Fix your aluminium tent poles

March 2013

Read more from

March 2013

Slide the small repair pole over the broken section and tape it. Photo: File

Whether they are Easton, Yunan, DAC or something else, a spilt or broken section can cause a mini disaster.

Replacing a broken pole section in the field can be tricky even if you have a spare section with you. Most tent manufacturers supply a small pole repair sleeve that you slide over the broken section and tape. Most tape will do the job, but the best is a strong PE repair tape.

Making a splint using a stick or something similar over the damaged section can also work.

Pole care and use tips

  • Never flick out your poles – it’s fun but it can damage the pole ends which may weaken them and cause them to split
  • When folding your poles up start from the centre and work towards the ends – this keeps the elastic nice and even
  • If camping near salt water, flush the poles with fresh water on your return home. Giving them a light going over with a silicon spray is also a good idea
  • Before each trip inspect the poles and elastic for any damage
Alistair Hall

About the author

Alistair Hall

More From Skills

Related Topics

Similar Articles

Taking the pain out of downhills

Weather: have you got the big picture?

How to clean your hiking footwear

Trending Now

Apply for the 2027 Shaun Barnett Memorial Scholarship

Boundary Creek Track, Hāwea Conservation Park

Review: Rab’s Neutrino -6°C provides high-performing comfort for the long game

The coach steps ashore 

Circling the sleeping giant

Subscribe!
Each issue of Wilderness celebrates Aotearoa’s great outdoors — written and photographed with care, not algorithms.Subscribe and help keep our wild stories alive.

This article is exclusively for Wilderness subscribers

Already a subscriber?  

Subscribe to read this article immediately and unlock exclusive 10-15% discounts at NZ’s best outdoor stores. 
Cancel anytime. 

Website Subscription

Print + Website

1

free articles left this month.

Already a subscriber? Login Now