Backpacking tarp with POLES?

K

K1CKtheCHICKEN

Joined
Oct 21, 2012
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I have been looking into getting a tarp to use for a shelter for backpacking. I am looking for something small and something with poles, yes, poles. I do NOT hike with trekking poles nor do i want to start. I have tried it and learned but it just isn't my thing. That being said, I am looking for a tarp shelter with poles to set it up so it can free-stand and not have to be set up next to two trees. Weight is not really an issue, but price is, so have it not cost a lot. The cheaper the better, and i am looking for high value, not super quality that is going to last longer than anyone on this earth. Thanks!
 
You can get collapsible tarp poles from online camping retailers such as Campor. That would probably open up more tarp options for you than only looking at tarps that come with them. In many environments, though, I find that with a little creativity, I don't need to carry poles at all. But obviously, that depends on where you are.
 
Thank you smith, i didn't even know they had such a thing! I agree that you can get by without any poles, but I like to be able to have the ability to say "this is my campsite" and stay there and not look for some trees to set up. Also if I am camping at a place where I am confined to a site, finding trees might be a problem.
 
neeman said:
Not a valid assumtion
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Might be for a fellow in Connecticut, not Israel.

On topic, I've used canoe paddles before to support a tarp. But those adjustable tarp poles look good. Kelty makes a set to augment their Noah tarps. Sectioned and made from annodized 6000 series aluminum, they adjust from 6' 8" to 8' 3", weigh less than 2# and cost about $35.00 each. Doesn't take a lot of imagination to understand that they could be adjusted to shorter heights by leaving out one of the three shock-corded sections or shortening one with a saw if you prefer a lower set. On the cheap, Mil-surp pup tent poles cost less and might fit your needs.
 
Codger_64 said:
...those adjustable tarp poles look good. Kelty makes a set to augment their Noah tarps. Sectioned and made from annodized 6000 series aluminum, they adjust from 6' 8" to 8' 3", weigh less than 2# and cost about $35.00 each. Doesn't take a lot of imagination to understand that they could be adjusted to shorter heights by leaving out one of the three shock-corded sections or shortening one with a saw if you prefer a lower set.
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That's exactly what I have, with a Noah tarp. The poles are great, and really solid, but a bit on the heavy side for backpacking, imo. Then again, I rarely ever carry tent stakes if I'm backpacking, so the weight savings there justifies the poles.
 
Smithhammer said:
That's exactly what I have, with a Noah tarp. The poles are great, and really solid, but a bit on the heavy side for backpacking, imo. Then again, I rarely ever carry tent stakes if I'm backpacking, so the weight savings there justifies the poles.
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Yeah, on the heavy side, but then I tend to think in terms of my usual mode of transportation, a canoe. And beaver chewed driftwood poles are often an easily obtained option where most allowed camping is on gravel bars with few or no standing trees. I am sure there are lighter ploes available including replacement aluminum or fiberglass tent poles I have seen in outdoor stores here.
 
Yeah, for canoe/river trips, or basecamping, those poles are perfect. I wouldn't usually take the Noah backpacking either, I'd opt for a smaller tarp.
 
I was taught that bungee cords on a mil-spec poncho was the way to go. Do you not have trees or shrubs where you are at?
 
Check out the offerings from wildernessinovation.com, they have two a personal sized one which also serves as a poncho, and a tarp kit available in 7x7 or 10x10 complete with all the hardware.
 
Codger_64 said:
Might be for a fellow in Connecticut, not Israel.
.
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Actually I was thinking about hiking in the British Hills, where you always need a rain tarp

And no trees

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