I picked up a Golite Trig 1 the other day and want to take it out this weekend. But I don't use trekking poles. Any ideas on how to make a 2 piece pole that will work instead? I don't have time to order the parts and get them before the weekend. I do have things like fiberglass fence posts, steel and graphite golf club shafts, PVC tubing, laying around. Doesn't have to really light for this trip. Whatever will work. Ideas?

A while ago, the cheap plastic swivel-piece broke on a Swiffer sweeper, leaving me with 3-piece pole (the included 4th piece isn't really usable because of a non-removable handle).

The poles are actually pretty strong b/c each piece is short (about 10") with a 3/4" diameter. I'm guessing they are made of aluminum. They "seat" into each other about an inch (like a normal tent pole) and shouldn't come apart with downward force from a tarp and guylines. I removed a plastic clip inside each pole that attaches them b/c they seat so well onto each other.

Three sections of this pole measured almost 33" at 3.9 oz. To get 4 sections (around 43" tall), you might have to buy 2 sweepers. To carry them, throw a rubber band around the sections.

Btw, I never used these, they got thrown in the bottom of a gear bin. Your post just reminded me and they would be an o.k. replacement for those that forgot tent poles but could get to a store on the way to a trailhead.

Go to swiffer.com, click on products, and then swiffer sweeper. These are available at most stores like target and probably some grocery stores.

We were taking the scrap aluminum to recycle and I came across some aluminum arrow shafts. It would be easy to join them together using a bolt with the head cut off. It's what I was planning for my myog tarptent. I am not completely sold on the trekking poles plus I bike-pack.

BJ

Thanks guys. What I did last night was took some old golf shaft of various diameters and made a 3 piece pole by cutting the shafts in a way that they would slide in each other. Not pretty but it will work for now. Not sure how many times I'll use this tent anyway. I have a TT Rainshadow on order. It's only a few ounces heavier than this tent and a lot more room. Not sure I'd get me and my dog in the Trig.

Whats wrong with a good ol' stick laying on the ground?

That would work as well but I'd rather have exactly what I need with me then spend time looking for the right stick. Also, the Trig has a re-enforced cone in the canopy for the pole. I'd prefer to avoid putting a stick in there.