Groves of trees. The trunks of trees will help break the wind naturally. Rock faces. Wind typically comes from one main direction. If you can find a cliff or rock outcropping that blocks the wind, you will be much better off.
Winds may be stronger near a large body of water, such as an ocean or lake. Valleys, passes, gulches, and the like may form “wind tunnels” in which winds are intensified from a certain direction.
This may be dangerous in high-wind situations, as tarps may suddenly rip out tent stakes, poles, and so on and could be damaged. In high-wind situation, you are better off blocking off the smallest possible area well than try to create a large wind-block. For example, blocking off enough area so that the camp stove will work properly is better than trying to set up a 10’x10’ tarp to its full area to do the same task.
It all depends on the environment, but there are other natural wind blocks that you can look for, such as deviations in terrain, depending on which way the wind is blowing.
A lightweight groundsheet made of rip-stop nylon. A ground cloth for a large tent is a good choice, as they are typically made from ripstop nylon coated with waterproof PVC. A 50 ft. (15 m) coil of ⅛ in. (3 mm) parachute cord (paracord), to serve as a strong, lightweight rope. A small pocketknife to cut the paracord.
Make sure there are no dead branches above the spot you’ve chosen to shelter. Strong wind may cause these to fall.
You can use trekking poles, ski poles, or even the skis themselves to support additional support for your windbreak.
With a particularly large groundsheet, you can even improvise a pup tent, stretching each corner taut with another length of paracord. Weigh down the edge of the groundsheet with rocks.
Wind is usually much more extreme on one side of a mountain or tall hill. Walk along the lee side instead.
