Porch mode - which way do you put your poles?

[ChrisJHC]

I notice in a lot of photos of tarps in porch mode that many people put the handles of their poles on the ground and tie off to the tips.

I prefer to put the tips in the ground then tie off around the handles. Benefits:
- the tips are pushed into the ground, giving a more secure anchor point
- the handles are kept out of the mud
- your guy ropes are tied to a clean handle, rather than muddy pole-tips.

The only downside I see is that it’s slightly more difficult to tie the guy ropes around a pole handle than around the pole tips.

Thoughts?


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[Burg54]

Tip up/Handle down. I insert the tip of my pole into the tri-ring of my tarp. I camp 90% of the time in porch mode and have also camped in serious wind. I feel its a very secure connection. HYOH though and I am glad you found a way that works best for you.

I notice in a lot of photos of tarps in porch mode that many people put the handles of their poles on the ground and tie off to the tips.

I prefer to put the tips in the ground then tie off around the handles. Benefits:
- the tips are pushed into the ground, giving a more secure anchor point - I have never had a pole slip out or come undone.
- the handles are kept out of the mud - Never been an issue for me.
- your guy ropes are tied to a clean handle, rather than muddy pole-tips. - Since I put the tip through the tri-ring on my superfly, I dont tie my guy lines any differently than when I am not using poles. Guy out, insert pole tip into ring, readjust guys.

The only downside I see is that it’s slightly more difficult to tie the guy ropes around a pole handle than around the pole tips.

Thoughts?


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[Rphen]

Tip down handle up for me. Just wrap the line around the handle a time or two and stake out as normal. Works every time.

[Flash Grundelore]

My hiking stick has a hole bored side-to-side at the top. I just find a small twig that will fit and put it thru... the sewn on loop snugs down on that and the line pulls it taut

[Shug]

I do handle up.
Shug

[Trail Runner]

Tips up thru the d-rings of my tarp. I don't camp in muddy areas so no issues with mud on my handles. And if it gets windy enough to cause the poles to jump it's too windy for porch mode for me.

[Snaps]

I haven't tried either way yet. Next trip... but I actually have a reason for commenting...

I saw a photo of a tarp in porch mode, and I was curious because their pole tips were pointed up. Under each handle on the ground was either a fabric scrap or a very bright red leaf. So evidently they were attempting to keep their handles clean.


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[OneClick]

I get the pros on paper, but I absolutely HATE putting the cord around the handle. It works, but it's just too weak. I don't want the lines having anything to do with it. Putting the point thru the triangle ring gives me direct tarp-to-pole security = firm as possible setup. So I can crank down on the line and there's no other area for play; it's all hardware. As OCD as I can be, I've never had dirty grips, lines or any slippage. Just a solid snare-drum tight tarp.

This isn't the greatest shot, but when I zoom in you can see it thru the triangle ring. Been a solid method for almost 6 years now...just don't discontinue those triangle rings!!!



The bonus is I can take the pole in/out within seconds if I have to. Happens on occasion. No wrapping or anything; nothing changes with the line or stake. Just slip the pole right in the ring.

[Bubba]

Whatever works. HYOH.

[Vanhalo]

I notice in a lot of photos of tarps in porch mode that many people put the handles of their poles on the ground and tie off to the tips.

I prefer to put the tips in the ground then tie off around the handles. Benefits:
- the tips are pushed into the ground, giving a more secure anchor point
- the handles are kept out of the mud
- your guy ropes are tied to a clean handle, rather than muddy pole-tips.

The only downside I see is that it’s slightly more difficult to tie the guy ropes around a pole handle than around the pole tips.

Thoughts?


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Do you even need trekking poles?

I go flying squirrel mode.

IMG_2590.jpgFlying+Squirrel.JPG.png