I want to make this a learning thread. I want people to demonstrate or show pictures of some of their favorite tarp set ups. One of my favorites is pretty interesting BTW.
I apologize for not posting any pictures today. I do not feel like making a bunch of tarp set ups today as we have 50 mph winds blowing around my house. Yes, I have and can set up a tarp under those conditions. However, I do not think it would be very fun or enjoyable to do set up after set up under those conditions (as well as photograph them). However, I promise I will get out there when the winds die down.
Also, post what kind of tarp you used and its size. I use a Snugpak All Weather Shelter which is a 10x10 tarp.
I have two tarp set ups I use that do not involve trees. They are both interesting and easy to do. I figured it was easier to link the YouTube videos I used to learn how to make them from even though both video makers had a few minor issues with their set up. They do a good job explaining how to make them. Both videos use a 10x10 tarp. One makes a fully enclosed tent. The other makes a low profile open sided tent (good for concealment or high winds).
http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLko...&v=k9ayvKXhVUg
This is the low profile open sided tarp shelter. The guy who made the video made this video for me after I inquired how to make this set up. There are a few things he did wrong with his set up. He set it up backwards in regards to the wind. The rear of the shelter should face into the wind for aerodynamic reasons (less stress to tarp). The center stick should be approximately 3 feet long. I learned from experience that I can always tie the front flaps to rear tent stake on the each side (not the two on the absolute back of the tarp) and get good results every time. However, this is still a decent tutorial.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t_TTAAzvybA
The second shelter is a fully enclosed tent. The guy who made this video struggled with his tent stakes. My center pole is ends up being a little shorter than what the guy in the video uses. I use my normal sized trekking pole which is about 46" long. I can comfortably lay inside this with my two dogs and gear.
I also set up a typical lean to, an elevated A-frame for really hot days, or a wedge shape.