MacCat pole mod

**2Questions** · 06-09-2008, 18:38

I was looking to create more room under my MacCat and came up with this idea. I stole the pre-bent shock corded aluminum pole from my old REI Sololite tent (ground dweller days)and was happy to see that it fit the required dimension within 1 inch. A center tie ribbon at the ridge keeps it straight. The Leki's work well to create an awning...really opens it up.

**HappyCamper** · 06-09-2008, 18:44

Sweet. As usual, nice job! What's the weight of the pole?

**2Questions** · 06-09-2008, 18:47

I'll have to weight it!! It's quite light. Stay tuned. Having troubles moving pictures. See my gallery for more pix.

**Narwhalin** · 06-09-2008, 18:48

Very nice! I think putting a pole in could increase structural stability. It is definately sexier looking than using side tie-outs!

You could also combine the two concepts of using side tie-outs and the pole by using the Sierra Designs Gripclips which have the SD Swiftclips on them for clipping to a tentpole.

http://www.rei.com/product/358090

**2Questions** · 06-09-2008, 18:50

6 ozs. Not too bad.

**2Questions** · 06-09-2008, 18:59

I have a small gear pocket bag I'm thinking of suspending from the pole using the gripclips you mentioned. I don't like to use the one on the HH ridgeline. I don't want to add too much weight to the pole, but believe it can handle a small gear pouch for small items, headlamp, keys, wallet, etc.

**headchange4u** · 06-09-2008, 19:01

Sweet setup.

**NCPatrick** · 06-09-2008, 20:04

Looks good. I know that Dutch was doing something very similar with his tarp up at Mt. Rogers last winter.

I found a "left behind" tent pole at my last campsite and was playing around with ways to use it like that too. The tent pole I found was just too big and bulky to deal with. It didn't bend enough to fit the tarp shape.

**2Questions** · 06-09-2008, 20:38

Yeah, Dutch showed me his idea at the MAHHA hangout using two poles, one at each end. He's a creative guy. I went with one pole in the middle....only had one pole to work with and didn't feel like buying another. Different, but believe will still provide the advantage of more room I was looking for.

I'm hoping the one pole concept in the middle will also allow me to alter the end tieouts in a "hunkered down" mode during bad weather. Have to see how that goes.

**NCPatrick** · 06-09-2008, 20:56

Originally Posted by 2Questions

I'm hoping the one pole concept in the middle will also allow me to alter the end tieouts in a "hunkered down" mode during bad weather. Have to see how that goes.

Yah, that's a good idea. I'd like to see this tarp in Hunker/Bunker mode myself!