View Full Version : Beginner to Tarps
Bugman88
02-27-2015, 12:11
I'm interested in learning more about tarps and tarp setups. Maybe it's just my googling skills, but I can't seem to find some really solid information for beginners. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to turn to? These are the things I'm most interested in learning about:
What is needed for an entire setup? Tarp, guylines (how much), bivy (what kind), etc?
The difference between a rectangular and square flat tarp. It seems like flat tarps are the most versatile and perhaps the square is even more so. Is that the case?
What's a good size for a first-time tarp? 8x10 and 8.5x8.5 have come up a few times in my searching.
A good resource for learning different pitches
Cheap tarp to experiment with
That's all I can come up with off the top of my head now. Part of the problem is I've clicked on so many links over the past few days I can't remember which ones were actually helpful! Any advice on learning more would be hugely appreciated.
Here's a good place to start if you are interested in using a flat tarp.
http://hikinghq.net/gear/tarp.html
My suggestion would be to try out one of the "shaped" tarps as a starting point, kinda a tent-like tarp. These are less versatile, but they offer pretty much fool-proof pitching, excellent weather protection, and allows you to experiment with tarp camping. Not everyone gets comfortable with the "Open" aspect, both privacy wise and security from critters aspect. These tarps allow you to get used to these two aspects.
I love tarps of all kinds, and have used them all. Today I opt for something like the Wild Oasis or Hexamid Solo plus. I have both and use one of these the majority of the time.
Another, very cheap option would be to get an 8X10 blue plastic tarp, or even smaller, and practice with it around home or on weekends. Will get you lots of experience both sleeping under a tarp and you can experiment with various pitches. Find out the pros and cons first hand. Once you decide what you like, you will be in a much better position to make a good purchase of a light weight tarp for actual backpacking. I lived part time under a large blue tarp for several months while I was working in PA - right through the winter. I used the "flying diamond" setup. Loved it.
I've never found a bivy to be necessary and, in my mind, would add to the condensation problems you encounter whenever camping in humid, cool conditions.
Gray Bear
02-27-2015, 12:43
I'm in the same boat. I'm trying to decide between the 8x10 and the 10x10. I like the idea of versatility that comes with a flat tarp although I've yet to put in in to practice.
Check out these guys for great prices and even better customer servise. I sent them an email this morning and actualy got a call back from them a couple of hours later
http://www.etowahoutfittersultralightbackpackinggear.com/
As for the bivy I'm looking at this one with a bug net top that dosnt have the condensation issues some have.
http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Bug-Bivy.html
I'm looking forward to to hear what other tarp veterans have to say.
I'm interested in learning more about tarps and tarp setups. Maybe it's just my googling skills, but I can't seem to find some really solid information for beginners. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to turn to? These are the things I'm most interested in learning about:
What is needed for an entire setup? Tarp, guylines (how much), bivy (what kind), etc?
The difference between a rectangular and square flat tarp. It seems like flat tarps are the most versatile and perhaps the square is even more so. Is that the case?
What's a good size for a first-time tarp? 8x10 and 8.5x8.5 have come up a few times in my searching.
A good resource for learning different pitches
Cheap tarp to experiment with
That's all I can come up with off the top of my head now. Part of the problem is I've clicked on so many links over the past few days I can't remember which ones were actually helpful! Any advice on learning more would be hugely appreciated.
Walkintom
02-27-2015, 12:44
If you're going to use a bivy you really don't need a tarp except for in some really bad conditions where you probably shouldn't be out anyway.
I'm not much of a tarp camper but I've cowboyed it a few times when the conditions were right and I tend to think of tarping as cowboy camping with a roof.
Bugman88
02-27-2015, 13:26
In case there's confusion, I meant a bug bivy.
I also just bit the bullet and ordered a cheap equinox 8'x10' nylon flat tarp off of amazon (~$45) just to play around with. Unfortunately, I now have to deal with figuring out how much and what type of cord to use for guylines. I've always been a tent camper and have never had to deal with so many decisions! I ended up getting 50' of 2.4mm nite ize cord, but I'm not sure what lengths to cut it down to and whatnot. Any tips?
I use a bivy with my tarp because if it's raining I can still move around without getting soaked. The bivy is more of a wind break and keeps in a bit of warmth.
