How to Fix a Broken Tent Pole Using Paracord
Introduction: Improvising in the Wild
Accidents happen—especially outdoors. While on a woodland hike with my son Max, I found some forgotten gear: abandoned tent poles. They weren't snapped, but it got me thinking—what if a pole does break during a wild camp? Would I be able to fix it on the spot?
Turns out, with a stick, some paracord, and a little bushcraft know-how, the answer is yes.
This post walks you through how I created a tent pole splint, step-by-step, using only basic kit that every camper should carry. Whether you're into wild camping or just want to be prepared, this quick fix could be a trip-saver.
What You’ll Need
A sturdy stick (not too long or brittle)
Some paracord (always carry some!)
A knife or cutting tool
Optional: lighter to burn ends of paracord
Step-by-Step: Splinting a Tent Pole
1. Assess the Break
Make sure your tent pole is actually damaged in a spot that can be splinted—ideally a clean snap in a straight section.
2. Size Your Splint
Find a healthy, straight stick that covers an inch or two past either side of the break. The stick should be sturdy but not too thick, especially if your tent pole needs to flex.
3. Prepare Your Paracord
Burn the ends of your cord to prevent fraying. Then:
Make a loop in the paracord and hold it in place with your thumb.
Start wrapping tightly around the pole and the splint, binding them together.
Once you’ve done 10–12 wraps, thread the tail end through your loop.
Pull the other loose end of the paracord to draw the loop under the wraps.
Cut the excess, burn the ends, and press them flat.
You now have a secure, field-ready repair.
Why This Fix Works
Tension wraps add strength where the pole is compromised.
Loop and pull-through technique locks everything in place.
Stick support mimics the structure of the original pole.
This isn’t a long-term fix—but it’s absolutely enough to keep your shelter upright for the night.
Key Takeaways
Always carry paracord—it’s endlessly useful.
A tent pole repair kit can be improvised with bushcraft basics.
This splint method takes 5–10 minutes and can save a trip.
Don’t stress about perfection—function over form in the wild.
Final Thoughts: What Would You Do?
I’ve never had a tent pole break on me—but if I ever do, I’ll know exactly how to fix it.
Have you ever had to repair gear in the wild? Got a better technique for this kind of fix?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your methods and maybe learn a new trick!
When you're out in the wild, a DIY emergency tent pole fix might just save your camp—and in this video, I show exactly how to make it work with just a stick, paracord, and a bit of know-how. While hiking through the woods with my son Max, I stumbled across some discarded gear and decided to turn a potential problem into a practical bushcraft lesson.
From a free Facebook tent to the world-class Hilleberg Soulo — my full wild camping tent evolution and what I learned along the way.