Hi all --
I am seeking pole ideas for holding my tarp in porch mode when bicycle touring. I don't want to carry hiking poles; instead I want something smaller (thinner and lighter). I'm interested in learning from others who may have already developed their own light-weight porch-mode poles that are not hiking poles.
I am considering tent poles about 40" to 48" long, and tent poles seem like a good idea given they are light weight. One problem is that I have not yet seen a suitable end-cap for holding those in place when slid through a d-ring of my tarp. I would prefer not to use a clove-hitch, although that could work, or I could make an end-cap gadget that would prevent the d-ring from sliding down the pole. Any suggestions for a suitable end-cap that would prevent d-ring from sliding?
I thought about using arrow shafts but I don't know how to combine three of these to form one pole. Anyone have successful results with these?
Thanks for any tips.
Bryan