What To Use For Tent Poles

How to Build an Indoor/Outdoor Kids’ Fort With Tent Poles

Every editorial product is chosen on its own merits, while we may be compensated or earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something after clicking on one of our affiliate links. As of the time of writing, the ratings and pricing are correct, and all goods are in stock. Time a few of hours Complexity BeginnerCost$51–100

Introduction

Create a reading nook or play place in the kids’ room with this indoor/outdoor fort, or use it as a small and movable sunshade for the park, beach, or backyard with this indoor/outdoor fort. The adventure begins with roughly $50 worth of basic camping essentials that are easy to transport. (When picking your materials, go to Step 1 for assistance with size.) Perhaps the most appealing feature is that it can be altered in a variety of ways. Make it uniquely yours!

Tools Required

• The following items are required: two (2) aluminum rod tent poles
• Clothespins or other clips (see alternatives in Step 6)
• Electrical tape or rubber twist-tie
• Ground stakes (optional). Tent ground tarp with eye holes
• Rain fly or other tent tarp cover
• Tent ground tarp with eye holes

Create another another interactive children’s toy:

Project step-by-step (9)

The size of your ultimate building is determined by the size of your tarp and poles together. When choosing your resources, keep in mind the smallest room in which you intend to put up the fort as a guideline.

Floor Tarp

• Make a note of your required length, breadth, and depth, and then look for a ground tarp or other flooring that meets your specifications.

• It took only a few minutes to construct a tiny structure that would fit between two beds using this 35-inch by 83-inch lightweight tent ground sheet. Aside from that, it has the same form as a yoga mat, which makes it an excellent cushioning alternative for wood floors. DIY Option: Sew loops or press grommets into the corners of a sturdy picnic blanket to add a decorative touch.

Cover Tarp

• The type of covering material you choose is determined by what you have on hand and what you want to accomplish. Use a basic rain-resistant tarp or a light UV-resistant sheet to protect yourself from the elements. Alternatively, you might go the natural route and use some scavenged sticks and branches to construct a wind-breaking lean-to.

• An old Boy Scout tarp (10 feet by 10 feet) worked well for this project, but any large tarpor fabric would suffice
• An added bonus is if your tarp includes eye holes. For added sturdiness, you may tie those to the ends of the tent poles.

• In order to properly size your cover tarp, you must first determine how long your poles are. When purchasing a tarp, make sure that it is at least twice as broad as the length of your poles. This should allow you to cover any layout.

• I used a 10-foot tarp that was just just broad enough to cover the arc formed by my 11-foot poles because of my design.

Poles

• To estimate the length of a pole, lay down a long, pliable item or rope on the floor and eyeball the length. Additionally, free modeling tools like as SketchUp might be used to obtain the measurements.

• Tent poles made of aluminum rod measuring 11 feet in length were utilized.

• Do you prefer mathematics? Continue reading to learn about a few of other, more rigorous techniques. If this is the case, proceed to Step 2
• Otherwise, continue to Step 3.

Method 1: Calculation of the circumference If you want an arc with an essentially constant radius — think of it as a perfect circle that has been half – calculate the circumference of a circle to symbolize the circle that passes through the corners of your ground tarp and tape it to the ground. Divide the result by two to obtain the necessary pole length. If you want to determine the diameter of the circle, you’ll need to discover the diameter of a circle that’s equal to the distance between the corners of the ground tarp you selected.

1. The following is an example utilizing a ground tarp measuring 35 inches by 83 inches: 8,114 is the sum of 35 squared (1,225) plus 83 squared (6,889).
2. (your diameter) The desired pole length is then calculated by multiplying pi () by the diameter to obtain the circumference, which is then divided by two.
3. A building with a little lower peak than a complete half-circle would be created by cutting the poles to a shorter length and utilizing a conventional 11-foot pole instead of the longer one.
4. If you want to create flatter or higher arc forms – think of an oval that has been half — you may use an arc calculator to compute the arc length, also known as the length of your desired pole.

• The Arc Width in this example refers to the distance between the corners of the floor tarp size that you selected. To compute, follow the steps outlined in Method 1. The height at which you want the central peak of your construction to be is known as the Arc Height.

• Obviously, tent poles do not always arc uniformly, but this will provide you with a reasonable approximation with which to begin your design work

Establish the Base

• Find an area that is suitably level and preferably soft, devoid of bumps, twigs, or pebbles that might be unpleasant or cut your flooring material, and then install it. Prepare your ground cloth or tarp by laying it out on the ground.

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Connect Poles

• Assemble your tentpoles so that they are all straight
• And Using one end of each pole, insert it into one of the ground tarp’s adjoining corner eye holes on one side. Place the poles on the ground cloth so that they are crossed over one another.

Set Up Poles

• Put your electrical tape or twist-tie in your pocket so that you’ll be prepared for the following stage. The poles should be bent upward into an upside-down U shape, and they should be inserted into the eye holes on the ground fabric on opposing corners

• This step might be challenging! To do it in one motion, step your foot on the ground fabric to keep it in place, grip both tent poles at the ends and push them up, with tips pointing straight down on each side of you, before sliding them straight through the eye openings on your left and right
• If you’re using the tent indoors and have scratch-sensitive floors, consider laying down an area rug or investing in some appropriate-sized rubber feet for the tent pole tips.

