"I have a tent with several broken poles. Unfortunately, when I went to the store where I purchased the tent, they said the manufacturer didn't provide spare poles and that I was better off just buying a new one. It's not an expensive tent, but I really hate to chuck it and be forced to buy a new one when all that is wrong with it are a couple of broken pole sections. Any suggestions?"

I advised the following:

Sounds like you purchased a discount tent from a mass-merchandise store that feels service stops once they have your money. You do get what you pay for in this world and, although I've stated it before, for the most part, gear purchased from discount and mass merchant shops is no where near as good as the gear purchased from specialty outdoor stores. Yes, you will pay a bit more for the equipment, but it will last longer and, should anything go wrong, both the manufacturer and retailer will typically go out of their way to be sure you are satisfied. But, that doesn't address your immediate need.

You didn't say if your tent's poles were aluminum or fiberglass. Assuming they are aluminum, you might try contacting TA Enterprises in Vancouver, Washington at 206/ 260-9527. They specialize in repairing or replacing aluminum tent poles. If they are fiberglass, you have a hit or miss chance of getting replacement sections from Ralph's Tent and Tarp in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Call them first at 612/ 421-7053.

Unable to get replacement parts? Then you can try effecting your own repair by resorting to what should be nothing more than an emergency field repair, although if done properly, it will last much longer. Head to your local outdoor specialty store and purchase several pole repair sleeves. Take a pole section with you so that you be sure the sleeve fits properly (not too loose). Slide the sleeve over the damaged section of pole and then duct tape it into place. No sleeve available to fit? Then head to your local hardware store and purchase a length of aluminum roof flashing and a sufficient quantity of nylon hose clamps. Cut a strip of flashing to fit, wrap it around the break securely, and then fasten it into place with two hose clamps--one at each end of the strip. Wrap the entire section with duct tape to remove the possibility of sharp metal edges rubbing or cutting a hole in your tent.