I'm far from a tarp expert - I've only seriously started tarping in the last year and am still learning.
LogHiking
02-27-2015, 13:59
I would check this link out for the guyline info you are looking for: http://andrewskurka.com/2012/tarp-guyline-system/
As someone who has used various tarps in various conditions, my personal opinion is flat tarps are not all they are cracked up to be. Yes they shine in versatility, however I find most people just set up their flat tarp in the same 1 or 2 pitches every time. I decided after trying a bit I was not skilled enough in pitching flat tarps for me to take advantage of the versatility and I wasn't interested in putting in the practice time to get good enough. There are many exceptions to this and surely several excellent tarp campers will disagree in this thread, but that is my experience. If I were you and still wanted to use flat tarps, I find linloc3s on the tie outs makes a world of difference. I have since gone to shaped tarps. I appreciate the simplicity and ease of pitching.
With all of that said if you are willing to put in the time to learn the appropriate knots and hitches and time practicing various pitches, I'm sure you will get good enough at it. I like what you did and got a cheap sil tarp to practice with. That is what I suggest people do if they want to find out if tarps are for them.
Also I have no idea where the guy is coming from saying if you use a bivy you don't need a tarp. He must be talking about WPB bivys (a relative rarity in the bivy world) or be from somewhere it rarely rains. For someone who enjoys cow boy camping but has to deal with rain and bugs, bug bivy + tarp is an incredibly versatile combination.
I find linloc3s on the tie outs makes a world of difference. I have since gone to shaped tarps. I appreciate the simplicity and ease of pitching.
Were it not for linelocs I'd throw in the towel on tarping. Makes a world of difference in terms of ease and efficiency.
I started seriously using my tarp once I put linelocs on the lines.
LogHiking
02-27-2015, 14:37
Were it not for linelocs I'd throw in the towel on tarping. Makes a world of difference in terms of ease and efficiency.
I started seriously using my tarp once I put linelocs on the lines.
Agreed. Lineloc3s and a pre tied loop on the other end and you have quick adjust-ability and no need to tie anything ever. I think most cottage guys will put them on for you no matter what but one of the reasons I always check MLD offerings first if I'm looking for a tarp is because linelocs come standard (and I think MLD sews better than anyone else).
I use an Oware Catbird 2 catenary tarp - I also prefer it to flat tarps.
Bugman88
02-27-2015, 14:50
I saw the Surka article and really liked it. I guess on my second look through I blew past his guyline type and length recommendations and just saw his hitches. I think with 50' of 2.44mm cord that I got I should be able to cut proper lengths.
I don't really see the benefit of having a linelock when you can just do the trucker's hitch that Surka recommends. I guess it's just the lack of knot tying? I came across a really interesting technique for using a small length of shock cord to create a great tensioner that adjusts to keep everything taut. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/3731-Techniques-For-Make-Your-Own-Shock-Cord-Tarp-Tensioners
I think a shaped tarp would be a good investment someday, but I'm really just looking into basics to see if I even like sleeping under a tarp. It comes down to psychology, but I have a nice peace of mind with being in an enclosed tent. I'm hoping I can break out of that habit and learn some new techniques, which is also where the flat tarp comes in handy. This is just a big learning opportunity for me, not necessarily what I think my end-all-be-all shelter choice will be. Hell, I just bought a Double Rainbow a month ago for an upcoming trip and I haven't even used it yet. I can't replace it already!
LogHiking
02-27-2015, 14:58
I saw the Surka article and really liked it. I guess on my second look through I blew past his guyline type and length recommendations and just saw his hitches. I think with 50' of 2.44mm cord that I got I should be able to cut proper lengths.
I don't really see the benefit of having a linelock when you can just do the trucker's hitch that Surka recommends. I guess it's just the lack of knot tying? I came across a really interesting technique for using a small length of shock cord to create a great tensioner that adjusts to keep everything taut. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/3731-Techniques-For-Make-Your-Own-Shock-Cord-Tarp-Tensioners
I think a shaped tarp would be a good investment someday, but I'm really just looking into basics to see if I even like sleeping under a tarp. It comes down to psychology, but I have a nice peace of mind with being in an enclosed tent. I'm hoping I can break out of that habit and learn some new techniques, which is also where the flat tarp comes in handy. This is just a big learning opportunity for me, not necessarily what I think my end-all-be-all shelter choice will be. Hell, I just bought a Double Rainbow a month ago for an upcoming trip and I haven't even used it yet. I can't replace it already!
