ve had to make a repair to your tent pole shock cord and want to prevent having to do it again in the future, we have some suggestions for maintaining and extending the life of your tent poles to help you out. Keep your poles off the ground at all times, especially if you’re working in a sloppy environment with loose soil, gravel, or mud. Openings into the hollow inside of the poles may be seen when your poles are folded up. It’s ideal to prevent having any debris get trapped inside your tent poles because this might cause the shock cord to become abrasive and eventually break.

When building your tent and connecting the tent poles, start with the central segment and work your way out from there.

This will lower the amount of strain placed on the elastic shock cable within, hence reducing the likelihood of breakages and the need for replacement.

You’ll be considerably more likely to prevent repairs and replacements in the future if you follow these few simple suggestions. If you’re willing to put in the effort to make a few minor repairs, then resting on your camping vacation will be much more enjoyable.

Final Verdict:

It is occasionally required to replace the shock cord in your tent pole, but it does not have to be a difficult process. It is possible to save a large amount of money by making minor repairs and replacements to your camping equipment over time, and it is also considerably healthier for the environment. Learning how to execute these little repairs is simple, and more importantly, it will make you a more experienced camper. As an added bonus, watch this video for some further tent pole repair advice!

How to Fix your Pole Set

Ever returned to camp after a long day on the trail to discover your tent overturned and your pole set a complete mess of shock cord and poles? If so, you’re not alone. Hopefully, the response is negative. However, occasionally a storm or a stray wind gust might have a negative impact on your tiny home away from home. Fortunately, our staff here at NEMO has prepared for the worst, and your tent comes with a pole splint that can be found within the pole bag. Here’s what you’ll need to accomplish in order to go through the rest of your journey: 1.

Locate the pole splint and the broken pole segment in your pole set by following the arrows. The pole splint should be pushed up the poles until it is covering the fractured pole piece. Make use of duct tape or repair tape to keep the pole splint firmly attached to the pole set. You can use a pole set until you’re able to return home and do a more thorough repair. Watch this video for a brief instruction on how to use it.

At-Home Repair

Once you have returned home, please contact our customer service department. Because pole segments are removable, you won’t have to replace the entire pole set if one segment breaks. If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-997-9301, or fill out our Spare Parts Obtain Form to request a pole section. In either case, they’ll be pleased to assist you in restoring your pole set to full functionality in preparation for your next expedition. Although disassembling a pole set might seem scary if you’ve never done it before, it should be a simple and quick operation as long as you follow the steps in the instructions carefully and thoroughly.

This chart may also be used to keep track of your progress once you have received the replacement pole section and are ready to begin the repair.

Once you’ve received the new pole segment, follow the step-by-step process below for replacing it in your pole set:

1. Remove the ball cap from the end of the pole that is closest to the damaged segment. After that, detach the ball cap from the shock cable with a screwdriver. Remove the ball cap from the pole by unscrewing it and pulling it away from the shock cord. 2: Untie the shock cord loop so that the shock cord may be readily threaded through the poles. One of the most common NEMO tent components, this three-pronged hub links the shock cable to the hub through a little black clip that can be taken out of the middle of the hub.

You may put a number on a piece of paper (or directly on the pole itself in marker) and name the poles as they come off the shock cord with that number as they come off the cable.

5. Maintain a firm grip on the shock cord, as it has a reputation for sliding through your fingers! 6. Once you’ve threaded the rope through the last pole and connected it to the ball cap, tie a knot at the end. 7. Replace the cap on the end pole using a screwdriver.

Special Instructions: Hubs

For damaged pole segments that need the removal of the shock cord from a central hub, this is the most effective procedure for restoring the hub to working condition. One of the most common NEMO tent components, this three-pronged hub links the shock cable to the hub through a little black clip that can be taken out of the middle of the hub. Three-pronged hub: The Dagger, Aurora, Hornet, Hornet Elite, Firefly, and Dragonfly are all equipped with this hub, as are the Hornet and Aurora. One portion, the ridge pole of the tent, is joined to the other half by a little black clip, which is used to tie the shock cord to the hub of the tent.

The easiest way to remove this black clip is to:

For damaged pole segments that need the removal of the shock cord from a central hub, below is the most effective procedure for restoring the hub to working order: Many NEMO tents include this three-pronged hub, which is connected to the tent’s shock cord by a little black clip that can be taken out of the center of the hub’s center. The Dagger, Aurora, Hornet, Hornet Elite, Firefly, and Dragonfly are all equipped with a three-pronged hub. In one piece, the ridge pole of the tent, a little black clip connects the shock cord to the hub, while the other section is held together by a large black buckle.

Loose Shock cord? No problem!

Over time, shock cord’s elasticity might deteriorate as a result of its use. In the event that you observe fraying, loss of elasticity, or that the poles do not fit together correctly, it is critical that you replace the shock cord in your pole set. Shock cord may be found at most sporting goods stores and on the internet. You can also get in touch with us personally if you require shock cords. Following the installation of your new shock cable, you’ll want to disassemble your pole set according to the instructions provided above.

Do you have a question?

Ethan Fontole