What kind of poles do you use?

[Aloecricketmouth]

I'm looking at extendable or sectional tarp poles, but I'm not sure which kind would work best. These are some I'm considering;

KOMCLUB Tarp Poles Adjustable Tent Pole Upgrade Thickened Stainless Steel Camping Tarp Pole for Outdoor Canopy Awning Rain Shelter-94.5 in Set of 2 https://a.co/d/8YofmMC

Mountainsmith Steel Tarp Pole (2 Set), Silver https://a.co/d/1EDqeqX

[elvronhubbard]

Hi there! It's my first burn so I'm not going to be that helpful but my plan is also to use 4 tarp poles like these: https://a.co/d/1lSvLfg

They extend to 7.5 ft and my tent is 4.25 ft tall. They're aluminum, very sturdy, and I've tested this plan out in the yard because I'm so nervous about my shade not working!

Okay so, I'm bringing an auger drill bit that is 1.6 in. in diameter to drill holes to place the tarp poles in. I'm going solo so I figured this step would help me stand the poles up without any help and also have a foundation for the poles to make them stronger against the wind. I don't know, I never took physics in high school but this seemed logical.

I'm going to attach 2 guy lines per pole and secure them using 12 in. lagbolts with chains, so 8 guy lines total. My tarp will be attached to the top of each tarp pole. Then I'll use guy lines attached to the tarp to secure them into the ground with lag bolts as well. My tarp is only 10 x 13 ft. and it's a rainfly/sunshade combo. It's pretty lightweight.

The two tarp poles in the back will be lowered to 4.5 ft while the front poles will be extended to 7.5 ft, so that way my tarp is at an angle (to block out the sun or any rain drip off, in case it rains.) I might put all poles as low as possible if it gets really windy and I'm away from my camp. That's my plan! I think it's doable but definitely test the poles out before you go!

I'll also have a tarp underneath everything so I have a little changing/dusting area with a rug (that doesn't shed) where I can wipe my feet and change out of my dusty clothes.

[some seeing eye]

I use 2"x3" x 8' lumber studs. You can get them at any big box building supply company. I get mine locally, lay them over the roof rack and use them as a base for bikes laying sideways on top.

You can get them in Reno too. DPW takes them outbound at the lumber drop off points.'

I usually drive some 3" wood screws into them to go through grommets and keep guy lines in place. If you are using them in the middle of your covering, tarp, or shade cloth Bedouin-style, you can screw a bowl on the top.

$3.50 each.

[Token]

You seem well prepared. Good job!

The wee auger bit makes things interesting.

I would make two changes to your design, based on the low tent you are using:

1. Get a longer shade cloth that goes all the way to the ground on the downslope. Anchor that to the terra firma real good. Fewer failure points. Don’t skimp on shade cloth strength and durability.

2. With the auger bit, double up the poles, heck, triple up if you can afford it and gaffer-tape them together. One spike through the shade, remaining spikes for the guy lines. Totally up the strength of the poles and it’s a cool solution.

Now, the absolutely best thing you must do: find the sunrise spot - build your shade so it blocks the sun in the morning, your tent stays in the shade till 10:00am cuz you placed everything just right.

So when you get there, put up the tent, go party like a rockstar all night, stumble to camp right at dawn, then build the canopy while taking in the sunrise and in the shade of your fabulous augered construct.

[elvronhubbard]

You seem well prepared. Good job!

The wee auger bit makes things interesting.

I would make two changes to your design, based on the low tent you are using:

1. Get a longer shade cloth that goes all the way to the ground on the downslope. Anchor that to the terra firma real good. Fewer failure points. Don’t skimp on shade cloth strength and durability.

2. With the auger bit, double up the poles, heck, triple up if you can afford it and gaffer-tape them together. One spike through the shade, remaining spikes for the guy lines. Totally up the strength of the poles and it’s a cool solution.

Now, the absolutely best thing you must do: find the sunrise spot - build your shade so it blocks the sun in the morning, your tent stays in the shade till 10:00am cuz you placed everything just right.

So when you get there, put up the tent, go party like a rockstar all night, stumble to camp right at dawn, then build the canopy while taking in the sunrise and in the shade of your fabulous augered construct.

Thank you so much! This was incredibly helpful. I will definitely put my shade in the sunrise spot (roughly 78 degrees according to a cool graphic someone posted on reddit) I'm not sure I can find a longer shade cloth in time before I leave but I do think I could anchor the ends to the ground and still fit my tent underneath. I'll do some tweaking when I get there I guess. So excited! Can't wait!