Yes the point to line locs is not having to tie any knots, which effectively leads to much faster set up times. If you are tying 10-15 hitches every time you set up it will take a lot longer than tying none. Also in the middle of the night when your tarp starts to sag it is much easier than to just do a quick tug on the line loc, often times one handed while still under the tarp. I've done my fair share of setting up with both. They both obviously work very well. I just found line locs saved me a lot of time setting up and hassle re-tensioning the tarp when it sags. Not to mention saved my fingers a good bit of pain in the winter.
Otherwise it sounds like you have it all figured out for what you want. Best of luck to you. It should be fun!
CarlZ993
02-27-2015, 15:24
I've only tarped a few times (desert camping w/ little chance of rain). At Backpackinglight.com, Ryan Jordan had an article (you can't read this article unless you are a 'Premium Member') where it showed his tarp (8'X8') guyline set up:
Corners = 6" loop cord
Side Guylines = 24" cord
Rear Guyline = 36" cord (seems a bit short to me)
Front Guyline = 72" cord (too short?)
Rear Panel Guylines = 108" (not all tarps have rear or side panel guyline attachments)
He had a nice illustration of the set-up. I wish I could duplicate it in case my explanation lacks clarity.
I tried linelocs years ago and decided they didn't offer me anything. I only use 3 lengths for my lines; full length, half length with the line doubled up, and the tie out directly staked into the ground. On the rare occasion my titanium stakes won't go in, I just swing the line held taut in an arc 1-3 inches either way and it will go in. Been doing this since 2006 and if it works why change it.
Feral Bill
02-28-2015, 12:32
Tying a few basic knots should be second nature to any camper. Actually everyone. Take the time to learn. There are excellent on line resources.
Below is a link to a YouTube video on basic tarp set up. He is demonstrating using a Warbonnet Superfly tarp. I own this tarp...it is awesome! So if you're still looking you should check it out.
http://youtu.be/UHuUmNOwBAw
Life is full of ups and downs! Hike on!
My tent stakeouts all have linelocs - put the stake in the ground and pull it tight. If it's good enough for my tent I figure it's good enough for my tarp.
I do know a few knots but linelocs are faster and easier - especially at night when something needs to be tweaked and I'm in my sleeping bag.
Gray Bear
02-28-2015, 13:45
I spent so much time on sailboats knots are something I don't even think about but I can see where a line lock would be nice. I'm just not sure I would want to have lines left on the tarp if I was going to use different pitches in different locations. It seems to me you could loose any time savings you get from the line lock by untieing and reattaching lines.
With a catenary cut there aren't many different ways to pitch it - lines stay attached.
LogHiking
02-28-2015, 14:04
I didn't mean to start a debate between knots and line locs (those never end well). I was just mentioning that it is one of the factors worth considering for someone new to tarps. Lots of very experienced and well known hikers use them, and lots don't. Like pretty much everything in backpacking getting answers on the internet will only get you a small percentage of the way. Ultimately the only way to know for sure is to try it. I know how to tie the appropriate knots and hitches (I spent a large part of my youth on sail boats as well Gray Bear). I just find the added convenience worth the sub 1 oz weight penalty in many cases. I also have tarps without line locs so not all cases. Just another tool in the tool box.
Gray Bear
02-28-2015, 14:21
I didn't mean to start a debate between knots and line locs (those never end well). I was just mentioning that it is one of the factors worth considering for someone new to tarps. Lots of very experienced and well known hikers use them, and lots don't. Like pretty much everything in backpacking getting answers on the internet will only get you a small percentage of the way. Ultimately the only way to know for sure is to try it. I know how to tie the appropriate knots and hitches (I spent a large part of my youth on sail boats as well Gray Bear). I just find the added convenience worth the sub 1 oz weight penalty in many cases. I also have tarps without line locs so not all cases. Just another tool in the tool box.
Agreed. Its always best to go out and try things out for yourself
Just Bill
02-28-2015, 14:38
Just to offer a bit of an alternative approach-
Tarps are/can be tricky. Also a pretty serious commitment financially with no experience.
