So I got one of those cheap Wal-Mart tents and after 3 uses the fiberglass polls broke. I'm now stuck with a tent without polls. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew of any good uses for tent material now that I have so much excess.
Just seems like too much hassle. Besides, I already got another (better) tent. I figured it might be good to have extra waterproof material around anyway. Perhaps I could wrap my backpack with it if I ever have to hike in the rain or make it into a sack. Idk, I was just looking for some creative ideas. The floor of the tent is essentially a tarp. There is a ton of screen from the windows and the top water proof part is detachable. I'm sure I'll think of something eventually, I was just wondering if anyone has ever used tent material for anything other than tents before.
Most folks would just have gone to the Lumber Yard, and bought Some 1/2" Doweling, and made new poles...
Years ago I bought an inexpensive tent that had fiberglass poles. The tent itself was made out of the right stuff and after reinforcing a few parts quite nice. Then, after that work the poles started breaking down. Off I went to REI, bought aluminum replacement poles for one of their tents that were slightly longer. I cut a section down on each with a tubing cutter to get the right length and the tent is still in use damn near 30 years later. The aluminum poles also reduced a LOT of weight compared to the fiberglass poles.
Most big box camping and outdoors chain stores stock fiberglass tent poles in varying sizes. Rigid wooden dowel or aluminium poles may not work for geodesic style tents which require the flexibility / springiness of fiberglass to create the self supporting tent framework. Car boot and garage sales may be a good source of unwanted fiberglass tent poles. Whippy bamboo poles might work, though they may need some work in smoothing them so that they don't catch / tear the tent fabric. Via: Bamboo Tent Poles - The Gear Junkie Scoop
Fiberglass snow markers can also be re-purposed as tent poles. As for the material of the tent: A BOB or a backpack should be a bag of bags. You can sew up a lot of custom sized bags that will weigh next to nothing and keep everything you pack in good order. A waterproof nylon bag for the coffee pot or cookpot will keep it from sooting up everything you own. And if the bag ever gets too dirty, you can just chuck it and sew up another. Drawstring pouches are easy. The drawstrings can even be made from the same nylon. You can also make bags out of the mosquito netting that can be used to net small minnows for fish bait or snare bait. Or eating. Net bags are also see-through, and that can be handy for finding what you need easily. In 'skeeter country, a head net for your sleeping bag doesn't weigh much, but it can save you a quart of blood a night and actually let you get some sleep when you really need it. The nylon can also be strip-cut, dyed, and used in gilly suits along with other types of camo stock. A gilly head/shoulder cover can be very effective at letting you see unseen, without the weight, heat, and bulk of a full suit.
Since we are talking stuff sacks, when you go to bed, take your sleeping bag stuff sack and turn it inside out. Put your boots and a fresh pair of socks in the bag, then put it inside your sleeping bag down by your feet. When you get up your boots will be nice and warm, and added bonus no unwanted objects or critters inside. I even buy extra long sleeping bags now just to make a little extra room for my boots. Also, I use another stuff sack full of clothes as a pillow.
I get new spring polls at the surplus store . Matter of fact going there today to pick up a few for the tent I picked up at the Good Will store. Giving it to my great nephew.