A Buyer's Guide to Tarp Poles for Your Next Project | DOD Outdoors

A Buyer's Guide to Tarp Poles for Your Next Project | DOD Outdoors
3 min read
08 June 2023

For anyone who spends time outside, tarp poles are a need. They provide the needed support for maintaining the stability of tents, canopies, and other structures under windy conditions. Because they are so simple to put up and take down, you can spend more time outside.

Poles for Tarp are basically made of high-quality, weather-resistant materials. It may be difficult to choose the tarp pole product that is the best fit for your needs when there are so many options available. Before making a choice, you should think about the following things.

What to Check When Purchasing a Tarp Pole

  • Material ruggedness

Strong gusts and copious rain must be no match for tarp poles. The strength of a tarp pole depends on the material used to build it. The tarp pole's price and weight depend on the material that was used to make it. While titanium and carbon fiber would be more expensive, aluminum and steel would be more cost-effective. Remember that heavier materials like steel and aluminum would not be a suitable selection if cost is a concern when you plan to backpack because they would add weight.

  • Length

While some poles for tarp have a minimum diameter of 2.6 feet, the average peak height of a camping tent is approximately 3.7 feet. Due to the adjustable heights, compact tarp poles offer substantially greater headroom than ordinary tents. You can opt to use a hammock or a bivy sack, but a tarp with adjustable lengths would be preferred for the journey. The best tarp poles are versatile since you can create a variety of designs for every weather condition due to the adjustable length.

  • Number of poles

A shelter can be built in a variety of ways, some of that require a high level of skill, like the Bivybag Corner or the Adirondack shelter. With two tarp poles, you can build awnings, pitched roofs, or ridge tents for shorter shelters. With just one tarp pole, you can make angled lean-tos or pitch tents. The number of tarp poles you will need will decide the kind of camping you will do and the shelter you will use. The choice between one and two tarp poles will ultimately depend on personal preference and the type of shelter you plan to make.

  • Weight

Poles for Tarp are substantial gear that often weigh between one and fifteen pounds. They are appropriate for vehicle camping and perhaps even a day trip. But because of their weight, you might decide against using them if you choose to go trekking or tarp camping. The lightest tarp poles are those that weigh less than half a pound, and it's important to keep in mind that even with two poles, an ultra-light tarp will weigh less than most tents you might buy.

The Bottom Line

Choose tarp poles that are strong, light, and highly wind resistant so that you may utilize them for a variety of tasks on your upcoming trip! The tarp poles you finally select should be easy to use, store and carry.

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