Go to your hardware store of choice and check out-
A cheap blue poly tarp
A spool of mason's twine or cheap Paracord
a dozen aluminum gutter spikes
some duct tape
This will run you about $20 bucks or so. You can start with an 8x8 but I would start 8x10.
You can add a few 4' tall closet rods to simulate trekking poles or found sticks if you don't have them handy.
You can try lots of different pitches in the backyard or car camping and get creative too.
When you feel you got the basic flat tarp down, you can then cut down your blue monster to the shape you are considering buying to verify the coverage is still good. You can also simply fold the tarp up a bit and tape it smaller to experiment as needed. If you cut- use the duct tape to "hem" the edges and a heated gutter spike to melt a hole. If needed a scrap milk jug or pop bottle can be used to make some grommets.
After a few nights you can start debating the finer points of line-locs and such.
Or maybe even discover that tarps are pretty easy to play with and make your own.
Agreed. Its always best to go out and try things out for yourself
Yes, and I apologize if I sounded like an obstinate lineloc-or-die person. Whatever works, works.
Just Bill, i think that is a great suggestion.
I have done what you said using 4 mil plastic painter's "drop cloth".
I am experienced using a tarp, nevertheless, I like to "try out" different size tarps and a tarp of a different design. I also like to "try out" a different pitch I have seen at YouTube.
I saw someone at YouTube use plastic: he taped on simple tie-outs he made.
This really gives an idea, whether or not I like that size tarp and pitch.
I also get under the set up to see if I like the useable space inside, allowing for sagging plastic. I figure silnylon will stretch but not sag. I can have tie-out line tensioners for that. I feel cuben will achieve a more taut pitch. I will find out, when my cuben tarp arrives.
I found out: I like catenary cut. I like an asymmetrical pitch tarp. I do not like end-entry. I do like side-entry.
I admit I have three tarps but not because I made a regrettable purchase. Each tarp serves a purpose, one car camping, one kayaking, and, one backpacking.
Now, I want a cuben tarp for more UL backpacking.
I didn't want to lay out the $$$ without making a full-scale model.
Feral Bill
02-28-2015, 17:40
By all means use linelocs if you prefer. I didn't mean to start a fuss either. And + 1 on Just Bill's advice. Costs very little to learn a lot. You can use the cheap practice rig on short trips. too.
Studlintsean
03-01-2015, 00:03
I have found myself taking my tarp for the most part unless the weather looks bad for multiple days in a row. I tied the guy lines to the tarp with a bowline knot and left a taught line hitch knot on the staked out end. Its pretty easy to pitch and also adjust the tension as needed.
LogHiking
03-01-2015, 12:24
Just Bill, i think that is a great suggestion.
I have done what you said using 4 mil plastic painter's "drop cloth".
I am experienced using a tarp, nevertheless, I like to "try out" different size tarps and a tarp of a different design. I also like to "try out" a different pitch I have seen at YouTube.
I saw someone at YouTube use plastic: he taped on simple tie-outs he made.
This really gives an idea, whether or not I like that size tarp and pitch.
I also get under the set up to see if I like the useable space inside, allowing for sagging plastic. I figure silnylon will stretch but not sag. I can have tie-out line tensioners for that. I feel cuben will achieve a more taut pitch. I will find out, when my cuben tarp arrives.
I found out: I like catenary cut. I like an asymmetrical pitch tarp. I do not like end-entry. I do like side-entry.
I admit I have three tarps but not because I made a regrettable purchase. Each tarp serves a purpose, one car camping, one kayaking, and, one backpacking.
Now, I want a cuben tarp for more UL backpacking.
I didn't want to lay out the $$$ without making a full-scale model.
Connie just so you aren't in for a rude awakening when you get it, if all things are equal cuben will always be more difficult to pitch tight than silnylon. It has to do with the lack of stretch in cuben. If your stake isn't in the perfect location to meet the geometry of the tarp, that section will sag. Pulling it tighter will do nothing as it doesn't stretch like sil does. It causes the most problems on uneven ground IMO.
After spending a fortune on cuben products (shelters, packs, etc. etc.) I've been in a form of cuben fiber revolt the past couple of years. The cost/benefit ratio is just not acceptable to me.
