Temporary lightweight light duty tether point

If testing using expensive material , I would suggest to add a piece of fabric over the ball/pebble so that if any damage happens it may be restricted to that outside patch.

Thanks.  I missed this the last time you posted it. I’ve long used and passed on the trick of using a smooth rock to create a tie-down point, but, yeah, let’s use lighter material when we can.  Ping-pong balls are also really light and quite strong (they can be smacked hard enough to reach 66 mph).  Pop bottle screw-top caps are not as spherical, but pretty smooth and are free in the trash or at the recycling center.  I usually bring an extra water-bottle cap in case I drop mine.

I’m trying to think of a multi-purpose option and can only come up with peanut M&Ms which are not so good in the rain.

I haven’t tried the following, but it’s been suggested you can tie a knot in the end of a cord and use that in lieu of your ball, then use the rest of the cord to tie off around the knot, trapping the fabric.

Better photo:

Native Americans used smooth stone and leather straps to secure their hide covered wigwams to the ground. I wonder who taught them.