Poncho/Tarp Holder

E

ednemo

Joined
Feb 12, 2004
Messages
968
I, like most everyone else here, am working on getting my pack down to a manageable weight. I have ditched my tent and am replacing it with a large poncho. I will be using paraord to stake it out, but I need something to hold the middle up. I have been thinking of taking a walking stick to use for this, but don't always like having something in my hands. Nor do I like the idea of having something with limited function. I started thinking about a large titanium crowbar that I could use, but I don't know if a 28" would work well enough for this, or if the shape would make it bad for this sort of thing.

What is everyone else using?
 
Forego the stick. Provided trees are nearby paracord can be used to hold the center of the tent, giving it a pyramid type look.
 
Great idea on the Basha Poles I might look into getting that setup. Another great idea on the tying the paracord up to a tree above. My only problem with that is that I am not always around trees when I am setting up my tent, depending on where I am hiking.

I was also wondering what do you guys use for a bottom?
 
You may want to try some of the smaller climbing accessory cord for staking out the tent - 2mm cord would work fine, and is lighter than paracord. Carry a spool of spiderwire fishing line (can be obtained in very heavy tests weights) if you think you'll miss the inner strands.

As for supporting the center - there are plenty of places where you can get custom poles made - maybe the poles from your old tent might work?

Sam
 
Walking Stick/Stave/Staff - A Multiple Use Bush Tool

Turns a wobbly biped into a triped (esp. when crossing streams on "step rocks" or logs).

With correct length and "head," fits under armpit. Lean on it.

Tent pole.

Allows longer reach for "bear bags."

Allows use of arms to supplement legs when climbing.

Brake when going down steep grades (Saves those knees!).

Wacks nasty plant life out of the way.

Wacks nasty animal life out of the way.

Brace to keep pack vertical when on ground.

Camera stand.

Binocular stand.

Gun stand.

AND MORE!
 
Oh yeah, walking staff for sure. I carry a 2" diameter hickory staff that's 62" long and tapered to accept a frog gig/fish spear. If I'm heading into the bush, I don't leave home without it.
 
The 'alpha tent' works amazingly well. I've used it in all sorts of conditions and it excels...
 
Colin Fletcher, author of The Complete Walker, one of and maybe the best book on hiking, swears by walking staffs. Leki makes a variety of extendable staffs that would serve your purpose. Thomas Linton covered most of the bases, I think... good advice. One cautionary note, though: if you are venturing into serious bug country, a poncho won't give you any protection. There are a lot of ultralight tents these days that aren't much heavier than a poncho (tho' a lot more expensive -- less is more :D ).
 
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