How to Replace & Repair a Kelty Tent Pole

The key to repairing and replacing a broken tent pole is a combination of preparation, documentation and duct tape. If you keep in mind the following steps, you'll be able to mend a broken tent pole in the field, ensuring that an equipment failure doesn't ruin your time in the outdoors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Manufacturer's warranty
Tent splint
Duct tape
Instruction manual

Step 1

File your manufacturer's warranty and instruction manual where you'll be sure to find it in case of a pole break. You don't need to bring these documents along on camping trips, but they'll prove useful in replacing your pole once you are back home.

Step 2

Pack a tent splint and duct tape for every trip. Tent splints are small and easily packed. Duct tape, on the other hand, can be quite heavy. Minimize the tape's weight in your pack by wrapping a few yards of duct tape around the base of a water bottle.

Step 3

Slide the tent splint up the full length of the pole to the point of the fracture after the pole break. The tent splint is a metal sheath that can be tightened over the point of the break, holding the two broken ends together and keeping the pole strong enough to continue supporting the structure.

Step 4

Tape down the edges of the tent splint on either end of the break. Make sure to form a complete seal with duct tape in order to keep the tent splint from slipping off the point of the break. Do not wrap too many layers on to the pole, otherwise you'll change the circumference of the pole, possibly preventing it from fitting the tent's pole sleeves.

Step 5

After you've returned home, check the details of Kelty's manufacturer's warranty. Kelty has provisions for damage caused outside of normal wear-and-tear or owner's neglect. Make sure you have the exact model type from the instruction manual before contacting Kelty about receiving a replacement.

Tips & Warnings

There are a number of online retailers that carry extra poles, so you can stock up on replacements.

Resources

Article Written By Louie Doverspike

Based in Seattle, Louie Doverspike has been a professional writer since 2004. His work has appeared in various publications, including "AntiqueWeek" magazine, the "Prague Post" and "Seattle Represent!" Doverspike holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hamilton College.

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