A trekking pole is a handy piece of equipment, not only for it’s help navigating in difficult terrain or relieving the strain put on your back, but to also help you setup your shelter for the night. Let’s take a look at three different methods to set up your tarp using trekking poles: the clove hitch, the upside down, and the cross method.
Trekking Pole Clove Hitch Method
The first method obviously involves using a clove hitch. First attach the guy line to the tarp. I normally use a bowline hitch but there are serval options for you to try. Next, clove hitch the guy line onto the handle of the trekking pole. Form two loops the same way and cross the first loop over the second, slip it over the pole and tighten. From there I normally stake it out using a trucker’s hitch but again there are numerous options such as various friction hitches, regular hitches, or hardware.
Upside Down Method
The second method is just as simple, but upside down. Start out by tying an non-slip loop knot such as a bowline hitch or the figure of eight loop, onto one end of your guy line. Turn your trekking pole upside down and slip the loop over the tip of the pole letting it rest on the basket. Insert the tip of the pole into the tarp’s grommet, connect the line around the stake, feed it back up to the loop, add tension, and tie it off with two half-hitches. Alternatively you can tie a loop onto your tarp and proceed in the same manner.
Cross Pole Method
The third and final method is the cross-pole method. This will give you more room to enter and exit an A Frame or Tent-like structure. Again, start out by tying a guy line to the tarp. Holding your poles parallel, slip one of the pole straps over the handle of the other. Pull the strap of the second pole through the strap of the first and loop it over the handle of the first pole. Cross the shafts of the poles and you will create an upside down V, then slightly push the poles down into the ground so that they are freestanding, or nearly so. From here take the guy line and loop it at least once around the handles of the poles, taking a turn, and choose one of the many options you have to add tension to the line and to secure your structure into place.
Special Note: Visit Hocking Hills, Ohio
The footage of the waterfalls is from one of my favorite places in the world, Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills, Ohio off of State Route 664. Ever since I was a child this place has captured my imagination as a magical wonderland and in a sense it is, but that is for another post. If you visit Ohio, visit Hocking Hills.
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