Guyline

Tension a tarp or tent so it stays drum-tight in wind, using a trucker's hitch.

Drum-tight in wind

A tarp that flaps is a tarp that rips. A trucker's hitch on each guyline lets you tension it until it's tight as a drum — and re-tension in ten seconds when it rains and the cord stretches.

What you need

cord      4–6 lines of 3 mm reflective cord
knots     trucker's hitch, half hitch
stakes    6–8 pegs

The build

Stake the corners, tie a trucker's hitch in each line, crank it down, and lock off. The 3:1 purchase means your body weight is more than enough to make the ridge line sing.