A broken tent pole can feel fairly catastrophic, especially if it happens in the middle of the night while it's blowing a gale outside. However, there are some quick fixes which will see you through the night at least, if not for the rest of the camping trip. Once home you can turn your attention to permanently fixing the problem.

Quick Fixes to Tent Poles

Bring out the duct tape. Now, for anyone familiar with other articles here this may start to sound like a much recurring theme but, armed with a reel of duct tape, the camper has a mighty ally. There is very little that can't be patched up, strengthened, totally repaired or otherwise given the duct tape treatment to avert camping disaster.

Where a broken pole is concerned it will depend on the type of pole and what else you have to hand. If you are the 'go prepared' type you may have brought some tent pole repair sleeves with you or a full tent repair kit which will include a similar item. Purpose specific repair kits typically come with instructions. A repair sleeve is just a small section of tubing designed to act as a splint over the broken section. This is then taped firmly in place with duct tape.

Many of the aluminium poles, the most often found pole type, will end up with a jagged or splintered edge where it has shattered so you may have to trim this a little with a knife to be able to slide the repair sleeve over.

If you don't have a repair sleeve then find yourself a very sturdy piece of wood/branch section or even a tent peg and tape this very firmly onto  and around the broken section. This last fix is far from satisfactory but duct tape is incredibly strong and you may just get away with it unless your tent is very exposed, the winds are very high and you are pitched badly.

Most modern tents are designed so that their pole systems are connected with a length of elasticated cord running through them known as shock cord. This system allows for easy assembly and for all the poles to be kept in their proper place. If one of these sections breaks then you won't be able to slide a sleeve over without cutting the cord. If you need to do this then be sure to knot the ends to prevent them disappearing. Tie the ends back together again once the sleeve is threaded on. Try not to lose too much shock cord length where you re-tie the ends. Ideally you may have some spare shock cord to add in which is typically included in a repair kit.

Permanent Fixes To Poles

As tempting as it may be to leave your temporary fix in place, especially if it has performed well, a broken pole really needs to be replaced to restore full integral strength and structure to your tent.

Not all poles fit all tents but there are a wide range of companies who supply replacement poles of all shapes and sizes which start from around the £3 mark. You will need to ensure the pole diameter is exact although length is less important as poles can be cut down to the correct length size.

If you are unable to source the exact pole you want then try contacting the tent's original manufacturer who will either stock the part themselves or be able to advise you. Be warned, it isn't always possible to buy just one pole.

Replacing a Tent Pole

Once you have the replacement pole you can go about putting it in place.

• Assuming you have a shock cord connecting system, pull your poles apart on either side of the broken pole.
• Knot the shock cord at the end of the unbroken pole next to the one to be replaced, to hold it in position. Unless your broken pole is an end pole then there will obviously be an unbroken pole at either end of it. Knot the cord at the one furthest from the end.
• Remove the rest of the poles from the shock cord and lay them on the ground in order so you know how to thread them back.
• Replace the broken pole and rethread the other poles back on.
• Untie the safety knot.