Which poles to use with small poncho tarp?

[Sanad Toukhly]

Hi everyone,

I recently got the MLD Cuben DCF Rain Poncho (4.3′ x 9′) and I was wondering which poles I should get for it. I don’t carry trekking poles and I’m trying to stay as light as possible, so the options I’m considering are light carbon fiber poles (1 or 2) or no poles. I’m steering away from the no poles idea until I get more experience with pitching a small flat tarp like this one. I already have a CF pole set for my MLD Grace Tarp, they are 28″ and 42″ (0.355 outer diameter). Being 5′ 7″ tall, would I be able to get by with just the 42″ pole I have to pitch a half pyramid or flying diamond or do I need a longer/stronger pole? Also for more versatility, if I was to also carry my 28″ pole as weell, could I still do a lean-to pitch with two different size poles or would I be better off getting another 42″ pole?

Finally, another option I was considering is getting the Zpacks 48″ pole (0.43 outer diameter) and just carrying that one instead. This would give me a 6″ longer pole that is slightly thicker than my 42″ pole, but with a 0.85 oz weight penalty. Would the added length and strength be worth it or is the pole I have good enough?

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

-Sanad

[Link .]

Or these by RUTA LOCURA .

[Diane “Piper” Soini]

You could just rely on sticks. Ray Jardine explains in his ancient book that what they would do is in the last hour or so of hiking they would keep an eye out for good sticks to use to set up their tarp.

If trying to rely on sticks sounds risky, consider getting a trekking pole. If you’re just going to use one pole, a trekking pole at least has dual use. You could attach it to your pack if you really don’t use a trekking pole, but if you use it, you might find that you find it helpful for things like slippery scree or difficult creek crossings or just keeping one hand at a time from puffing up. You can get some pretty light ones at Costco and you can also get light ones at Gossamer Gear. There may be other makers that have really light trekking poles.

[Kevin Babione]

Have you set it up yet?  I have an old MLD Monk Tarp in DCF that’s basically your tarp without the poncho portion.  The first time I tried to set it up I figured I’d do an A-frame like I had done with my 8×10 tarp.  Not happening with something that’s only 4.3 feet wide!

See if you can borrow an adjustable trekking pole and experiment with different heights and pitches and once you find something that’s usable you’ll know what size fixed-length pole to get.  I’m willing to bet that your issue will likely be that your pole is too long rather than not long enough.  Unless you’re pitching your tarp pretty high off the ground (eight or more inches) I think you’ll be surprised at how much coverage you get with a 48″ pole.  Concentrate instead on how do you set it up for minimal discomfort in a windy downpour.

[Matt]

I have used the Z Pack pole for years.  A single pole has been plenty strong enough to deal with all sorts of atmospheric conditions!  I certainly never wished for a stronger pole or the associated extra weight.

As Kevin suggests, I would set the tarp up with mock-poles to figure out your best height.  I’m 5’11” and the Zpack’s pole allows me to comfortably sit upright inside the tarp.

Q: You know when you can’t find a stick just laying around?  A: When you need to find a stick just laying around.

[HalfTread]

 

The Mountainsmith Trekker FX Lite worked for me. 28” – 59” height range.

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