Secure Pole Crossover Point

• The top crossover point should be centered above the middle of the ground fabric. Electrical tape or a sticky rubber twist tie should be used to secure the tent poles together at this stage.

• If you want structural stability, this aspect is critical, therefore whatever method you select, make sure the poles cannot slip.

Add Cover Material

• Drape your covering material over the top of the tent pole structure and move it around until you’re satisfied
• Focus on getting two neighboring corners of your covering aligned with the bottom of the tent poles that you want to be the open entrance of yourkids’ fort
• If your cover material has eye holes, loop these onto the pole ends

Secure Cover

Here are a few suggestions for clips to use to attach your cover to the tent poles.

• The usage of clothespins is limited to a light covering or a low-duty/short-term application. Tent Pole C-Clips: It may take some searching to get a size that corresponds to the diameter of your selected tent pole. Creating your own C-Clips: Something with slotted plastic pipe, similar to what we did with our indoor fort project, or even an old pen or marker barrel would work well.

Stake It Down (Optional)

• Ground stakes can be used outside to provide support against the elements and whirling children.

• Stakes can also be used to assist you extend your fort, as seen in the photo above, assuming you have enough tarp material to do so.

Customize

• Children should be encouraged to finish the decorations with a pillow nest, a homemade pennant banner, or a hanging light that may be attached to the poles above. Alternatively, go through what you’d pack on a camping trip to get a feel for what you’d carry on the real thing! If you want to acquire more practice, you may play family camping games together.

What is the Best Material for Tent Poles

I’ve noticed a number of people inquiring about the best material for tent poles, so I decided to publish this page as a resource for others who are searching for information. In short, the material of the tent poles is determined by the function and features of the tent.

Tent poles technologies

Tent poles are currently made of a variety of materials and technologies, including:

1. Aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, steel, composite materials, and air beams are some of the materials used.

Please let me know if I have missed anything crucial, since there may be others. In any event, not all materials are suitable for use in all types of tents. This is a question of intent and financial resources. When selecting a tent, one of the most important considerations is the poles. As you can see from the materials listed above, the weight, strength, function, and height of the tent are all influenced by these factors. Light shock-corded poles are used in backpack portable tents, and an elastic string is threaded through their segments to keep them together.

Many of the rapid tents on display here on the site are fitted with strong telescopic poles that are activated by pressing spring-loaded buttons.

• System based on rings and pins. To do this, you need a pin linked to a ring, which you will place into the pole’s end end. Typically used in bigger automobile camping tents, the pin and grommet technique is utilized. This grommet has holes in it, and you’ll need to slide the pinned end of the pole into one of the holes on this grommet. This is commonly seen in trekking tents
• Nonetheless,

Which features to look for in tent poles

The following are some of the most significant characteristics of tent poles that spring to mind: However, these characteristics should be coupled with: As a result, you should expect certain trade-offs in this situation. Not every pole material is appropriate for every tent material and application.

1. Aluminum tent poles

Aluminum is primarily utilized in hiking tents, which are both pricey and lightweight. This is due to the high strength-to-weight ratio of the material. Nonetheless, you will see that there are numerous dome form vehicle camping tents with such poles available on our site, and you will also observe that they are often significantly more expensive than those with fiberglass poles. Even extremely big family camping tents are now equipped with such poles, but in these circumstances, you are benefiting from high-quality technology that has been developed for long periods of time.

Aluminum poles will keep their characteristics such as flexibility even when exposed to freezing temperatures, but fiberglass poles would not.

Aluminum is susceptible to corrosion, thus producers employ techniques such as anodizing to keep it from corroding.

I bent three portions of my Exio 4 tent and attempted to accomplish something, but was unable to complete the task entirely. The Kelty Trail Ridge 8 Tent is constructed of high-quality aluminum poles. What is advantageous about aluminum poles:

• They are lightweight but sturdy
• They flex but do not shatter as quickly as certain other materials. However, even the greatest aluminum poles can bend when exposed to gusts of around 80 mph
• However, this is something that can be repaired on the job site.

What is less favorable:

• They are typically prohibitively pricey. However, there are several very beautiful examples of relatively inexpensive tents using such poles on this website, which you can find here. Take, for example, this Mountainsmith Cottonwood 6P Tent from Mountainsmith. They deteriorate and should not be used for camping near the sea because of the risk of corrosion. You should, however, thoroughly clean them with fresh water before keeping them at home. Make sure to store them in a dry environment as well.

Aluminum alloys

The majority of the aluminum pole tents on our site are constructed of 7000 series aluminum. This suggests that you have a mixture of aluminum as the primary material and other metals added to boost their overall performance and durability. As a result, the strength, corrosion resistance, and other properties are improved. You may also come across the note abouttempering from time to time. The objective behind this is to make poles that are less brittle yet still sturdy.

The best-known manufacturer and some types of aluminum poles

• DAC is an abbreviation for the Korea-based Dongah Aluminum Corporation (DAC). Approximately 20 years ago, they introduced the Featherlite pole, which transformed the business.

