Z Trekking Poles and Tarps

What poles, tarp, and pitches do you plan to use?

I'll have more to report after my August trip, but in my backyard tests with an HMG 8.5’ x 8.5’ flat tarp and Leki Micro Vario poles, I had no issues.

These poles are similar in function to the Black Diamond FLZ poles in that they have some adjustability due to a single flip lock, but not as much as a telescoping pole. The height range for my poles is 110-130 cm.

So if you need very short or very long pole heights, these may not work. But they worked for basic A frame and "storm pitch"/half pyramid.

In these pitches, the poles are outside of the tarp, rather than underneath. I've seen some half-pyramid pitches where a very short trekking pole is placed under the tarp to give a bit of additional height at the back. Z poles wouldn't work there, but you can get the same effect by putting a trekking pole outside, behind the tarp, and running two mid-panel guy lines to it then to the ground.

I think these pitches would work with non-adjustable Z poles, as well. I could see something like a smaller ‘mid, pitched with a single center pole, being an issue if the pole isn't long enough. That'll depend on the ‘mid and your pole length, and thus your height.

Hi Jim,

Pitches I plan on using mainly are the Half Pyramid and A-frame.

I plan on getting the BD Alpine Carbon Z poles.
http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/trekking-poles/alpine-carbon-z-pole-BD11217400001201.html

I am going to be making my own tarp from cuben.
On the larger size, probably 8' x 10'.

I do plan on using a mid eventually, but that shouldn't be a worry as I'll be able to strap the two poles together.

I think the half-pyramid should be fine with the larger size tarp, it's really A-frame that I am worried about but just saw some pictures of a tarp pitched with full length poles on the outside.

I guess it comes down to improvisation.
But if it's really going to be THAT big a pain with the z-poles I will compromise and get the adjustables.

I use fixed length BD Ultra distance Z poles with a Zpack solo plus tarp. The suggested pole length is 52 inches. The Z poles are 46 inches. To make up the difference I use a Pole Jack

As Jim suggested it depends on your tarp and pitch. I prefer to have my poles work as hiking poles and adapt to a tarp support rather than getting poles for a tarp support and adapt to hiking.

It's going to vary with the shelter, rarely is a pole too long- if it's too short a short pole jack will normally do the trick

I use mine (BD z poles) w/ a small 5×5 tarp over a waterproof baby, but plan on getting a solo mid size shelter and will use the z poles for it (w pole jacks if need be)

I used 120cm Zpoles with a Zpacks Hexamid Solo and thought they were a very good height. Will totally depend on the kind of shelter but as others have said, a pole jack can help and is a simple, cheap and light solution.

I just picked up a tt ss2 and plan to use my bd z poles but think I need a pole jack. Looks like the zpacks one doesn't work well and was curious if the ruta locura option will fit? Thanks

I have used 120cm Distance z-poles with a tarp for several years now. 120cm is marginal for the high end so I use it tip up in a grommet to maximize it's height. Sometimes I'll put my stake bag over the hand grip to keep it clean and to keep critters from nibbling on it. For a couple more inches of headroom, you can put a rock or piece of wood under the pole. For the low end, I have ~1" wide duct tape wrapped around a pole at various heights. I use the pole with the grip up and wrap the ridge line around the pole above one of the tape 'stops'. The tiny Distance Z-pole tips don't take a jack well. A jack on the very short tip creates a lot of undesirable leverage. An alternative is to use a longer jack (a piece of tent pole with tip) and lash it to your pole as you would lash two trekking poles together. A jack works better with a more traditional tip like the Alpine Carbon Z Trekking Poles. -Lance