Internal Pole Kit - How Many Poles?

[SteveE]

Looking at getting a winter tarp and am going to get the internal pole kit. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on how many poles? I see they make single (for one in the middle), double (for both ends) and triple (for middle and ends). Would three poles be overkill? Is one pole enough to really open it up inside? I'm not concerned with added weight or bulk. Thanks!

[Heavyhiker]

I have been wondering the same thing myself. I am leaning towards the double but wondering if there is an advantage to the triple.

[FJRpilot]

I use a double internal for my car camping tarp mainly because I have been using a big bridge hammock and need the clearance on each end. The biggest down side to my setup is the additional weight the double poles add. I think that having a third center pole would not add any additional space inside the tarp so it would be adding even more weight with no additional benefit.

But, HYOH, maybe there is something I’m missing. Try it out and let us know about your experience and recommendations.




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[Pennsy Camp and Canoe]

I have a 12' DIY Winter tarp with a single pole and its more than enough. You can see it in this video:

[HandyRandy]

I have one with internal end poles mod and one on order with both internal center pole mod and internal end poles mods. The end poles do such a good job, I don’t think you would need need the center pole in addition to the center pole mod. I went and ordered one with both because I want to test out the center mod too, but I don’t anticipate using them all at once. I just want to be able to resort back to the end poles in case I don’t like the center pole. I also want to be able to choose the center pole sometimes to save weight, but still get to use a pole mod.

So, I’m still learning, but I can tell you that unless you are expecting heavy snowfall, you shouldn’t ever need both and that one clear advantage to the center pole mod is much less weight. My end poles with cordage and bag are nearly one pound. Since the center pole is shorter and only one pole, I bet the center pole mod will be 6 oz-ish. I’ll find out soon though.

[Tikker]

I think it's really either 2 ends, or 1 center. 3 must be for a HUGE tarp. I can see maybe doing 3 with a huge tarp and a double hammock deal

[TominMN]

...
So, I’m still learning, but I can tell you that unless you are expecting heavy snowfall, you shouldn’t ever need both ...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[old4hats]

Two works wonderfully well for our tarps. I also believe one at the center would work very well for a gathered end hammock. We use bridge hammocks so we chose two poles.

[m00ch]

When I hang with my wife we use a spreader bar for the hammock and 2 internal poles. My winter tarp is a Superfly with 1 internal pole in the middle. Both of those setups are great for their intended purpose.

[sqidmark]

My wife and I double hang in an SLD Winterhaven 12x14 that I modified for 3 internal poles. It's only used for car camping during cooler months. However, I have to admit that it's also incredible in porch mode when it's warmer.

Originally I set it up with the two end poles. It sagged quite a bit in the middle so we both decided that the center pole would be a plus, but is not essential. Our DIY backpacking tarp (more or less a SF clone) uses two external poles, but I may just change that to a single internal some day.

Sorry, no porch mode photos yet.



Here's a vid. This shows velcro on the doors, which I learned to hate immediately. I replaced it with kam snaps.