• Featherlite poles do not have ferrules, which allows them to be up to 15% lighter than conventional poles. The following is a representation of the basic structure:

The design of the featherlite poles.

• What is Pressfit: This is a design in which the insert tube has an enlarged end, which allows it to be strongly held by the main tube, resulting in a long-lasting structural design. This may be found in many high-end camping tents that are pricey.

The Pressfit system is a mechanical fitting system.

• NFL Featherlite: This design combines elements of both the Pressfit and Featherlite designs. This style of tent is utilized in the lightest tents now available on the market
• For example, the Big Agnes Copper Hotel HV UL2 Tent
• And the Big Agnes Copper Hotel HV UL2 Tent.

The NFL system from Featherlite.

• DA17 aluminum poles: This is a type of aluminum pole that is designed for bigger tents where both flexibility and strength are important considerations. As a result, these are greater diameter poles that are intended for use with enormous arches. They are now being manufactured up to a diameter of 28 mm. You may find them in the Kelty Trail Ridgeseries of tents, the largest of which is depicted in the photograph above.

2. Fiberglass tent poles

Tent poles are currently made of fiberglass, which is the least expensive material available. In order to keep costs down, such poles may be found in many budget tents, mainly those that are meant for automobile camping, such as dome and cabin style tents. Many of the tents on the site include fiberglass poles, as seen by this Coleman Namakan Fast-Pitch Dome Tent 5: Coleman Namakan Fast-Pitch Dome Tent with 5 Persons (Coleman Namakan). In some cases, fiberglass poles are used in conjunction with steel or aluminum poles; this is typically the case in cabin style tents, where the legs poles are metal and the roof poles are fiberglass; one excellent example of this is the Browning Camping Big Horn 5 tent, which is shown in this photograph: Browning Camping’s Big Horn 5 Person Tent is a great option for a family or group of friends.

Fiberglass poles are normally an excellent material that is quite flexible, but they tend to be heavier than aluminum poles since they are thicker in order to provide the same strength as aluminum poles.

However, because such poles can split and break under stress, and because they tend to shatter at cold temperatures, they are best suited for usage in summer camping tents.

• It is inexpensive and simple to manufacture. Such poles are impervious to corrosion. As a result, if they are utilized properly, they may endure a long time.

What is less favorable:

• Fiberglass must be handled with care, and it is less durable than other materials. Because they are not as robust as aluminum, they must be constructed thicker and hence heavier
• Under strain, fiberglass poles have a tendency to break and snap. The surface of the tent may get splintered after extensive usage, which is not ideal when you have to slide them through the sleeves of the tent.

If you have a damaged fiberglass tent pole, you might want to check out our other article on fiberglass tent pole replacement.

3. Carbon fiber tent poles

Carbon fiber poles are extremely robust and lightweight, and they outperform aluminum poles in many ways. However, they are also quite expensive, and you will not find them in family camping tents since they are too pricey. This is a lightweight tent material designed for professionals that need to travel light. In theMSR Carbon Reflexseries, you’ll find these shoes. In general, this material is employed in situations when weight savings are critical, such as backpacking and long-distance adventures, among other things.

There is one crucial point to emphasize here: the characteristics of such poles are dependent on how effectively they have been constructed.

They say that their Carbon FX and Custom Carbon 6.3 are substantially more durable and lighter than aluminum, and that they are also significantly more affordable.

However, their ION pole, which is used in the Easton Kilo tent, is 40 percent lighter than the Carbon FX pole, for those who are interested. What’s great about it:

• The carbon poles are extremely light and robust
• They are also quite durable.

What is less favorable:

• They are prohibitively pricey. They are not suitable for bending and flexing
• They are not flexible.

4. Steel poles

In order to accommodate the fact that steel is heavy, you will often see steel poles used to support vehicle camping tents, generally in cabin type tents where steel is used for the leg posts and occasionally even the roof poles. They are also sometimes used in tunnel tents, particularly in thick canvas structures, and are a good choice for a variety of reasons. One such example is thisCrua Loj 6 tent, which is made entirely of steel and is the only insulated tent available on the market. Crua Loj Tent with Thermo Insulation for 6 People.

Bushtec Adventure Alpha Kilo 4000 is a canvas camping tent, thus the material is hefty, and it is supported by steel: Bushtec Adventure Alpha Kilo 4000 Canvas Camping Tent Bushtec Adventure Alpha Kilo 4000 Canvas 6 Person Bow Tent is a great option for camping.

5. Composite materials – Easton Syclone poles

There is currently nothing else on the market that can compete with these poles in terms of versatility. According to the manufacturer, these poles are 80 percent more resistant to bending and breaking than aluminum poles. These poles are constructed of aerospace-grade composite materials, which allow them to bend under the force of the wind without breaking and to return to their original shape after being bent. Because of the multi-directional wrapping of S-Glass composite materials, they have the strength to endure even the fiercest winds.

These characters may be found in the Easton Torrenttent series.

6. Air beams

Air beam tents, or inflatable tents as they are sometimes referred as, are becoming increasingly popular. This technology has been around for more than a decade, although the first air beams were not very dependable at that time. The situation has changed, and there are a large number of these tents mentioned on our website; you can find them under the category Inflatable Tents, for example. A good example of an inflatable tent is thisVango 5 Person Odyssey Air 500 Tent, which is available in the following colors: For 5 people, the Vango Odyssey Air 500 tent is the perfect solution.

