MLD Grace tarp, lightest cat cut tarp?

Can't help you on another tarp. But I've never had an issue with using a Cat. cut tarp as I've been using them since 2006.

I've used a MLD Grace Solo Tarp for several years though I don't have the linelocs as Ron didn't add them until several months after I bought mine. The cuben fiber I have is .60 wt material which MLD use to sell before they went to the .75 stuff and the total weight of lines,ti. stakes, tarp, cf stuff sack is about 8oz. No issues with the amount of coverage in rain though I often carry a MLD superbivy as well. Considering how well its held up since 2008, I'd say either the 0.5wt Zpacks or .75wt MLD would work well for you.

Another option is the HMG Echo 1. I've been using the echo 2 for a couple years now and it has held up very well. Excellent construction. Very similar to the grace solo.

Im a Zpacks fanboy so I would say save almost $100 (free shipping w/ zp) and get a flat .51 tarp.

Im also a fan of the half pyramid, and a flat tarp allows an array of setups depending on your mood. I think cats are cool, but if im getting a shaped tarp I would rather get a mid like a hexamid. Because side entry >>>>>>>>>>> front entry!

Not sure if you have had experience with that small a tarp before but when I had the Golite Poncho Bivy which is close to 9X5 I found that I could keep out of the rain but couldn't do anything else (like sit-up, make dinner etc). If you are looking to pitch a half pyramid in bad weather then I would suggest something like an 8×10 for a flat tarp (or the 8.5 x 10 option if going with zpacks). I think it's the difference between having a shelter that you can get by with in a pinch vs a shelter that you can really use.

Thank you for the feedback. No experience with tarps except the cut down ones to cover firewood with. :) A 9' ridgeline would be hard to keep taunt? I like the set up using a pole to hold up the rear using two attachment points. I was even hoping to use one tent pole and maybe have the one end on the ground. Does one put the wide or narrow end into the wind? Wide to deflect more wind, hmmm? Now that the snow is gone, what little we had, I can maybe work with my cheapo tarps to see what I like.
Duane