I often suggest using a tennis ball cut in half at each end of your pole, to protect your shelter from the pressure point created by a narrow pole and to prevent the pole from sinking into the ground, thus reducing overall tension in the shelter.
We have also suggested in the past motorcycle side stand plates, Marmite lids (love it or hate it) and other similar ideas to stop the pole from sinking.
Each one works well in certain circumstances but not all.
Introducing the Pole Mushroom a gizmo with 2 uses!
This product is perfect for protecting your investment and more, as it will cope with a variety of pole diameters (8mm - 18mm), plus it’s a brilliant solution to remove the accident damage created by that hard walking pole tip when it is inverted against your technical fabric.
The Small Pole Mushroom weighs just 24gms and is made from hard plastic. Strong enough to take the punishment of heavy use for many years and still be useful.
Just 7cm high and 7cm across (The same dia as a tennis ball) it isn’t big enough to bulk out your pack, but it is big enough not to lose in long grass.
Photos show Pole Mushroom in use with slim line and standard walking pole tips, 8mm and 15mm carbon poles and 16mm aluminium poles. It will fit all walking pole tips and most supports.
The second use could make a difference between pain and pleasure, because if you have V, X or Y Pegs which can fit inside the 20mm lip, you can use this item to push your pegs into the ground and save your palms a lot of skin damage!
The Large Pole Mushroom weighs 32gms and is ideal for thicker or older poles with a diameter of 16mm - 32mm. It can also be used to help protect your hands when you push pegs into the ground.
There you go, 2 uses for a simple inexpensive item which will protect your shelter fabric and push pegs in for you too. How cool is that?
Available as a single item from backpackinglight.co.uk
