Blow-up tent pole?

**Terry_Dodson** · 10-21-2009, 08:45

I saw a tent/bivy on a webpage the other day that instead of collapsable tent poles to go over it, it had what looked like a bicycle inertube type blow-up thing that kept the netting up. Would something like this help with keeping the netting up in a hammock? And where would you find something like that or would you have to make your own? I guess you could sew in a half round sleeve into the netting on both ends and slide the blow-up thing into them, then blow them up to get it tight. Any thoughts? Pros? Cons?

**slowhike** · 10-21-2009, 08:49

I believe I herd something along that line mentioned a while back (at one of the Hot Springs camp outs) but not since.
Sounds like it could have possibilities for creating a large interior at a low weight.

**Alan** · 10-21-2009, 09:09

Originally Posted by Terry_Dodson

I saw a tent/bivy on a webpage the other day that instead of collapsable tent poles to go over it, it had what looked like a bicycle inertube type blow-up thing that kept the netting up.

A couple of the Nemo tents use the air bladder technology.
http://www.nemoequipment.com/tents2009

**kohburn** · 10-21-2009, 09:45

those would work great for mosquito netting and rain - wou;dn't trust it too much for strong winds or snow.

**Coffee** · 10-21-2009, 09:54

I know someone who has one who says they work pretty well.

**TeeDee** · 10-21-2009, 10:59

Ahhh man - I can now dream of air inflatable spreader bars for my Bridges!

That would also make the spreader bar lengths adjustable with a simple twist of the air valve.

What's not to like about that?

**HappyCamper** · 10-21-2009, 11:14

Originally Posted by TeeDee

What's not to like about that?

ppppsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssttttttttttt ttttttttttttttt.

**TeeDee** · 10-21-2009, 12:03

Originally Posted by HappyCamper

ppppsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssttttttttttt ttttttttttttttt.

**Dutch** · 10-21-2009, 18:29

I looked to see if i can buy teh baldders adn theya re cheap at $11 or $15 but out of stock.

**Doctari** · 10-21-2009, 18:40

A dIY idea:

A 27" bike tube, cut the tube about 1/4 way around from the valve, then seal VERY WELL, maybe even with small caps glued in place. From my biking days, I have a very small hand pump, weighs about 2 Oz, is about 8' long. I think that a narrow "racing bike" tire would be enough to hold a bug netting off of your face. A 27" tire may even be too big, but you can always cut it down.

My hammocks don't have any bug netting, so I can't try it myself.