Contrail Trekking Pole

The Gossamer Gear Litetrek 4 is probably the only adjustable pole that falls into that weight range, and is very well reviewed by users. You might also check the Titanium Goat Adjustable Poles if they are in stock.

Scott,
If your desire for trekking poles is Just to hold up the Contrail you can get a lighter, stouter, collapsible pole for less money than the $145 you'll pay for Light Treks.

I have heard comments that the pole looks fragile and bends under load, but that they are quite up to the task. I'd give Glen a call to set your mind at ease, or to choose a different path.

If you getting poles because you want to really want them for trail use you can't go wrong with the Light Treks, and then you'll get the dual use as well.

Thanks for the advice gentlemen. I have used the Contrail in some fairly windy conditions and, when it is really tightened down, the pole that it came with definitely has a pretty good bend to it. However, I am sure it doesn't have any negative effect on how the tent functions; it's probably just a preoccupation with the aesthetics of the whole thing on my part. Would a light trekking pole have less bend than the collapsible aluminum pole I am using now? Maybe not.

Scott,

The trekking poles will probably not bend as much as the aluminum pole you are using. I use my Komperdell C3 poles all the time with my Contrail and they do great with wind and loads.

I just looked and the REI Peak UL Shocklight poles are on sale at REI for $55 (regularly $149). These are made by Komperdell for REI. 13 oz for the pair which is not Gossamer Gear weights, but really pretty good. Also, I don't care much for the anti shock gizmo, but for $55 these are a great deal.

http://www.rei.com/product/750835

-Mark

Or, you could just use a single trekking pole and cut some weight that way. If you don't use poles now and are happy then just get the lightest adjustable single pole you can find. Perhaps someone on this forum broke one of theirs and have an orphaned half of the pair. I hike with a single pole and find it generally as satisfactory as using two – with the benefit of having a free hand. I generally use the single pole to ease my knees on steep upgrades and downgrades; I just carry it on gentler going. My Leki hiking pole is quite a bit stiffer than the aluminum pole that you get for the Contrail. It works well with my Contrail but it is also heavier than the dedicated tent pole.

Because I use trekking poles even on some day walks, I don't count the weight of them as part of my shelter. However if you don't like using them then just add a second pole identical (or similar) to the one you have , and that will do the job. Just strap the two poles together , and make some sort of "cap" for the tips so that it does not go through the fabric at the apex…
The tent is under the same tension in both shots. Note that I am using a standard tent pole for it , that third pole sideways section is not supporting the shelter, just hanging there.
Franco

Thanks for the input. Excellent pictures. Two poles strapped together seems to really do the trick. Hiking with one pole is an interesting idea too, maybe my knees would appreciate it. I called up Titanium Goat and they will sell a single pole for half the price of the set. They seem like a cool little company. A friend of mine has the REI UL poles and they seem nice, but I agree that the shock mechanism is a little weird

One more Contrail question for you all. When I seal the seams should I paint up the exterior and interior of the seams? Or just the exterior? The only other sealing I have done is on some old rain pants where the interior sealing kind of withered away and it. Thanks again for the help.

Most tarp tent users just seal on the outside; sealing on the inside as well just adds weight without really improving the seal. I mix up a 3:1 slurry of good silicon sealer (eg GE or DAP) and odorless mineral spirits and then carefully coat the seam using one of those disposable foam brushes trimmed to about 3/4" wide or less. With the left-over seam sealer, or a fresh batch, I also paint 2"-wide stripes on the floor on the inside. This helps a lot in keeping the sleeping pad from sliding around in the night; a real problem with sil-nylon floors. Just keep in mind that the more sealer you use the more weight added. Keep it neat and minimal.

Some good advise all round here, my contrail should be here early next week…can't wait.

I think one of the first things I need to get for it will be a rear pole,

Unless you are hiking in some pretty bleak areas, you can almost always find a suitable stick to serve as a rear pole. Use and toss; lighter than carrying one.

"you can almost always find a suitable stick to serve as a rear pole."
that or use the other trekking pole if you have two.
I always have with me my pole section because it is less than 1 ounce , rolls up with the rear struts, so it is convenient for me.
Franco