Bamboo poles as tent poles for your stretch tent
Bamboo is light, looks natural and is easy to find. So it makes sense to consider it as a tent pole. Even so, we advise against bamboo for a stretch tent. The fabric is under constant tension, and bamboo isn't made for that.
Why bamboo doesn't work
- Bamboo is hollow. Loaded straight from above, it holds a lot. But a stretch tent pulls the poles outwards at an angle while the guy ropes pull back. Wind increases that force. A hollow cane then buckles or splits.
- Nothing for the pole pin to grip. On top of a tent pole sits a pin that goes through the eyelet in the fabric. In a hollow cane it has no grip. And drilling a hole only makes bamboo crack along the grain faster.
- No two poles are the same. Bamboo has nodes, tapers, and its wall thickness varies. You never know exactly what a pole can take.
- It degrades quickly outdoors. Sun and moisture make bamboo dry and prone to cracking. A hairline crack often only shows when it's too late.
Wood, but strong: eucalyptus
Want the warm look of wood? Choose eucalyptus tent poles. They're sturdy and take heavy loads, yet they're the lightest wooden pole in our range, so you can set them up on your own. The lacquer stops them from turning grey and makes them maintenance-free.
- Side poles of 2.50, 3.00 and 3.50 metres
- Centre poles of 4.00, 4.50 and 5.00 metres
- Supplied with a pole cap; side poles also available without
Not sure which lengths suit your tent, or want to compare eucalyptus with chestnut, robinia and aluminium? Which tent pole should you choose for your stretch tent? puts them side by side.