I'm happy with a silnylon tarp, silnylon Duomid, and silnylon Contrail and Rainbow, ULA packs, and Sea-to-Summit dry bags.
For now. :)
Just Tom
03-02-2015, 10:58
Just to throw in a different option. The Kelty Range Tarp is a good beginners tarp camping setup that includes everything except the trekking poles. It is 2 and 3/4 lbs, so I'm sure you could piece together a lighter system. But as this comes with everything and is just under $100 it might be a good option to try out the tarp lifestyle. I'm not a real tap user (yet) but have always been interested and I wanted to get my feet wet so I got one last year. Spent a nights in it in all weather conditions, so ask any questions you want. I've enjoyed it. (It is also huge, you could fit two people under it as well, so it is a nice change of pace coming from a one man tent that weighed slightly more than this setup).
http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-40815714-Range-Tarp/dp/B00G6KUUSU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425307839&sr=8-1&keywords=kelty+range+tarp
Gray Bear
03-02-2015, 14:01
Just to throw in a different option. The Kelty Range Tarp is a good beginners tarp camping setup that includes everything except the trekking poles. It is 2 and 3/4 lbs, so I'm sure you could piece together a lighter system. But as this comes with everything and is just under $100 it might be a good option to try out the tarp lifestyle. I'm not a real tap user (yet) but have always been interested and I wanted to get my feet wet so I got one last year. Spent a nights in it in all weather conditions, so ask any questions you want. I've enjoyed it. (It is also huge, you could fit two people under it as well, so it is a nice change of pace coming from a one man tent that weighed slightly more than this setup).
http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-40815714-Range-Tarp/dp/B00G6KUUSU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425307839&sr=8-1&keywords=kelty+range+tarp
2.75 lbs!!!!?? How big are the line locks on that friggin thing!!? (kidding)
I've been looking at tarps form these folks.
http://www.etowahoutfittersultralightbackpackinggear.com/
the 8x10 is $75 with a repair kit and weighs 13 oz. For another $24 you can pickup the setup kit with stakes line and a ground cloth.
bemental
03-02-2015, 14:07
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/02/d197ced679145ecf0ff7235c2c43507d.jpg
Learned this trick from the Brits.
Spaced out every 4-8 inches, makes for a super easy means to attach your tarp to something.
Just Tom
03-02-2015, 15:05
2.75 lbs!!!!?? How big are the line locks on that friggin thing!!? (kidding)
I've been looking at tarps form these folks.
http://www.etowahoutfittersultralightbackpackinggear.com/
the 8x10 is $75 with a repair kit and weighs 13 oz. For another $24 you can pickup the setup kit with stakes line and a ground cloth.
Like I said, you could assemble your own that is lighter. But that weight includes lots of beginner-friendly features including all the cords, velcroed cord storage pockets, grommets at the peaks sized for trekking pole tips, 12 stakes, sil-ny roll-top stuff sac, weather flaps along the bottom, and zippered privacy / weather doors on both ends. Not for pro tarpers, but I still think a decent one to learn on and decide if you want to go further.
2.75 lbs!!!!?? How big are the line locks on that friggin thing!!? (kidding)
I've been looking at tarps form these folks.
http://www.etowahoutfittersultralightbackpackinggear.com/
the 8x10 is $75 with a repair kit and weighs 13 oz. For another $24 you can pickup the setup kit with stakes line and a ground cloth.
I don't know much about Etowah's products, they might be great, but I'd like to make a few suggestions.
I'm a huge fan of the patrol shelter by MLD. It's $170 though.
The C-twinn over at Gossamergear is pretty sweet also.
Just remember, though tarps might be similar in size, not all tarps are created equal.
I'd also like to throw out there Locusgear. I don't know much about their tarps but they look pretty sweet. I plan on ordering their eVent mid so as it's back in production for my winter trips later this year.
Gray Bear
03-04-2015, 07:16
I don't know much about Etowah's products, they might be great, but I'd like to make a few suggestions.
I'm a huge fan of the patrol shelter by MLD. It's $170 though.
The C-twinn over at Gossamergear is pretty sweet also.
Just remember, though tarps might be similar in size, not all tarps are created equal.
I'd also like to throw out there Locusgear. I don't know much about their tarps but they look pretty sweet. I plan on ordering their eVent mid so as it's back in production for my winter trips later this year.
