TARP POLES: What style suits you? We compare 6 different options that can support your next pitch!

A tarp pole is a handy accessory to help expand your range in tarp camping. But, with the numerous styles available to buy, it's important to suss out what design features are going to best fit your excursions. This video examines 6 different tarp pole options that represent the most common materials, construction, mechanics and specs you will find while shopping in the tarp pole category. The intent of this video is to get you thinking about what features you will find essential, and what features are actually disposable. You might be surprised that in the end, the simplest solution works best!

The video features our AquaQuest Safari XL Tarp (20' x 13' or 6 m x 4 m) in our proprietary True Terrain Camo:

This is the largest size available in our hybrid (midweight) tarp model, which uses 70D nylon fabric with silicone and PU coatings to create a high-performing waterproof rating of 5000mm. Offering up to 244 square feet of precious dry cover, our 20 x 13 (XL) tarps are ideal for deluxe set-ups and group excursions. Numerous tie-outs enable customization and stability. It can accommodate up to 8 users.

AquaQuest also makes 3 other models of tarp, and offers 5 different sizes: Whether you're gearing up for a nimble solo thru-hike, or need a burly backcountry basecamp for you and your buddies, we've got your brand of adventure covered! Note that AQ products are backed by our limited lifetime warranty and no-quibble return policy.

AquaQuest, established in 1994, is the brand that is WATER PROVEN, and with our waterproof tarps, bivies and shelters, you need FEAR NO FORECAST.

#tarpshelter #tarps #bushcraft #camping #tarpcamping

[FOXMAN]

Yo guys, use audio boom poles, monopods, or blind guide canes. The telescopic range is insane and they are designed to hold weight. Way better than paint poles and trekking pole that are way too bulky or limited in range.

[vespasian]

Aqua Quest Defender Tarps 10*7. my favorite. two basha poles. bungee loops in all tie out points and a few lengths of paracord.
my bushcraft life is complete.

[badmoon]

Green Elephant twist lock poles work great. Try some, you'll like them. If hiking, a dead lodgepole cut to size works well.

[IntenseAngler]

Stellar video on showing a variety of tarp pole options here brother! I use trekking poles a lot while backpacking, so they're a natural choice for me personally when setting up my UL tent or tarp tent. That tip on adding the pole jacks was ingenious though! Will definitely be making a pair of those 👍 Thanks for passing that one along man! Meanwhile, looking forward to your upcoming vids 👍

[goneagainmusic]

I'm just getting started in my tarp game.. great video well laid out.. well articulated..
Greg.. Little Rock AR

[tiffanybell-horwath]

any chance you can link the manufacturers or links to the poles you reviewed? I didn't hear names for any of them!

[billsimpson]

RE: the pole jack, I just fabbed a section of ski pole open on both ends, and stick both trekking pole tips in. Voila, 8' pole. As long as you're OK planting one grip in the dirt.

[bluedogguy]

Great video. Lots of info - thanks!!!

[spacechampin]

Your 2nd set of poles look like Redcamp's. I just bought those, but from an auction so got them cheap. Looking to try them out in a few weeks when camping out for the solar eclipse!

[franny]

You should look at the telescopic poles from springbar. I have some of the twisty tarp poles but when they fail, I'll replace them with springbar poles. There's zero chance of me needing to carry them, they ride in my truck. If the weather is bad enough to break those poles it's well past time for me to have been inside.

[bobhead]

I have tried " Twist lock tarp poles, and do not like them, Most of the time i use Steel ones, similar to yours, and half Tennis balls, with wooden carved inserts to cushion them if I need to use them in the fabric section of my Defender tarp .

[WillyK]

Some of those twist-lock poles last a very long time, Have a twist lock boat hook that I attached a sharp nail(walking stick on rocks)and gaff hoock to fish on jeties. 40 Yrs and still works. Bit of lube once in a while. My tarp poles have a metal tab/ring that locks them

[YCIGAFSN]

Twist locks always fail after a short number of uses (brand/quality does not matter). Steel rusts and is heavy. Push button locks can, and will slip out of place and are difficult to put back in place properly. Aluminum is weak in many circumstances. I gave up on all that and just find suitable branches. Tip: You don't necessarily have to cut your branches to length. You can easily use a long branch and just attach your guide line to the tarp tie out, use a marlin spike (doubled if necessary) with the guide line around the branch an inch or two from your tarp tie out and an inch or two higher, then stake out your line. Works like a charm.

[MushindoToKen]

Can you please do a video showing the difference in pack size of your 3 different styles of tarps? Pack down size is important to alot of us. Showing how small each type of tarp can pack down into its bag isnt something i can find any videos of about your tarps. Thanks and much appreciated!

[lmccampbell]

painters poles are the best options out there

[Julia-Julia]

I thought that he would recommend something specific on the market… This video is just simply BS!

[emeryz]

Telescopic

Is pronounced Teles-cop-ick

Not Teles-co-pick