Picking the right diameter of tent poles matters during setup or changing of poles for a camping tent Know about diameter, length and material helps you choose the best fit.
For camping poles you use aluminum round tubes that you identify by their outer diameter. Typical sizes are 16 mm, 19 mm, 22 mm and 25 mm. Among the slim options are fiberglass poles of 8.5 mm.
Pick the Right Tent Pole Size, Length and Material
For instance, one set of replacements is made of 4 sections of fiberglass poles, each 90 cm long with diameter 8.5 mm, for poles of same size. Also ultralight carbon fiber poles work for propping up sides of tent or feet of flat tarp.
Occasionally a tent uses only one standard pole diameter. At American tents it usually stays at 9.5 mm, and replacements cost litle. Meanwhile, aluminum poles of 11 mm are truly strong.
A thicker diameter is useful a bit, but avoid too thick, because minimal bending radius matters.
Almost every tent comes with specs on a sheet. Here is the kind and diameter of poles. For aluminum poles DAC or Easton of same diameter work.
In United States Easton is more easily available. At makers of ultralight sets two kinds of poles serve for vertical use, including a famous 8.6 mm option weighing around 2 ounces.
Length of A-frame poles is usually between 5 and 7 feet. Vertical poles are 40 to 50 inches when you use a ridge pole. Ridge poles are sold in 7-foot lengths.
Some lightweight aluminum poles fold to 30 cm, or around 12 inches. That compact size is good for bike packing or cases of tight situations. Also poles of 40 cm close, which fits in the tent bag.
Theoretically a two-pole tent is better than one-pole according to size, volume and weight. Some models only require two diagonal poles. For 8-foot by 10-foot tarp-tent you must count diagonal pole length considering curved radius.
One system with wall poles sets up quickly, even alone. They are made of 1-3/8-inch steel tube and include a ridge pole, uprights and wall poles, everything in a carrying bag fit for horseback. Measuring poles at home, use a sizing chart.
Mark a quarter and penny for precise scale, later lay the pole above the circles to find the rightsize.
