Trekking Poles for spreader bars?

**fullcount** · 12-08-2015, 14:24

Okay....I am sure this has come up before, but I cannot find a solution.

Anyone come up with a good plan for using your trekking poles for your spreader bar? This would eliminate a little more than 8 ounces from my pack if I could do double duty with the trekking poles and leave the JRB supplied half bars at home.

**Life Scout** · 12-10-2015, 08:08

I use the mountainsmith trekker fx poles for my spreader bars. The monopod camera ones. I'm sure there are some lighter poles to be used but I wanted to try it and see how it works.
I've been using them for a while now and have had no issues with slipping or collapsing.

**GoatHanger** · 12-10-2015, 09:21

I use the same poles as Life Scout. Warbonnet sells a pole tip set of you're concerned about damaging the threads, fitment, abrasion, etc..
http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/hiking-pole-tip-set/

Also, be sure to lockout the shock absorbers on the poles.
https://youtu.be/TLD_fHiVkZ8

**Banjoman** · 12-10-2015, 13:04

Originally Posted by GoatHanger

I use the same poles as Life Scout. Warbonnet sells a pole tip set of you're concerned about damaging the threads, fitment, abrasion, etc..
http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/hiking-pole-tip-set/

Also, be sure to lockout the shock absorbers on the poles.
https://youtu.be/TLD_fHiVkZ8

The pole tip set will not work with BMBH's. Here's the Jacks spreader bar connection system.

uploadfromtaptalk1449770643460.jpg

**GoatHanger** · 12-10-2015, 13:20

Originally Posted by Banjoman

The pole tip set will not work with BMBH's. Here's the Jacks spreader bar connection system.

Thanks for the heads up! I would have hated for the op to buy them, then realize they don't work.

**fullcount** · 12-10-2015, 14:04

Originally Posted by GoatHanger

Thanks for the heads up! I would have hated for the op to buy them, then realize they don't work.

I appreciate the feedback.

Question...when looking at that picture, it looks as if the notch for the pole is hooked into the bottom of that ring. Don't know where the picture came from, but I think this is not the correct hook in point. When you hook into the bottom portion of the ring, it puts pressure on the bottom side stitching of the perimeter webbing. I had my first BMBH rip because I had done this. The Jacks instructed me to use the topside of the ring so the weight of my body is more evenly distributed on the strongest part of the webbing stitching.

Any thoughts on this?

**Banjoman** · 12-10-2015, 14:09

Originally Posted by fullcount

I appreciate the feedback.

Question...when looking at that picture, it looks as if the notch for the pole is hooked into the bottom of that ring. Don't know where the picture came from, but I think this is not the correct hook in point. When you hook into the bottom portion of the ring, it puts pressure on the bottom side stitching of the perimeter webbing. I had my first BMBH rip because I had done this. The Jacks instructed me to use the topside of the ring so the weight of my body is more evenly distributed on the strongest part of the webbing stitching.

Any thoughts on this?

Hmm, I may learn something here. Tell me more. I am not sure what you mean by bottom or top of the ring. The photo POV is looking from above the corner of the hammock.

**Banjoman** · 12-10-2015, 14:12

Here is another, better photo I found illustrating how I normally set it up.
uploadfromtaptalk1449774727245.jpg

**Banjoman** · 12-10-2015, 14:15

Originally Posted by Banjoman

Here is another, better photo I found illustrating how I normally set it up.
uploadfromtaptalk1449774727245.jpg

Hey, I think I now understand what you are saying. Thanks a lot for the info, I will start using the "top" of the ring.

Follow up question that I have wondered about, should the spreader bar be above or below the ring, or does that matter?

**fullcount** · 12-10-2015, 17:36

Originally Posted by Banjoman

Hey, I think I now understand what you are saying. Thanks a lot for the info, I will start using the "top" of the ring.

Follow up question that I have wondered about, should the spreader bar be above or below the ring, or does that matter?

This is what I am talking about in regards to "top" or "bottom" of the ring. When you have the ring in a vertical position, place the notch of the spreader bar on the top of the ring....not the bottom. What you are showing here is the bottom.

If you have the notch in the bottom of the ring, when you lay in the hammock, all your weight is shifted to the threading on the lower side of the perimeter web that surrounds the entire circumference of the hammock bed. This is too much stress on this stitching. I was doing this and I ripped the bedding material that was stitched in this corner of the hammock.

When you place the notch on the upper half of the ring, your weight is transferred along the full length of the webbing as it pulls straight out and thus, no strain on the stitching.

Hope this makes sense.