This may interest some solo guys. As I have mentioned I have gone through every article of gear and looked where I could improve with an eye towards lightening the load.

I called Cooke Custom sewing and had them make me an 8x8 tarp instead of a standard 10x10. Weight and bulk reduction is definitely noticeable and while if the rain comes sideways I might be bested I still feel the protection is certainly adequate.

I think they make the best tarps by far and like the little "pocket" they incorporate into the middle underside which enables me to place a collapsible pole quite securely. That pocket also enables me to run a line from the middle underside to a rock or a stake directly underneath.
As per the collapsible pole I wouldn't want to be without it. No hassles is the MT way.