I'm thinking about making a tarp from a nylon footprint from my 2 person tent. It's approximately 7' by 4'. My question is, how do I set it up? It has loops for stakes in each corner. What are some methods for setting it up without utilizing trekking poles? Thanks.

4' x 7' would be too small in both length and width to effectively pitch in an A Frame unless you are short and don't mind minimal coverage width wise.

Too small for half pyramid.

I would say you can pitch it as a lean-to, and this can be done by staking two corners to the ground or on short guy lines, then guying out the other two corners to trees. Definitely a "fair weather" shelter though.

Edited by REDWOOD82 on 02/12/2013 13:27:08 MST.

Those dimensions are similar to a MLD Monk Tarp, although at 7' in length it would probably be too short for most adults.

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=89