I generally keep my tarp and my gear hammock (MollyMac clone made by kitsapcowboy) right up at the top of my pack, or in the mesh front pocket. If it's raining, I setup my tarp first, then get the gear hammock setup. I love the gear hammock because it's just a flip over cover; SEEP as MollyMac calls it (Side Entry/Exit Portal). Super easy to get in and out of, and keeps everything bone dry.

After the tarp and gear hammock are setup, I can just chill under the tarp, or continue with getting the hammock strung up. I will usually just take a few minutes under the tarp to reassess my site, hanging trees etc, and then get stuff done (or get a snack).