High Sierra Topix

I am looking to buy a Big Agnes Copper Spur-1 tent from REI (good sale now) and am debating between the UL1 or the Bikepack1. The main reason for the Bikepack is shorter poles. Although I do not have to fit poles between handlebars on a bicycle, the longer pole sections of the UL1 do not fit horizontally in my backpack without stressing the material. And I really want the poles inside the pack. With the bear can, I cannot put the poles vertical. The 12-inch Bikepack1 pole sections are shorter than needed. So neither length is ideal. I have heard that shorter sections are weaker; AND the contrary that shorter but more pole sections are stronger. The reviews of the Bikepack1 imply that it is a sturdier tent in storms than the UL1. The weight and cost difference are minimal and not factors. I am leaning towards the Bikepack1. What do you think?

I've had two piece flyrods, and 4 piece flyrods. I have never heard that more pieces makes the rods weaker. Its sounds like the Bikepack 1 fits your needs better. I can't find anything that says more sections weaken the poles function. It even seems shorter sections may be stronger.

John

Any strength difference is going to be small enough to ignore. More sections will of course be heavier because there will be more of those internal coupler pieces. I would think that more sections would take just slightly longer to assemble, but that probably is such a small difference that it won't matter.

You can go online and purchase custom length carbon fiber pole sections.

I put phosphorescent tape strips on my pole sections so that I don't bump into that in the middle of the night.

I ordered the Copper Spur UL Bikepack tent. It is backordered so will not get it for a couple of weeks. Thanks for all your suggestions.