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  1. #1

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    Pointy side down? Trekking pole placement

    When using trekking poles as guy out points for your tarp, do you plant the pointy end into the ground or the handle end?

    I’ve always just shoved the pointy end into the ground and ran the line around the handle to rig for porch mode for example. I’ve seen a lot of pictures lately of people putting the handle into the ground and it makes me wonder if there’s a better way. Pointy end up concerns me a bit if you lose your balance and fall into the pole.

    I should stop looking at Instagram!

  2. #2
    Senior Member Bad Biscuit's Avatar
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    I always do mine pointy end down. My reasoning was why get the handles muddy/dirty? I have heard someone say somewhere (maybe whiteblaze) that critters have been known to nibble on the salt deposits left on the handles if pointy end is up.
    "There's not much of a learning curve with a tent. Lay on the ground and suffer; repeat as often as necessary." - Silvrsurfr

    http://jnunniv.wordpress.com

  3. #3
    cmc4free's Avatar
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    Pointy end down, else the collapsible sections can get water in them. I try to avoid that.

  4. #4
    Senior Member TrailSlug's Avatar
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    Pointy end down here as well. I've seen pics of pointy end up and a big wind come and pointy end goes through tarp. Ouch!

  5. #5
    Senior Member 4estTrekker's Avatar
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    I poke the pointy end into the ground a bit if possible to keep the pole from lifting and wandering in the wind.

  6. #6
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    I'd offer a dissenting opinion, but then I'd be wrong.

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by deadeye View Post
    I'd offer a dissenting opinion, but then I'd be wrong.
    I won’t judge you!
    An advantage I can see is that the spike easily fits inside a grommet or tie out point on the tarp, like a tent pole.

  8. #8
    cougarmeat's Avatar
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    Salt on the handles is an issue not to be ignored. Just because there might be a “holder” for the tip of the hiking pole doesn’t mean you have to use it. If your setup works for you with points down - the line doesn’t slide down off the pole handle - then you’re good. It can be difficult to keep clean outdoors. Putting the handles of my hiking poles in the dirt doesn’t appeal to me and I can’t imagine and advantage large enough (over points down) that would inspire me to change. But I’m open to a “This is the biggest reason why points up is better …” if such a reason exists.
    In order to see what few have seen, you must go where few have gone. And DO what few have done.

  9. #9
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    I do pointy end up because the poles fit nicely through the D-rings and catch on the pole's basket. It sets up in 2 seconds. I dont care about handles getting dirty; everything is going to get dirty anyway. Swish them around in the next stream crossing if it matters that much to you.

  10. #10
    Senior Member cmoulder's Avatar
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    I really just experimented briefly with handles-down setup and in no time flat I experienced damage from critter chewing.
    Five Basic Principles of Going Lighter (not me... the great Cam Honan of OZ)
    “If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” ~ Gen. George S Patton

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