Tent Poles

What tent poles are for

This range has two kinds of pole for two jobs. Replacement poles are the bendy, jointed poles that make a tent's frame, for when one snaps, cracks or goes missing: a new pole gives a good tent a longer life. Upright poles are straight, adjustable poles that hold up a tarp, an awning, a sun shade or a tent door as a canopy, and one set here is sold as a universal fit for any brand of tent or awning.

Replacement, telescopic or canopy: which tent pole

• Shock-corded replacement poles are aluminium sections joined by an elastic cord inside, in set lengths such as 3.6m, 4m, 4.3m and 4.4m, and diameters around 8mm. See aluminium pole tents.
• Poles by diameter and length come in 8.5mm, 9.5mm and 11mm, and lengths from 3.2m to 5.2m, sold singly or in pairs.
• Telescopic tarp and awning poles slide or click to the height you need: one set adjusts to 77cm, 115cm, 155cm or 195cm, others from 0.9m to 2.3m, and the tallest to 285cm. See tarps and tarp shelters.
• Canopy and gazebo poles, 1.6m and 2m, fold down and have a flat or pointed head. See pop-up gazebos.

Matching a replacement pole to your tent

Two measurements matter: the diameter and the length. Measure the outer diameter of a section of the old pole, then the full length with every section joined, and choose the same. The poles here run from about 7.9mm to 11mm. Several can be shortened: sections can be taken out or the pole cut with a pipe cutter, but take care not to cut the elastic cord inside. Aluminium is stronger and takes knocks better than fibreglass, and several here are sold to replace a snapped or worn fibreglass pole. See fibreglass pole tents.

Upright poles for tarps and porches

An upright pole only stands because guy lines pull on it from opposite sides, so pitch it with at least two lines pegged out. Choose the height range for what you are holding up: a low tarp in the wind, or a tall awning to stand under. Look for a cap on the foot to stop it slipping, a cover on the tip to save the tarp from wear, and holes in the head for the lines.

Questions people ask about tent poles

Will an aluminium pole fit a tent that had fibreglass poles?

Yes, if the diameter and the length match the pole you are replacing.

How do I carry long poles?

In a pole bag, which keeps the sections together and stops them rattling. See tent bags.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.

More to look at

• Tent bags
• Guy lines
• Tarps and tarp shelters
• Car awnings
• Aluminium pole tents
• Tent repair kits
• Guide: How to pitch a tent, and pitching in wind and rain
• Guide: Tent poles: aluminium, fibreglass, steel and air beams