In a way this could go in one of several sub-forums but it's DIY related so ...

I've got a long length of silpoly and associated accessories from RSBTR to make a tarp but am a bit indecisive as to what style to make. I'm currently waiting for my mum's old (and very good) sewing machine to be mended so have a bit of time to decide. I didn't buy enough material to make two (plus we've shipping and import duties to consider when ordering from the USA) so it's one to "rule them all". I have a summer tarp in the form of a 2.7m x 2.4m Silnylon model that I pitch in diamond mode but it's not likely to be that weather resistant in that configuration. I don't envisage doing full on winter hammocking but probably (UK) three season. Most likely will be used bikepacking so weight/bulk are also important considerations.

Wants:

To cover a 3.3m gathered end hammock
Be as light as possible
To be able to go to ground if necessary
Internal pole mods

I've got a pole made from flexible carbon fibre rod (3mm diameter) that I think will work for the pole mod, just have to cut it up to the appropriate length to test. I'm prepared to add more tie-out points both around the perimeter and mid-panel to accommodate both uses. Reinforcing panels will have guyline pockets and where necessary pockets for pole mods. Not sure on how to retain the internal pole mods, one possibility is to have a lineloc at the ridge ends and a simple line of cord from there to the pole, the other is to fix some tape at the appropriate points in the ridgeline when sewing that.

Options in increasing coverage/weight.

1. Hex: lightweight but might not work too well on the ground.
2. 3.5m x 3m rectangular tarp: Adds about 20% to the weight of the Hex but is probably the most versatile. With tie-outs along the edges at the points where a Hex tarp would have a corner then I'd be able to have partial doors, possibly full depending on the pitch angle of the tarp.
3. Winter tarp: heaviest of the lot, adding nearly 40% to the weight of the Hex, most coverage but might be a bit big for ground usage. Might also be a bit OTT for summer.

All with a straight ridge but for the hex or winter I might go towards catenary edges.

I'm leaning towards option 2 as the most versatile. But another possibility is going with the Hex and having additional add-on doors should I need them which keeps weight/bulk down for the majority of usage. Or maybe something like the Thunderfly?

Any comments or things I might have overlooked?