[pct-l] Repair of Carbon Fiber Poles - some advice

[Mike Saenz]

Just a few tips on how to extend the life of tent poles:

1) When sliding them together into their end-sleeves, make sure all
dirt, grit or sand is brushed off. Gritty pole ends abrade and become
loose inside their sleeves which eventually work the sleeve open wider
and makes the metal tear easier.
2) When packing up your poles, pull them apart from the middle, then at
the quarters. This helps keep the shock cord from getting stretched out.
3) Try to gently insert each pole tip into it's sleeve when pitching and
to gently pull them out (keeping the poles straight). Make a habit of
inspecting the pole tips and sleeves for deformation of the sleeves. In
my experience, the sleeves will function when deformed for some time
before they tear. Keeping a spare tube is a good idea, but if you catch
the problem early, you can repair it at the next rail town, or at home.

As with anything, if it isn't going together as easily as it should,
don't force it.

Michael  Saenz
Associate Partner

MVE & Partners, Inc. | Architecture + Planning + Interiors 
Irvine + Oakland + Honolulu

1900 Main Street, Suite 800 | Irvine, California 92614-7318 | T
949.809.3388 | www.mve-architects.com
-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Hiker97 at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 9:23 AM
To: gottawalk at pacbell.net; pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net
Cc: carolwbruno at yahoo.com
Subject: [pct-l] Repair of Carbon Fiber Poles

_gottawalk at pacbell.net_ (mailto:gottawalk at pacbell.net)   writes:

Beware,  carbon fiber poles are fragile. I snapped mine is a very heavy 
rainstorm as I  tried to push it through a wet sleeve and it was
sticking. I will 
carry a 4  inch piece of tubing for a quick field repair.
------------------------------------------------------------------
That is very interesting.  I  have had the same issue with carbon fiber 
poles.  You have to be  gentle.  I have a very light repair tubing too,
that I will 
carry if I get  some carbon fiber poles.  
 
One thing about the Hubba tent is  that it uses clips to attach the
poles to 
the tent.  That might be a little  easier, but I have learned my lesson
about 
being rough with carbon fiber  poles.  That does not work.
 
I wonder about the 40 mph wind limitation too with the Hubba tent.  On
the 
PCT you can easily face winds above that.  But if you pitch your
shelter 
wisely, then may be that is not a big deal.  Many times I have  heard
the wind 
around the camp area and it sounds like it is going 70 mph.   All the
noise gets 
your attention.  That is why I carry ear  plugs.  :-)
 
Switchback the  Windy
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