I enjoy taking my QRP gear to the field and operating but it can sometimes be difficult to come up with a decent antenna for such work. I have used many types of antennas but I prefer antennas that can operate efficiently without any connection to the lossy ground or that require an extensive radial system. The type of antenna described here has always performed well for me and is easy to adjust for a good match no matter how you erect it . . .

Simply get the half wave antenna part as high as possible in the trees, bushes, cactus or whatever you can find and you can place the feedpoint anywhere you want. I usually place it on the ground. This type of antenna only needs a couple of pF capacitance from the antenna to the return side to operate properly which can usually be just a few of feet of loose wire. Connecting the return side to a grounded object will not distract from it's performance.

Choose inductor L1 and capacitor C1 to resonate in the band of interest. L2 is usually just a couple of turns of wire around the counterpoise end of L1. To tune, simply adjust C1 for a dip in the SWR and adjust the turns in L2 for a minimum SWR at the dip. The number of turns in L2 and its position determine the coupling and will determine the impedance when L1 and C1 are tuned to resonance.

An antenna analyzer such as the MFJ-259B that I own makes tuning and experimenting a snap. I find that once I adjust L2, it can usually be fixed in placed even if I reinstall the antenna at another location. It is not necessary to prune the antenna. Simply cut the wire to the formula and the tuned circuit will take care of tuning everything to resonance and best match. The orientation of the antenna can be what ever you like but treat it as you would a dipole. These photos were taken during a camp out at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas and the antenna was strung between the cedar trees at an elevation of only about 10 feet. The park is located in a valley along side the Paluxy River yet with this antenna setup and my PRC-38S I made numerous quality contacts. For best DX of course try to place it high or orientate it vertically. I've always wanted to use this type of antenna on 160m with it suspended from a helium balloon or kite. It would then be a vertical halfwave antenna that does not require a ground system or the associated losses. Good luck with it and let me know how it performs for you!