A buddy and me experimented with tarp tents and shelters last year and although I didn't prefer it, it was interesting the number of different sets possible. We settled on wrapping a D-ring onto our walking staff's to fasten to and staking down the rest. You would be suprised at the configurations you can come up with just by changing the location you clip to. These different possibilities are suited for just about any weather condition and with only a tarp (in a stuff sack) and staff, you lighten your load considerably.

He used an 8' X 8' and tried an 8' X 10', with the later being his preference.

I used a 12' X 14' nylon tafta that packed small, was light weight, and quite. It gave me room to sleep under with plenty of dry space in foul weather.