Instant tents are also a term that might be used to describe them.

What is advantageous about air beams:

• Simple to put up
• Excellent performance in a variety of wind conditions. Such constructions do not resist the wind
• Instead, they adapt to it and swiftly return to their original configuration. As a result, they are completely distinct from any stiff pole discussed previously.

What is less favorable:

• It is possible for air beams to leak
• Most of the time, these tents are more expensive than the other ones.

Final thoughts

As a result, I hope you have realized that there is no such thing as the ideal material for tent poles in general. You should use tent poles that are appropriate for the characteristics and function of the tent. Heavy canvas camping tents are supported by massive metal poles, generally made of steel, which are necessary for supporting such a weight. In areas with heavy winds, you will require something that does not fight the wind; otherwise, you will be fighting a losing war; you will need a material that has a lot of flexibility.

If you want trekking poles on the route, you will naturally go for the lightest feasible option, but first consider your financial constraints. In light of the most significant characteristics of the poles listed above, I recommend the following two options as the best:

• The following are the most weight-efficient materials: 1. composite materials, 2. carbon fiber
• The most cost-effective poles are: 1. fiberglass
• 2. steel
• 3. aluminum. The following are the most flexible poles available: 1. air beams
• 2. composite materials
• 3. hybrid materials
• In terms of strength, the following poles are the best option: 1. steel
• 2. aluminum
• 3. copper
• Steel and aluminum are the most durable pole materials, with steel being the most durable.

Do you think you’d agree with this? Thank you for taking the time to read this. This material will be updated in the event of any new information or technological advancements in the tent pole sector, so be sure to bookmark it and return to it from time to time. You might also be interested in my ideas on the subject of pole tents versus airbeam tents. Is there anything I’ve left out that’s important? If this is the case, please let me know by using the comment box below.

Guide to Tent Poles

While you may not think of tent poles as a critical aspect when selecting a tent, the materials used and the way they function may have an impact on things like weight, height of the tent, and strength, so it’s important to be aware of the important considerations. Poles are often sold in parts that are joined by elasticated string, however poles made of heavier materials may be attached by steel wire or springs, depending on the manufacturer. Heavier materials may be locked together using a spring-loaded button or with a male and female profile that is identical.

The following are the two most popular methods of connecting the ends of the poles to the tent: An inserted pin is positioned on the bottom of a ring that is sewed onto the bottom of the tape, and it is put into the bottom of the pole.

Poles and sleeves are often color coded by the manufacturer to make pitching more efficient.

Tent Pole Materials

In terms of tent pole materials, there are four primary options, each of which will have an influence on both the performance and the price of the tent.

Glassfibre Tent Poles

Advantages: flexibility, low cost, and availability of spares Cons: Breaking qualities, strength, and flexability. Because of the inexpensive cost of glass fiber, it is a common choice for less budget tents due to its durability. Because of its flexibility, a tent bends with the wind rather than standing hard against it, allowing it to shed gusts. When you are experiencing something for the first time, it might be a little unnerving. However, because of the flexibility of the poles rather than their strength, the total weight of a tent may be kept down when compared to tents made of steel.

Breaks can occur, and the glass fibre then bares its teeth as it splinters into needle-like shards, revealing its teething problems.

A more costly glass fibre, such as Durawrap, is installed to decrease this threat, and it may also include a plastic sheaf in some cases. Poles are typically standard in diameter, and extra poles may be easily obtained, however they may need to be sawn to length in some cases.

Steel Tent Poles

Strength, rigidity, and low cost are some of the advantages. Cons: Corrosion and weight are disadvantages. Steel poles produce a robust framework that can withstand high winds rather than deforming as a result of gusts of wind. However, this robustness comes at a cost in terms of weight, and larger tents may be difficult to pull into place and transport between the home, car, and pitch. Steel poles are coated to prevent corrosion, but they must be serviced on a regular basis (see top tip). Pole sections are frequently linked together using a matched male/female profile – do not attempt to push them together as this may result in damage to the profile, which will make pitching more difficult.

They may be readily separated by giving them a strong tap on the joint with a mallet or another pole segment.

Aluminium Alloy Tent Poles

Pros: Excellent strength-to-weight ratio; stiffness; and a high level of aesthetic appeal Cons:Cost Aluminum alloy is preferred because of its excellent strength to weight ratio. While there are numerous alloy grades to choose from, the price of each differs greatly – however branded poles will also significantly boost the price of technical ones. Steel requires the same level of maintenance. Although it is an appropriate tentpole material, the cost prevents it from being used in anything except lightweight technical tents and high-end family versions, where the high-quality look also contributes to a stylish design.

Air tubes

Advantages: It is simple to pitch. Cons: Because air reacts to external temperatures, it is necessary to check pressure and weight. Many campers are drawn to inflatable tents by the reliable, hassle-free camping experience that they provide. They can rest assured that the technology has been tried and tested for more than 50 years – although the materials used in the tubes are now far superior – and that the technology will continue to be refined. Tubes are low-maintenance and exceedingly durable, and they are frequently covered in two sleeves to provide further protection from the elements.

