Pitching Tent with Fixed Length Treking Poles – Ideas??

[Paul Steele]

I have a Henry's Contrail Tarp Tent that requires the use of an adjustable treaking pole for the front pole set up. This was no problem until I recently purchased a pair of BPL treaking Stix's (highly recomended…)that are a fixed length and about 8 inches or so too long for the Contrial. A few things I've tried but aren't optimal: 1) Dig a hole to lower the pole accordingly…it puts a buch of fresh dirt at your tent entrance, is never quite the right place or depth and I don't like disturing the ground any more than neccessary. 2) Find a stick of correct length…you know how finding the right length, straight, not rotten sick can take??Any "MacGyver's" out there that have some other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[John Brochu]

Wrap duct tape on the pole at the correct length. Then bring the guyline up to that point, wrap it once or twice, then stake it. The duct tape prevents it from falling down the pole.

[Keith Selbo]

I don't think this tent has a guy line, just a grommet to stick the pole tip in. You might be able to fix a guy line to the grommet and then to the trekking pole as described but you may need to stake out the guy line. By then, you might be better off just buying the optional 2 oz. pole.

Have you considered Gossamer Gear Lightrek 4 adjustable poles? At 6.6 oz for the pair, they're lighter than a pair of Stix (8.2 oz/pair). I don't have personal experience with the Lightrek 4's. I use the 3's (not adjustable) and they're the best poles I've ever had.

[John S.]

Place your two poles in an inverted V to hold up the tarptent?

After saying that, I'm guessing the pole tip fits into a grommet and two poles might not work. If you shelter has a beak you might can still use an inverted V with the two handle ends.

In Henry's pic on the website it shows the single pole out to the side (crooked to fit).

[William Puckett]

The Contrail has an "optional" tie out point for the hiking pole/grommet area at the front beak. It's underneath the vent. I use it on mine (along with its counterpart on the back) when in windy conditions.

While this photo isn't a close up, you can see the red tieout for the hiking pole.

[Paul Steele]

Thanks for the responses everyone! I did not know the Conrail had a guy-out point at the beak so that may help stablize things a bit more. Yes, the groumet will only accomodate one pole tip at a time so doing the double "V" idea with both poles I don't think is an option. My treking poles are too long as when the roof line is maxed, the pole is even with the angle of the tent sides (no where near stable even with a guy-line). I'm still thinking short of buying different adjustable poles ~ I will continue to dig a 6 inch hole to drop my pole length down…Paul

[Andrew Lush]

Howdy Paul,

I have exactly the same set up as you: Contrail with BPL Stix (the longest ones – 135cm).

I use the front tie-out and one of the poles set at an angle to allow it to fit under the front of the Contrail. The trick is to stake the front cord on a similar angle to the pole, not straight out in front. So if your pole is angled to the left than the front tie-out cord should also be angled to the left.

This allows for a nice tight, taut pitch. At least it works for me anyhow. Plus the cord's not in your way when entering and exiting the tent.

I actually prefer the long fixed length poles for pitching the Contrail. It allows for easy adjustment of the height of the tent. If it sags a little during the night you can easilly reach the pole and push it up a little and presto! nice tight pitch again.

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