View Full Version : Linking Trekking Poles
I want to be able to link two trekking poles to make one tall center pole for a tent.
I saw something somewhere that was a trekking pole link it was something that held the two poles together.
Does anyone know anything about this or a way to link two trekking poles to make one long pole ?
Thank you,
J
Feral Bill
10-25-2009, 12:35
Maybe something made to make two poles into an avalanche probe? Try a store that carries climbing gear.
Here is one.
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/shelters/pole-link-converter (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/shelters/pole-link-converter)
When I was playing with pyramid tents I just linked my poles by connecting the straps and then roping the handles.
Note that you need a bit longer rope than the one i used in this picture. About 3 yards should do it.
Franco
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/Pole-connection-1.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/Pole-connection-2.jpg
BTW, you can have the two handles a bit closer by shorting the straps but do not shorten them too much .
Franco
WalkingStick75
10-25-2009, 17:43
No picture but if you cut a small aluminum pipe and insert the tips??
That would work if you only need a few inches, say 3-5. More than that will snap the tip off in medium to strong wind.
One shelter I was modifying was designed to use a 53" pole but worked better at around 57" , so I used the "extender" .
With my BD (the ones in the picture above ) if I use the first two sections opened (recommended...) that gives up to around 65", good for double pyramid/tipi. If I opened the third section on one pole that is about 78" and is good enough for a 2/3 person version.
I would not use two poles fully extended except for in sheltered sites.
For these is better to have poles where all the section can be locked partially opened so that you don't extend the thin section more than it needs. See picture..
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/Pole-sections.jpg
Franco
Just in case...
In the picture above with the two poles tied together, (post 3) that is not the way to do it...
The handles need to be parallel to the other pole (the top one is the bottom isn't) and as stated you need a lot more rope than that.
You should not be able to move the two poles away from each other by hand.
Franco
ChinMusic
10-25-2009, 20:44
Might you be better off just to make use of a branch you find on site for this? And use the combined poles as a backup? I'd be concerned about wind with something that tall.
Just askin' I got no idea.
For the ones that find clicking on a link a bit too much of a bother, this is the description from Black Diamond on their version :
A durable nylon wrap with Velcro-like closure for combining trekking or ski poles into a single pole to pitch teepee-style tents such as the Mega Light.
And this is what it looks like. BTW, it's $5
Franco
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/BDpolelink.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/BDpolelink2.jpg
coldspring
10-26-2009, 09:52
These combine to make a 66" pole.
http://www.titaniumgoat.com/poles.html
garlic08
10-26-2009, 10:44
My Black Diamond backcountry ski poles screw together to form an avalanche probe pole (thank God I've never had to use them that way), more than two meters long and non-adjustable. Franco's deal looks like the ticket.
We have had excellent luck using bicycle inner tubes slit to about 1" wide by about a foot long. These stretchy rubber bands then are wrapped around the poles, overlapping each wrap. Then the end is tucked into the last wrap. The wrap ends up being about 10" s or more long, and is very strong, because it is wrapped for a long length. Handle to handle, set the length, the put the wrap between the handles. Works great and very strong.
That sounds like a good solution as well ( some use bits of inner tubes as fire starters, just in case )
In my backyard I used Omnitape (Velcro that sticks to itself) because the rope bit takes longer and it became tedious to do. (I was fiddling with different heights)
Franco
CajunHiker
10-27-2009, 12:22
I keep a couple of velcro strip ties on each of my poles. Can be used to secure poles to each other either extended (like you want) or when shortened.
beakerman
10-27-2009, 12:58
Just take 5 minutes and learn round lashing...that is the easiest thing to do. It's similar to Franco's idea. most of us carry parachute cord anyway and that stuff is perfect for lashings.
i like Franco's idea with linking th e straps to keep things from sliding. I would advise that if it allows a length you need otherwise don't worry about it too much.