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Types and Brands of Pole and Tension Tents

Based on structure, tents are broadly categorized into three groups; pole and tension tents, frame or free-standing and freespan. Pole-supported canopies feature a set of poles designed to support the fabric of the tent and shape the structure. Freestanding canopies, on the other hand, feature an assembled framework with pipes, while freespan has an assembled framework of box beams or truss arches.

In pole and tension tents, the fabric roof of the canopy is tensioned and draped across the poles to define the shape of the structure. It is then attached to cables or ropes anchored to the ground with stakes. Poles of tents can be collapsible, flexible, rigid or semi-rigid. Collapsible poles are made as such for easier transport, while rigid poles are usually made of metal or wood. Semi-rigid poles can be fiberglass or metal alloys.

Rigid poled tents can be sub-categorized further as either frame or cabin. Most canopies that feature rigid poles are quite heavy, ranging from 25 to 80 kg. in weight. Frame tents that feature rigid poles are usually double-skinned and can accommodate up to eight people. Meanwhile, cabin tents are usually equipped with three separate pole units and each one is comprised of two upright poles and a connecting ridge. The rigid poles in cabin canopies support the center and edges of the fabric roof and are usually placed outside the tent.

Several types of canopies use flexible poles. Some of these include domes, tunnels, combination of dome and tunnel, geodesics and single-hoops. For dome tents, the basic number of poles is two while tunnels feature three. For the combined type, hoop poles are often used while geodesics can have up to four poles. The single-hoop, a lightweight tent that can accommodate one to two persons, uses just one flexible pole.

Among the companies that sell or rent pole tents and tension canopies are Coleman, Alpine Party Rentals, Distinctive Tent Rentals, Kelty and Eureka. These tents can be solo canopies or bigger models that are used for parties and big events. They can be designed as domes, backpacking tents, family canopies and a whole lot of shelter types.

Pole and tension tents are largely used for the structural support that they provide. Although a host of modern designs have been launched in the commercial market, these more traditional shelters are still highly favored by consumers for their strength and reliability.