I am completely lost on this. Every website that I come across simply says "you can use your trekking poles with your tarp" without actually explaining HOW. I've seen pictures and video of tarp systems using trekking poles, however I can never seem to get a proper look at the guylines and stakes and such. It's kind of maddening that every website tells you you can do something but fails to tell you how to do it.

Currently I own a pair of Black Diamond Spire trekking poles and I'm leaning towards a hennessey hammock and intend to use the fly as a simple tarp shelter in places where there's no trees (beach, desert, tundra, etc) with my REI minimalist bivy.

Are there any websites that thoroughly explain how to set up a tarp using trekking poles? And what kind of cord should I get? I'd prefer some kind of cord that's really storm proof like some kind of shock cord or something.

Can anybody help?