Participants should be aware of the operational pressures that must be maintained and the fact that air pressure might change depending on the outside temperature when they are on a camping trip.

Similarly, a tent that is pitched at noon will droop significantly throughout the night as the inside pressure decreases as a result of the cold.

Top tips for Tent Poles

• Before storing your poles, spray a cloth with a silicon-based polish and wipe it over the whole surface. It will protect the poles from corrosion and will make it easier for them to glide through the pole sleeves. Remember to wipe away any excess so that the tent fabric does not become stained. It is not recommended to store pegs and poles in the tent bag along with the tent. During storage, they may corrode and cause harm to the fabric of your tent. Instead, keep the pole and peg bags alongside the tent and attach them to it so that you don’t forget to bring them with you when you next go camping. If you have practiced your DIY abilities and have replacement pole lengths on hand, repairing a broken pole is usually a rather simple task. The use of elasticated cord to tie pole sections together makes it easier to feed them through a pole sleeve, and this is done for the sake of convenience. If it breaks, you may still utilize the poles until you can get to a place where you can feed in some fresh cable. A large number of camping and home improvement retailers carry this item.

Camping Tent Poles Guide, Tent Pole Repair

Before you purchase a tent, take some time to consider the camping tent poles that will be used. You would suppose that one tent pole is quite similar to another, and you would be correct. That is not the case! It is critical to select high-quality tent poles.

When you have a decent pair of tent poles that are straightforward to use, setting up your tent will be an easy and fun process. Alternatively, an inadequate pair of tent poles might make setting up your tent a complete misery. Here’s all you need to know in order to make an informed decision.

Types of Camping Tent Poles

Fiberglasspoles are used in some of the most affordable tents available on the market. Fiberglass camping tent poles are the least long-lasting alternative available. They break readily, leaving jagged shards of fiberglass exposed on the floor. Do not come into contact with this material! The microscopic glass particles might penetrate your skin and cause an itching red rash. My children used to have a tiny play tent with fiberglass poles when they were younger. I can’t keep track of how many times those polessnappers have been kidnapped.

I enjoy having my children assist me in setting up our camping tents.

Furthermore, it is feasible to restore a fiberglass pole to its original condition.

Fiberglass pole repair is not something you want to have to deal with in the midst of a camping vacation, believe me!

Aluminum

Aluminum tent poles are used in the majority of smaller, high-quality tents. Aluminum camping tent poles are strong and long-lasting. They are not likely to break under typical conditions. Although an aluminum pole may bend if someone falls strongly against a tent wall while roughhousing in it, you will most likely be able to utilize the pole for the remainder of the trip. If it is too twisted to be of any use, you may be able to slowly bend it back into form with care. An emergency tent repair kit, such as this one, is a smart idea to have on hand.

Steel

Tents made of canvas and big, multi-room nylon tents are both quite heavy. Many of them are equipped with heavy-gauge steel poles that can handle their weight. Steel camping tent poles are extremely long-lasting.

Carbon

Carbon fiber camping tent poles are the most durable, strongest, and lightest choice available. They are, of course, the most costly of the options. They are only seen on the most expensive trekking tents. Unless you want to go hiking for a long period of time and require an ultralight system, you will not require anything this expensive.

Putting the poles together

Tent poles can be disassembled for transportation and storage. You’ll need to connect the tent poles together first before you can start putting the tent together. The most difficult element is making certain that all of the pieces are in the right placements! This is made easier by the color coding of some pole systems. All you have to do is match the colors and you’ll be fine!

Others are connected together, making it impossible to mix and match the parts in the improper order. Here’s an example of a chain link system. The elastic shock cord method is one of my favorites. Each of these poles is joined to the other by a strong, elastic cable.

What if the cord breaks?

In my 20+ years of tent ownership, I’ve never experienced a shock cord break, but I’ve heard that it can happen at any time. Here are the alternatives available to you.

• Take the pole back to the retailer and ask them to fix it for you if necessary. If you purchased your tent from a respected outdoor retailer, you will have a higher chance of success with tent pole repair.

• Purchase a shock cord replacement. Again, a decent outdoor retailer will have these in stock and will be able to provide you with instructions on how to make the repair. I’ve heard that it’s a really simple task to do

• Replacement tent poles may be purchased. Make certain that you purchase the suitable pole! Another point to remember is that a reputable manufacturer is more likely to keep replacement parts on hand. If you purchase a low-cost model from a bargain retailer, you will almost certainly be unable to find a new pole that will fit

Attaching the Poles to the Tent

Following the assembly of the poles, it is necessary to erect and secure them to the tent. There are a variety of approaches that may be used to accomplish this.

Sleeves

Some tent systems demand that the pole be read through a long sleeve, which might be difficult for young people. This can be a time-consuming task, especially if there are several poles and sleeves to deal with. Unless you are exceedingly careful, the pole will tend to become entangled in the sleeve of your shirt. When this happens, the pole portions are prone to falling apart. You must take the components out of the sleeve, reassemble them, and begin the process over.

Loops

I feel that using a system of loops is more convenient than using a sleeve. As a result of threading the pole through a number of loops, there is almost little danger of the pole becoming entangled.

