Which solo caternary cut tarp?

Check out the MLD Patrol Shelter for a shaped tarp w/ a beak. Not much of a weight penalty over a plain old tarp.

Within the MLD line I would suggest the silnylon Grace Solo Plus for the additional coverage it provides over the Solo. The spinntex Solo XP version is worth every cent if you can afford the difference.

For your size the Oware 1.1 may be to bit small but having a bivy for additional weather protection it should work just fine. The MLD Solo Plus is considerably larger then the Oware 1.1 as I recall.

The Oware Cat 1.1 is 8.5 ft long and the width tapers from 5.4 to 4.4 ft. I'm really having trouble believeing that is too big of a footprint, but the reviewer said it was too large. The weight matched up with the 1.1 so I know he wasn't mistaken with the 1.5.

There is a nice photo of it on top the main page, but it would be great to see one with a sleeping bag, pad or person for reference.

http://owareusa.com/Cattarps.html

Only experience will tell you for sure but I would go for the 1.5 size or the MLD solo plus. It will be better to have a tarp that is too big than one thats too small. You can always opt for a smaller one later if you feel comfortable after using a larger one.
Defiantly get one thats around 9 feet long for your hight, Im 5'11 and I prefer a 9 footer. With a bivy you can get away with a 1.1 Oware size but like I said only experience will tell you if you should.
As for the footprint being too big? Thats completely subjective- too big for what? Larger tarps can catch more wind but they also protect better from rain. Site selection will solve that problem. And its a tarp! You can pitch it OVER rocks and plants if you have to.

I am very pleased with the tarp that Mike Stivers made for me. I ordered Spinnaker from thru-hiker and had it sent to him. He had the tarp made within a couple of days. The dementions are 9ft long 7ft tapering to 4ft. It is perfect for me. And the total price for fabric and labor was around $130.

Thanks, Troy. Like you said, there are alternatives to other (more popular) brands out there. You can find catenary solo tarps in many sizes, in many materials but Id say a 9' long with a 7' wide front is a great start.
The bonus about purchasing a custom tarp from me is you get to name your specs… and you get multiple color choices.
Whichever you chose, you can always add a light bivy for a true weatherproof shelter system.

I had an Oware 1.1 – its footprint was very reasonable as solo shelters go. I use an MLD SoloPlus now (9'x7') and it's never been too large a footprint either. After all, you still only need a spot big enough to lie down in your bivy. Pitching the tarp walls steeper will make for a narrower footprint if needed. The Oware 1.1 review was written back when a lot of solo catenary tarps commercially available were smaller… like the designs BPL began marketing around the same time. Personally I like the 1.5 or SoloPlus size.

EDIT: Jeff, I think I have a trip photo of the Oware somewhere. I'll post it if I can find it.