"Porch Mode" - Tarp Pole Mod vs. (2) Poles at Tieouts

[thesergeant]

I'm having difficulty deciding on the best method for setting up my tarp in "porch mode". I'm a cyclist and don't pack along hiking poles so the best option is off the table.

I'm trying to decide between just sewing in pole pockets on my WL Tadpole and doing a "Tarp Pole Mod" or just getting a pair of 48" tent poles and using those in place of hiking poles.

The weight between the two is pretty much the same 96" vs ~90".

Seems like the two pole method opens up the tarp the most but also appears less stable.

I'm curious to know if anyone has tried both methods (with tent poles) and what their preferences are.

2-Pole Method:


Tarp Pole Mod:

[chickenwing]

Great looking tarp. Where did you get the pole? The tent pole I was looking at using for my tarp is about 15" too short.

[SGT Rock]

Instead of poles to make your porch, could you use your bike somehow?

[thesergeant]

CW - those tarps aren't mine, they're images i found on HF. Tent poles can be purchased here : http://www.bearpawwd.com/poles_stakes/poles_stakes.html or at Quest Outfitters

SGT - I tried that but couldn't find an arrangement that I liked. That would have been my first choice .

[SGT Rock]

FWIW I use the porch mode more than the tarp pole mode with my hammock. In good weather it goes porch mode, in bad weather it goes spreader pole. For things in-between it depends. Last week we were getting lots of water but no bad wind, so it was porch mode all night. I was able to gather 3L of water off my tarp without much effort while I was fixing dinner.

[Owl]

This thread has given me an excellent idea to try with my "Owl's Fortress of Solitude" setup.

Basically my current tarp is a HH Hex with sewn on doors that can be velcro'd closed, and tarp pole pockets across the middle perpendicular to the ridgeline.

I was about to order some poles from questoutffitters, but noted that they suggest that the center of the bend be across a pole...which would mean that you'd want an odd number of poles. According to my math, I need an even number to cover that distance, and was thinking about getting a 130* bend piece to put in the middle.

But...what if I get that middle piece, and set the whole thing up in 3 pieces? One 'bend piece' that goes under the ridgeline, and two seperate 60" long poles put together with shock cord?

Done that way, I'd have the option to use those poles as "porch mode" poles in place of the trekking poles I don't rely on much anyway. OR they could be used to make one single 'center pole' to hold out the sides of my tarp in bad weather.

Hmmm.....

[nothermark]

If you start with something like this:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ight=2qzq+pole

You will end up with a high center peak you can bring down with the end tie out loops to end up with a "porch" roof with a peak an no poles in the way.

Pole pockets can be put in as required. Diamond or rectangle pitch does not matter as long as you get the pockets installed for the proper pitch.

[jameyt]

Instead of poles to make your porch, could you use your bike somehow?

Yeah, I'd try this idea. Is there a way to attach smaller poles off the bike up at an angle. Less to carry, etc.

[thesergeant]

So i just ordered some .344 nanolite easton poles. I'm going to try out a pair of 48" long poles and use those in place of hiking poles. I'll chime back in and let everyone know how they work out. If I'm dissatisfied I'll break try a tarp pole mod.

[Bondo]

Maybe you could just tie out to some trees nearby or use some found tree limbs. That way you do not increase weight. I am not to familiar with the terrain you frequent. But to save weight try using available natural resources. Good luck and welcome to the forum.