Clips

This is the system that I like. First, you need to put the tent down on the ground. After that, you’ll need to put up the poles. After that, you just clip the tent to the poles. It’s a quick and simple process!

Combination

Some tents make use of a mix of these technologies. Sleeves and clips are included with this tent.

The Bottom Line

Look for the following characteristics in a tent:

• Aluminum tent poles (unless your tent is enormous and you require steel poles, or unless you are lightweight camping and can afford carbon fiber poles)

• System for putting up the poles that is simple to grasp (for example, shock cords or color labeling)

• I appreciate the clip mechanism for attaching the poles to the tent since it is simple to use.

You get what you pay for in most aspects of life, and this is no exception. A decent quality tent with durable, easy-to-use poles will be more expensive than a tent with weak, annoying poles, but it will be worth it in the long run. By the way, don’t forget to include “tent poles” on your camping to-do list. You don’t want to show up to your campground with a tent but no tent poles or stakes. (This is something I’ve learned from personal experience!) Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about camping tent poles, head here to learn more about tents.

Visit this website to find out all you need to know about setting up a tent.

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We bent the poles that came with our 6-person cabin tent, which we had purchased separately. It was only after being unable to locate the manufacturer’s website and discovering that bespoke replacement tent poles may cost upwards of $30 a pole that I decided to build my own tent poles from scratch. This was a simple and inexpensive DIY. Twelve and a half dollars was spent on supplies for two poles (including the beef jerky, which is usually required for these types of crafts! ). It took me approximately a half hour to construct two poles.

Step 1: Get to the Store!

I purchased stainless steel electrical conduit from a home improvement store near me. It is inexpensive, somewhat light, and extremely powerful. Before you travel to the shop, check to see whether your tent has built-in sockets where you can put the poles and if your old poles fit snuggly in those sockets. It may be necessary to obtain pipe that is very identical in size to the original conduit if they are extremely tight. In the second place, remember to bring your broken poles with you to the store.

Using a 3/4″ tent pole and purchasing 3/4″ conduit to replace it will result in a nasty surprise at the end of the project.

The purpose of this is to serve as a sleeve to attach the pieces that you’ll be cutting apart in a short period of time.

The hardware that holds the poles together is the next step. In order to attach the sleeve to one end of each pole semi-permanently, I utilized bolts, washers, and nuts as normal, as well as a clevis pin and a hitch pin to join the other ends fast.

Step 2: See? Saw!

Do you have everything? Good! Starting with the new poles, make sure they are the same length as the previous ones. It’s best if you don’t worry about producing precise replacements because the sawing and filing you’ll be performing will shorten them to the appropriate length. After that, tidy up any loose ends! This equipment will be moving around with you, and you don’t want to rip up your tent (or your hands!) against the rough steel edges of these poles. Decide how many pieces you want to cut the pole into before you start cutting.

The obvious consequence of increasing the number of parts is increased labor and increased weak areas in your poles.

Finally, cut a one-foot-long section of the big “sleeve” conduit for each junction that you’ll be constructing in your poles, allowing for a total of four joints.

Step 3: And Now We Drill.

Then go to the next step if your original poles had holes in them for attaching guy lines, inserting pins, or other similar purposes. If this is the case, skip it. The process is simple: measure the distance between the end of the old pole and each hole in it, mark the end of your new pole at the same distance from the end (it may be either end at this stage! ), and drill it. When replacing a pole with more than one hole, make sure you drill them into the same places as they were on the old one.

Alternatively, if they are on opposing sides of the old pole, they should be on opposite sides of the new pole.

Make use of this to drill the new hole.

All you have to do now is hold it down as securely as possible and begin drilling gently until you get the hole to start.

Step 4: Long Sleeves.

If you’re okay with one-piece poles and you have a pickup truck to transport them, then congrats on your decision! You’ve completed your task! Assuming that you aren’t, it is now time to put the sleeves on the arms. This should be done before you start cutting your poles into a zillion little pieces. To begin, slip one of the foot-long sleeves over your new pole and secure it in place. As you center it over the spot where you want to cut the pole, be sure it doesn’t cover any of the holes you drilled in the previous step!

Clamp the entire arrangement down firmly, and then select a drill bit that is the proper size for the bolts you’ll be employing.

Insert the bolt through the hole and secure it with a nut to ensure that the sleeve is securely fastened in place.

Now select a drill bit that is the proper size for your clevis pin and repeat the drilling operation once again. Finally, dismantle everything and file the holes that were bored during the assembly process. Hold on for dear life! We’re getting close to the finish line!

Step 5: More Cutting, Then Finishing Up.

After that, you may cut the poles in half between the holes you just made for the sleeve. For myself, I halved the portion I was given. Make sure to file those freshly cut edges! Slip the sleeve back over the cut you made in the previous step, and align the holes you drilled in the previous step. You should only have one set of holes that match, unless you used a drill press or are really lucky, which I wasn’t and still am not. Put a washer and a nut on the other side of the bolt and tighten it down securely to secure it.

After aligning the holes, inserting the clevis pin through them, and finally inserting the hitch pin into the clevis pin Congratulations!

Suggestions for improvements include the following: – Trim the bolts and clevis pins to remove any extra length.

