The Travel Mast: a compact lightweight telescopic mast
***IMPORTANT NOTE: IF USING THIS MAST WITH A BAND HOPPER ANTENNA WE RECOMMEND ATTACHING THE ANTENNA NO HIGHER THAN 6 METRES (20FT) UP THE MAST (top of section 11 - counted from base/outer section)***
This is our 10m (32ft) Travel Mast. With a transport-length of only 67cm ( 26.5 inches ) it fits in a suitcase making it perfect for vacation DXing.
Note that this type of mast is quite flexible. To get the best performance out of it, guy it carefully. For use with horizontal antennas a maximum practical height for the antenna is 7 metres. The full height of the pole can be used for vertical antennas. If the pole is bending a lot, you have too much tension on it! The poles will break if bent too far.
As of mid July 2023, the threaded part of the mast base assembly is now made of metal, so the base cap should be at a much lower risk of breaking. However, we do still suggest putting some padding inside the base of the mast if you can find something suitable (such as a disc of foam rubber or similar), to cushion against damage if the mast collapses unexpectedly.
Detailed Specifications:
Not sure which mast to choose? Click here for our handy comparison chart.
Extended length: 10 metres (32 ft). Lengths approximate - click here to find out more.
Packed length: 67.6 cm (26.4 inches)
Number of sections: 17
Wall thickness: 1.4 mm (0.06 inches) bottom, 0.67 mm (0.03 inches) top
Weight: 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs)
Mast Material: glass-fiber composite (non-conducting)
Tube diameter: top 3.3mm (0.13 inches) base 47 mm (1.85 inches)
Base cap diameter: 50.8mm 2 inches (Pre July 2023 55 mm)
Tube colour: Light grey
Mast sections hollow to the top
Supplied with black bag with fold over tie top.
Guying Kit Multifunction Guying Kit (select Travel Mast)
FAQ:
Spare parts are available - see below.
The mast is made of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) = Fiberglass. This is an insulator with excellent RF properties (very low loss).
Friction lock: pull each section firmly with a twisting motion for best lock. When erecting always start with the smallest section. When taking down always start with the largest section.
Top sections may be removed by unscrewing the endcap at the bottom of the mast.
Guying Use our Multifunction Guying Kit Or build your own using the 34mm Guying collar and/or 22mm Guying Collar with Pegs and Hi-viz cord / stealth cord
Spare parts:
A benefit of this premium product is our spares support.
The following spares are available for the 10m Compact Travel Mast:
Instructions are available HERE!
57 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Just right!
Very well made, other than more sections to extend, nothing seems to have been lost in getting this 10m mast compact enough for any travel scenario.
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Very useful Mast
Although actually slightly shorter than 10m as advertised its really useful. Fits into a case and I have made a 40/15/20/10 vertical from it , by adding parallel wire elements and radials. will ake it to GOZO fpr BERU.Its quite tough and been up in strong winds without guys.Great idea to make it so short when compressed!! for travellers.
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The right tool for the job
This mast fitted nicely in my suitcase when going on holiday to Spain. It is sturdy without being overly heavy and looks and feels to be made of good quality materials. It was exactly what I needed for my SOTA activations in Southern Spain.
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Travel Mast Highly recommended
This has replaced my Spider-Pole, it's much lighter, smaller package yet just as strong. I also purchased the Drive On Car Stand (scaffold pole) and together they make a great combination for my portable set up. Easily supports 2 Band Hopper dipoles without guy ropes.
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Travel Mast - Terrific mast for airline travel
When I received this mast I immediately went outside to try it out. The product is very well constructed, made from excellent materials, is light and yet strong and is very easy to erect. I will, of course, be adding guy lines (ropes) to actually use it but so far I am impressed. I really like that it telescopes down to a very nice small package. It will be quite easy to take along on any airline travel. Thanks for the great mast.
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Perfect mast for Airline transportation
Just the job for travel by air and as a 40m Ground Plane in a sunny and warm location. I have lots of experience trying to convince airport staff that my Roach Pole should go in with the suitcases at no additional cost. One suggestion. There is space under the base cap for a foam sponge to absorb the kinetic energy caused by the inevitable unplanned collapse of the pole. Without the sponge the base cap can be punched through. I have fitted one to my pole as I have with other 10M roach poles.
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Perfect mast for HF QRP!
Received my 10 metre travel mast yesterday just in time for 2013 ARRL Field Day operations. This collapsible pole is as advertised, beautifully engineered, easy to pack, carry, and transport. To extend and deploy just pull each section out and twist to secure! This mast will be stowed in my vehicle with my NorCal 40A at all times for SOTA, field operations, vacations and holidays. Will be used to support my homebrew dipoles, Bandhopper II, and a quarter wave 40 metre vertical. Thank you Richard - the portable mast problem has been conquered!
