How long are your tent poles?
 

Hi,

Haven't decided on a tent for my next trip yet, but one of the must-have criteria is: the poles have to fit into the panniers vertically (39.5cm absolute(!) maximum length!)

I was looking at lightweight 2-person tents like the Northface Tadpole or equivalent ones from MSR, Exped, VauDe...

Also: Has anyone got any experience with the Exped "Southern Cross" tent? It's got an extremely small packsize for a 2-person tent – very attractive setup.


Cheers
Bjorn

Hi Bjorn. I've just measured the poles on my Hilleberg Nallo2 GT and they're 45cm. Those are quite short for a 2 man tent, a lot are longer. I think as a guide I'd check the minimum packed size as it will be the poles that give that minimum. You can pack the poles seperate to the tent though somewhere else in your luggage. I like to have all of my important stuff locked in my panniers too but a lot just strap their tents on the back.

Mind you're own business! That's a bit personal..... lol

theres quite a few tents with short poles, most backpackers tents are designed to go in a backpack. they are usually quite expensive though for a good one

Hi,

If your only gonna use it a couple of times, dont pay crazy money for a tent.

I fit all my camping gear in my topbox apart from the tent poles. I strap them to the side of the bike with no problems.

Its easy to get obsessed with your pole size...(excuse the pun).



regards
Roy

You can place the poles at an angle in your panniers if needed. Have a look at one of these. One of the smallest pack sizes I could find and light. Inner is all mesh for star gazing in the desert.

Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1. Have read reviews and only complaint is a thin ground sheet. I am taking the footprint to prevent damage on rough ground, this can also be used for service work and a bike cover.

Sleeping Pads and Sleeping Bags | Big Agnes

VauDe Space 2 (3man) = 470mm

John

Nice one - I did in fact expect a few puns on this topic ;)

On a more serious note: I appreciate the question might come across as a bit silly, but there's a good reason why I'm asking.

A mate of mine with the same pannier setup managed to fit the poles in perfect vertical position. (North Face, Tadpole 23). The strange thing is: that tent's packsize is said to be 50cm x 15cm. In other words: one can't always go by packing size only.

The reason why I prefer a vertical position to a diagonal one is: Vertical allows the poles to be out of the way. Vertical also allows the poles to be stored behind something with a large round shape – i.e. a small thermarest or Exped mat.

I could obviously go for a Tadpole tent – but I'd prefer a different shape...

Bjorn

Lightwave Cylq
 

poles 37.5cm
whole tent 2kg
Tent is ok for one, but a squeeze for two... unless you like that sort of thing.....

mine are bigger in the morning for some reason.

The Eureka Backcountry tent poles are less than 15" in length, which is about 38cm

HaChayalBoded meant 1.5".... hehehehe

Mine are 0", I use an Airzone tent.... no poles, just air.

Exped Orion
 

I use an Exped Orion..marvelous tent, two vestibules and not too big. Packed size is 42cm in lenght, but will try and measure the poles length for you. Compact and can be pitched with inner attached so great in the rain.

I sell them but sadly out of stock at present, but they are due in next month (March) along with the rest of the Exped Range.

Its also tall enough for my lank self to sit up in and done bike gear when its wet out or sit in my chair mat and read of an evening. Top tents but then I could be accused of being biased. Before the orion I used a North Face Bull frog, great tent, just not enough space for biker, plus luggage.

John

Check out Macpac tents also, very good quality and bombproof in all sorts of weather.

I agree with...um...whoever it was who said don't spend lots on a tent if you are not going to use it much. Wild Country make really good tents which are at that point in the market where they are good quality (alu poles etc.) but still a good price).

Matt :)

If you plan to spend many nights in a tent roominess is massively important. I use a two man tent even when riding solo.

A tarp can be quite a good thing to have too. Being able to sit outside and prepare breakfast/dinner or have a couple of beers even when it's raining is great. You can get British Army surplus ones off t'internet for 25 quid if you shop around.

Matt :)

Woow. Now that sounds i n t e r e s t i n g ! :rolleyes2: Any pictures?