Attempting a DIY external pole mod

[TominMN]

[QUOTE=LowTech;2082661]

Thanks, I am aware of that but it would keep me using the pieces that came on the tarp (I'll have to look and see if I can find the name for them). I'd rather upgrade to Beasty D's and then I would need the new end tips anyway.
They are on my list of hammock/ kayak/ bikepacking hardware that needs upgrading.

"Sent w/o me knowing"

You could add the shock cord now and the pole tips later...

[aplusdesigners]

Nothing wrong with your solution, and if you're car camping or hiking a short distance into the woods it really doesn't matter much what you use since weight and volume aren't a concern. And you could even use small tree limbs for the same job if those are handy.
If you're a backpacker who uses trekking poles, they also make perfectly good external poles for your application.
In this pic, you'll also notice that I use a one-piece ridgeline with the tarp suspended beneath it, which 1) keeps the poles from rubbing on the tarp and 2) gives a bit more room to lift the side panels of the tarp. I use 2.5mm bungee cord to attach tarp panels to the poles.

Thank you so much for that detailed picture. I had thought of this same idea, but was nervous to attempt it and risk damaging my new Onewind tarp. I have some extra cordage at home to use for this, so I will be trying it out this weekend. Just for confirmation, is that elastic cordage or something like Zing-it / Dyneema / Amsteel?

[cmoulder]

Thank you so much for that detailed picture. I had thought of this same idea, but was nervous to attempt it and risk damaging my new Onewind tarp. I have some extra cordage at home to use for this, so I will be trying it out this weekend. Just for confirmation, is that elastic cordage or something like Zing-it / Dyneema / Amsteel?

Yes, it is 2.5mm shock cord. Any 3/32" or 1/8" shock cord should work. For initial adjustments, use a 3-wrap grip hitch which is a superb knot for adjusting bungee material.

I've never had these poles come out. One note, however... with high wind, the upwind side can still rotate inward quite a bit, so it doesn't work quite as well as pulling outward to an external anchor. But when things are a bit calmer it reduces the tripping hazard and a bit of annoyance navigating around those tripwires.

[aplusdesigners]

One note, however... with high wind, the upwind side can still rotate inward quite a bit, so it doesn't work quite as well as pulling outward to an external anchor. But when things are a bit calmer it reduces the tripping hazard and a bit of annoyance navigating around those tripwires.

Thanks for the tip cmoulder.