The big draw of the flat tarps for me is the simplicity and flexibility as well as cost. I like the idea of being able to choose different pitches for different weather. A tarp along with the bivy is going to give me a lot of options and open up a lot of possibilities for me that just don't exist with my tent. Most of my trips are in the Whites here in NH and finding a legal flat spot big enough for my tent often has me either stopping sooner than I want, traveling farther that I planed or tenting on a platform.
Just Bill, i think that is a great suggestion.
I have done what you said using 4 mil plastic painter's "drop cloth".
I am experienced using a tarp, nevertheless, I like to "try out" different size tarps and a tarp of a different design. I also like to "try out" a different pitch I have seen at YouTube.
I saw someone at YouTube use plastic: he taped on simple tie-outs he made.
This really gives an idea, whether or not I like that size tarp and pitch.
I also get under the set up to see if I like the useable space inside, allowing for sagging plastic. I figure silnylon will stretch but not sag. I can have tie-out line tensioners for that. I feel cuben will achieve a more taut pitch. I will find out, when my cuben tarp arrives.
I found out: I like catenary cut. I like an asymmetrical pitch tarp. I do not like end-entry. I do like side-entry.
I admit I have three tarps but not because I made a regrettable purchase. Each tarp serves a purpose, one car camping, one kayaking, and, one backpacking.
Now, I want a cuben tarp for more UL backpacking.
I didn't want to lay out the $$$ without making a full-scale model.
Hello Connie,I was lucky enough to get 16 of cuben cto.6e.08. It's .31oz/yard. A little lighter than the cottage tarp makers use but lighter and free! My mom helped me sew it together and now I have a 9x8 that weighs 6oz with the tie outs. I Set up today and it's turned out fantastic. It's been rainy and windy all day and no signs of problems. Back to discussion I also have the eno profly and housenest both of which I would recommend but with their own uses. Also have an extensive collection of silver and blue/brown rip stop tarps. It does take some time to learn your tarp craft but after doing it for while you will or should see what is needed given any hanging situation. So I concur buy cheap tarp, practice and upgrade as you deem necessary. If you are crafty I suggest you try making your own tarp. You can purchase all the different tarp fabrics by the yard and Dutch has all your diy stuff. Linelocs are ok on guy lines but definitely go with Dutch hooks for ridge ties.
Oh yeah I forgot too add that I used this for my seams
Bit late to chime in here, but for future reference, instead of linelocks try using a prussik knot or midshipmans hitch etc to adjust. Otherwise truckies hitches are good, if cumbersome to adjust.
Smithereens
02-05-2016, 14:48
The sad thing is, I recently bought a digital scale and have been weighing everything I own in the form of gear. On a lark, I tossed my old 8x10 medium duty poly tarp on the scale.... 1.5 lbs! Kinda heavy for a tarp. But in reality, it's not bad. The price was something like $8, it's lasted through two seasons and a few storms and still has life left in it. I can fold it flat and place it against my back in my pack so that it adds support. And it's roomy to boot.
So yeah, the cheap poly tarps are a good intro to tarping without a big commitment, and still without the weight penalty of a tent.
But then there are the several brands of nylon that can be had for around $70 in usable sizes if you don't want the blue poly stigma! ;)
Pastor Bryon
02-05-2016, 20:31
Good stuff here, and there are a host of websites and videos on tarping. I'm transitioning this year from a tent to a tarp and bug bivy. I bought this book: https://www.campmor.com/c/the-ray-way-tarp-book---essential and found it to be a really good and easy to read book. I know some who do fine reading blogs and watching videos, but I liked having the book to break down the best ways to use and set up the tarp. He goes a little more backcountry than I think I will, but it helps to see the possibilities.
If you just want to try it out get an 8x10 blue plastic tarp at Walmart and some 550 cord. The setup I like best when using a tarp is to tie some cord between two trees about 4ft off the ground...the "front" of your setup will be the cord. Lay your tarp over it so that only about 2 1/2 feet is over the front, creating an overhang...two guy lines go out from the front two corners at an angle. The rear of the tarp lays on the ground weighted down with stakes or rocks or a log. If you set this up so that the wind blows towards the back it should keep you out of the wind. Similar to this:
http://s14.photobucket.com/user/farmerstark/media/DSC_4328.jpg.html