– Paint your new poles gray to match your existing ones, to make them appear cool, or to make your children grimace.

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For the purpose of sustaining yourtent, aluminum tent poles and fiberglass tent poles are both suitable options. However, there are trade-offs for each of these options. In this post, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum tent poles against fiberglass tent poles, as well as the controversy between the two materials.

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Tent Poles

Aluminum tent poles are largely regarded as the industry’s first workhorses, having been introduced in the early 1900s. Furthermore, its broad use in a variety of settings around the globe is not by chance. Typically, tent poles serve as the framework that supports the whole construction (including the tent and its accompanying fabric), and the only need is that they be built of a high-strength material to ensure their long-term durability. Aluminum poles are an excellent choice for this application.

Pros of Aluminum Tent Poles

Aluminum poles are relatively lightweight when compared to other materials. Aluminum, in contrast to wood or some types of thermosetting plastic poles, is a relatively lightweight material. As a result, aluminum poles are significantly lighter than poles made of wood, fiberglass, or stainless steel. The fact that it is portable is extremely convenient, especially if you are constantly on the move or operate a remote camping business. Aluminum poles are extremely strong, despite the fact that they are lightweight.

But that doesn’t that mean that they can support an infinite weight.

Now, keep in mind that a bent tent pole can be easily repaired – something that frequent backpackers will find useful.

Despite this, when it comes to strength, it is much easier to double up aluminum poles by connecting them together to increase their elastic limits than it is to do the same with other types of poles.

Cons of Aluminum Tent Poles

Tent poles made of aluminum are pricey. Aluminized tent poles are significantly more expensive than wood or plastic tent poles, and this is no mystery. This is due to the fact that it costs many times more to manufacture aluminum roles than it does to construct fiberglass poles. Aluminum is prone to corrosion. Aluminum poles corrode and deteriorate rapidly when exposed to the “proper” environmental conditions, which is particularly true in saltwater regions. Tent poles get weaker as a result of this type of corrosion, and they are nearly completely unusable for supporting a tent.

It is important to note that simple maintenance and care may go a long way toward preventing or minimizing corrosion or rusting.

Another thing you should do after returning from a camping or hiking trip is to ensure that your poles are completely dry before storing them.

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Poles

Fiberglass tent poles were launched a few years ago as a less expensive, but more handy, alternative to aluminum and hardwood tent poles, which were previously available. They have earned a reputation for providing constant performance in all weather and seasonal situations, as opposed to aluminum poles, which tend to function better in harsh winter temperatures than in the heat of summer months. Having said that, below are some of the most significant pros and cons of employing fiberglass poles in your project.

Pros of Fiberglass Tent Poles

Fiberglass poles are significantly less expensive than metal poles. Fiberglass poles are far less expensive and easier to manufacture than aluminum poles, and they last significantly longer. The fact that fiberglass is a totally industrial chemical that can be manufactured at a lower cost than aluminum contributes to this (a naturally occurring element.) Fiberglass is impervious to corrosion. Fiberglass is completely rust and corrosion resistant due to the fact that it is a synthetic complex composition.

Furthermore, while fiberglass poles are resistant to corrosion, hard handling during usage or transit can cause the poles to deteriorate as a result of the severe wear and tear they experience.

Cons of Fiberglass Tent Poles

As compared to aluminum poles, fiberglass poles are not as sturdy or resilient. Fiberglass is not quite as robust as aluminum, yet it is also not nearly as ductile as metal. As a result, the normal fiberglass tent pole must be thicker (and hence heavier) in order to sustain the same amount of weight as an aluminum tent pole of same grade. Fiberglass poles are less durable than steel poles. Instead of bending or snapping, they will shatter. Once they snap, they are rendered ineffective, and you will be forced to purchase new tent poles.

In this regard, keep in mind that employing a damaged or splintered pole would very certainly gouge or tear up the canvas material of your tent structure.

For the same reason, repeated usage over time results in progressive wear and tear on the fiberglass surface, which results in splinters that are difficult to remove off older poles, which makes handling them a nuisance.

Aluminum Vs. Fiberglass Poles – The Verdict: Which is Better?

The basic conclusion is that, despite the drawbacks discussed above, both materials may be used to construct a sturdy foundation for your tent’s construction. The choice of which material to choose is influenced by a variety of criteria, including your budget and the length of time the product will be in use. If you’re a regular camper, travel frequently, or just want to use the tent for a short period of time, aluminum poles are the ideal choice. On the other end of the scale, the primary reason you would consider purchasing a tent with fiberglass poles is to save money or if you are working with a limited budget.

Best Aluminum Tent Poles

These tent poles are of really excellent quality, as you can see. By default, there are several various lengths available, and the length may be further decreased by first cutting the aluminum poles and then cutting the shock cord at the ends. These tent poles are of the highest quality and may be customized to whatever length you choose. These are the greatest tent poles that can be found on the market.

Best Fiberglass Tent Poles

The Stansport fiberglass tent poles are a substantial piece of equipment. That’s both a blessing and a curse. They are beneficial since they are sturdy, but they are detrimental if you are attempting to reduce the weight of your pack. However, while they are especially designed for use with Stansport tents, there is no reason why they couldn’t be used with tents from other manufacturers as well. Just make sure you measure the length you want, as these poles are only available in a single length.

