Extendable tent poles

[International Incident]

Hi all,
I am trying to locate where I can buy extendable tent poles - like the ones below - in the USA (preferably in Reno). I had a look in a bunch of camping stores and in some of the large chain stores and i lucked out. Perhaps they are called something else in the USA, or perhaps I was just unlucky where I looked.

http://www.budgetcamping.com.au/shop_proddetails.asp?prodID=154

I want to be able to refer a couple of Australians and Internationals to a place where they can buy them.


Edited to add: These are for attaching to a tarp to provide shade over the back of a small tent - they should stand about 3f tall before they are extended - and rise to about 5ft. That way they are easy to transport.

Many thanks

[Dr. Pyro]

My first guess would be Cabela's, about five miles west of Reno on Nevada Exit 4. Not exactly convenient from Reno, but it's next to Boomtown and there are casino shuttles that go back and forth. Periodically.

[knowmad]

Mel's pichin tents!

[International Incident]

Thanks Doc,

Almost exactly what I am looking for!

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Adjustable-Height-Tent-Poles/745910.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dextendable%2Btent%2Bpole%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=extendable+tent+pole&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

The shortest ones Cabela’s (on-line) are close to 5ft tall - unextended. Which is a little more unwieldy that I wanted for backpackers.

Anyone got any other suggestions?

Many thanks!

[Bob]

If they really need them that short, could cut those pole sections to the length desired using a small tubing cutter.

Look up "hiking staff" or "trekking pole". Some adjust from about 54"-60" to about 24"-30" collapsed. Pricier but lightweight aluminum and compact.

Reno has Cabela's, REI, Big 5 and other outdoors stores. Better if you find it at home and avoid the mobs.

[FIGJAM]

Get 2 sticks of 1/2" and 3/4" EMT, then cut into 3' lengths.

The 1/2" will slide into the 3/4", then drill a hole for a small bolt or pin.

If you make your own, they will be cheaper.

2 sticks will make 3 poles that size.

[Bob]

Gosh, and there's a Harbor Freight in Reno where they could get a tape measure, drill, center punch, drill bit sets, bastard files and a tape measure along with a tubing cutter.

[some seeing eye]

For holding up tarps, you might look at 2x2 or 2x3 lumber from Home Depot or Lowes. They might cut it there, or there has to be a $3 handsaw for sale. You can pound a few nails in the end or drive some drywall screws - one on top to stick into the grommet hole on the tarp, and two on the sides, 3-4" from the top that can keep the guy rope from slipping up or down. They are a little heavier to get bonked with than tubing, but they can be donated on playa or burned.

I do like the conduit within conduit idea.

[gyre]

I've seen them.
Can't recall where.

Try campmor.

[Bob]

Ski poles come collapsible too. Could use one-inch or smaller dowels (eg broom handles or painter's poles) and lash cut lengths together with parachute cord.

But I'm unclear on the purpose. Are they buying *everything* in Reno and then dumping it? Are they going camping somewhere after Burning Man?

[International Incident]

Basically the “structure” is 2 poles that sit at the front at the side of the tent - usually a small lowish 4 man tent. The Tarp or shade cloth gets run from the two poles over the back of the tent and is tied down. The tent pole needs to have a “spike” that the grommet can fit over.

It’s the simplest shade structure I could come up with last year.

If you can find poles that are about 3ft/4ft unextended and extend them up to about 5ft you can easily put them in your bag - hence helping with the whole transport thing.

I managed to find poles here (Australia) for about $10 each. I brought them with me. They were awesome. Just got some T-Bar in Reno and staked them up.

BUT - I’m trying to find a similar product in the Reno area for other international burners.

All that said, I’m in the process of sorting out monkey huts or alternatives for 3 or 4 internationals joining us this year. So for me, and them, the finding of said poles is no longer an issue. However, it would be nice to know where to refer others, should the situation arise.

Many thanks for advice - and keep it coming!

[Bob]

Must be more in demand down under than up over. Outside of ski or trekking poles you aren't going to find telescoping tent poles shorter than 6 or 7 ft. With ski poles, just stick the pointy end in the grommet hole.

[Trishntek]

Must be more in demand down under than up over. Outside of ski or trekking poles you aren't going to find telescoping tent poles shorter than 6 or 7 ft. With ski poles, just stick the pointy end in the grommet hole.

Okay Bob, now you just made my wicked side engage for the first time this morning,,,,, "just stick the pointy end in the grommet hole",,,, good grief! it does sound kinda hot tho'

[International Incident]

Must be more in demand down under than up over. Outside of ski or trekking poles you aren't going to find telescoping tent poles shorter than 6 or 7 ft. With ski poles, just stick the pointy end in the grommet hole.

Bob, Thank you. I was wondering whether I was just looking in the wrong places!

It seems there is not the same supply in the USA as there is here. At least I know now to tell Australians to BYO poles.

And yes TNT, I was wondering whether someone would make a joke about "sticking the point end in". It's good to see that i wasn't let down.