Tarp Porch Mode Poles

[bwg]

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

[Shug]

Branches from the nearby woods always work well ....free and no-carry.
Shug

[chorpie]

Since most tent poles have the ends that fit into grommets, why don't you sew some loops on each end of a piece of webbing and stick a grommet in the middle? then you can lash one end out and the other to your D-ring. shouldn't cost too much to DIY.

[SinisterMinister]

Have you tested the tent poles with a clove hitch? The reason I ask is, from my experience with slim tent poles, they're designed to be flexible; to bend and provide support via an arch. The hiking pole support mode is ridged. Using a slim tent pole may not give you the structure you need and will more likely bend and flex awkwardly. There’s more than a few engineers on these forums who can support or refute that assumption.

You may be able to use a larger tent pole and create the large dome arch for your porch, if you can rig a way to keep the pole flexed. Ha…now, I want to try this.

[Law Dawg (ret)]

I am seeking pole ideas for holding my tarp in porch mode when bicycle touring.

Can you use your bike?

[Bomber]

I use sticks found near the camp, both hiking and biking(i don't use poles)

[gmcttr]

In case you need a source of tent poles, Quest Outfitters has a wide variety of poles and parts.

[bwg]

Can you use your bike?

Considered that but want ability to deploy hammock and tarp then ride to store/restaurant/bathhouse with bike.

[bwg]

Thanks for stick and branches suggestions; sometimes camping areas well scavenged for firewood may have few sticks and I rather not break living branches. While hiking I do use sticks, but with bike riding I rather use poles if possible (since I can afford to carry a few more ounces) so I don't have to locate sticks each evening.

[Cranky Bear]

You could try something like this http://www.kelty.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=tarp+pole
They are made for supporting a tarp! Would just need to tie a small loop in a piece of cord or something like it to attach!