Tent Poles

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ALUMINUM TUBE SPECS

.340″

.344″

.355″

.380″

.433″

.490″

.625″

.742″

3.9CARBON

6.3 CARBON

SYCLONE

SYCLONEMAX

outside diameter ofMAINtube

.340″(8.64 mm)

.344″(8.74 mm)

.355″(9.02 mm)

.380″(9.65 mm)

.433″ (10.99mm)

.490″(12.45mm)

625″(15.88 mm)

.742″ (18.85 mm)

.296″(7.52 mm)

.346″(8.79 mm)

.3654″(9.28 mm)

.446″(11.33 mm)

wall thickness ofMAINtube

.025″(.64 mm)

.019″(.48 mm)

.025″(.64 mm)

.026″(.66 mm)

.030″ (.76 mm)

.026″ (.66 mm)

.038″(.97 mm)

.032″(.81 mm)

.025″(.63 mm)

.028″(.711 mm)

.0297″(.754 mm)

.037″(.95 mm)

inside diameter ofMAINtube

.290″(7.36 mm)

.306″(7.77 mm)

.305″(7.74 mm)

.328″(8.33 mm)

.373″(9.47 mm)

.438″ (11.12 mm)

.549″(13.94 mm)

.678″(17.22 mm)

.246(6.25 mm)

.290(7.36 mm)

.3060(7.77 mm)

.373″(9.47 mm)

outside diameter of INSERT tube

.287″ (7.29mm)

.303″(7.70mm)

.302″ (7.67 mm)

.325″(8.26 mm)

.370″.(9.4 mm)

.433″(11.0 mm)

.544″(13.82mm)

.675″ (17.15mm)

.242″(6.15mm)

.287″(7.29mm)

.302″ (7.67 mm)

.370″.(9.4 mm)

wall thickness of INSERT tube

.035″(.89mm)

.021″ (.53 mm)

.034″ (.86 mm)

.034″ (.86 mm)

.040″(1.02 mm)

.030″(.76 mm)

.045″ (1.11 mm)

.045″(1.11 mm)

.035″(.89 mm)

.035″(.89 mm)

.034″ (.86 mm)

.040″(1.02 mm)

inside diameter of INSERT tube

.217″(5.51 mm)

.261″ (6.62 mm)

.234″ (5.94 mm)

.257″ (6.52 mm)

.290″(7.36 mm)

.373″(9.47 mm)

.454″ (11.53 mm)

.585″(14.85 mm)

.172″(4.37 mm)

.217″(5.51 mm)

.234″ (5.94 mm)

.290″(7.36 mm)

Camping Tent Poles for sale

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Camping Tent Poles

Camping is a wonderful opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life while taking in the sights and sounds of Mother Nature and all that she has to offer. In order to keep warm and dry during the night whether hiking or car camping, having a high-quality tent is essential. However, if the tent is not supported by a strong pair of tent poles, the tent will not be of much use to you in the first place. Many various varieties of tent poles are available, each with a distinct strength and weight to accommodate different needs.

Tent poles are available in a number of materials, including the following:

• Due they are lightweight and easy to manage, fiberglass tent poles are commonly utilized in various camping settings because of their durability. Fiberglass poles are extremely resistant to corrosion, guaranteeing that your poles will survive for a long time. Aluminized poles: Aluminum poles are extremely sturdy and are only seldom broken. These are also rather lightweight, allowing you to take them with you wherever you go camping. You may use these poles outside all year round because they are resistant to the elements, even in freezing weather. Steel: Steel is more typically utilized for bigger tents where the poles must be able to support a greater amount of weight than canvas. It is difficult to bend or break these poles because of their tremendous strength and durability. They are ideal for vehicle camping because they are lightweight and compact. Carbon fiber: Carbon fiber is frequently used in the construction of top-of-the-line camping tents because it is exceedingly robust, tough, and lightweight

What is the method through which tent poles are connected to one another? There are a variety of objects that may be used to connect tent poles to one another, including the following:

• Many tent poles are joined together using an elastic shock cable, which is a flexible cord that extends through each of the segments, making it simple to slide the components together to build the tent poles
• It is also known as a shock cord. Chain link: The chain-link system operates in a similar way to the shock-cord system, except that it makes use of a chain to connect one section to the next, making it nearly difficult to connect them improperly
• It is also less expensive. Several tent systems are color-coded, which makes it simple to link all of the components together. It’s simply a matter of matching up the colors to get it to look right.

What is the best way to attach tent poles to a tent? Depending on the type of your tent, there are a variety of ways to attach your tent poles to your tent. Some organizations make use of a mix of the following systems:

• Loops: Some tent poles must be looped through a series of loops on the tent in order to function properly. Because the tent pole does not tend to snag on any of the loops, these systems are rather simple to put together. A number of sleeves are situated on the borders of the camping tent, and some tent poles are inserted through them. With this technique, you can be assured that your camping tent will be completely supported at all times, and that the poles will remain linked. Clip systems: Clip systems make it simple to put up a tent while camping
• All that is required is the assembly of the tent poles and the clipping of the hooks that are attached to the tent to the poles.