How to choose tent poles

Does tent pole material really make a difference?  Many manufacturers claim their tent pole construction and materials are superior but how do you know which type to choose?  Let’s take a closer look at the various tent materials available and hopefully, this will help you choose a tent pole construction that is right for you.

PLASTIC TENT POLES –Only used on kids play tents and cheap tents.  Not recommended for tents being used for overnight shelter.

FIBREGLASS TENT POLES-Thickness and weight are the main deciding factors on these poles.  The thicker the material, the more they weigh but the better they stand up to extreme demand and harsh conditions.  These are the best all around poles for most camping needs.  Anything less than 7.5mm thickness should be avoided however as they will easily break and splinter in extreme temperatures.  If a pole should break, it is usually easy to find a replacement and in an emergency, you may tape these poles with fairly good results.   These poles are well suited for the recreational car camper where weight is not the deciding factor.

ALUMINUM TENT POLES- These poles need to be anodized to avoid corrosion.  The weight versus strength factor is a consideration as they are lighter than fiberglass poles and are usually found on mid to higher end tents.  They are fairly crush resistant and do not twist or break easily.  However, if they do break, they don’t tape well.  These poles are well suited for recreational backpacking campers where weight is critical and the added expense is well worth saving your back.

CARBON FIBER TENT POLES- These are the best match of weight and strength and are found on most high end (and expensive) tents.  They are lightweight and resist breakage in extreme conditions. The carbon fiber is usually combined  with other materials and must be manufactured carefully or they will lend themselves to splintering easily.  Only buy from a trusted brand. These poles are the most expensive but are the ultimate in weight savings and are great for long treks and mountaineering expeditions where minimum weight is imperative.