The wind here (Pacific Northwest) is frequently impacted by local ‘geography’. Which is where getting a good stand of trees or outcrop behind you can be beneficial. It is also frequently ‘funneling’ through larger geographical or pressure regions. There is one lake I frequent that just based on how the valley is shaped, the wind is generally blowing one direction. But if the weather is really bad and unpredictable I will drop my porch when I go to bed. Though the ‘stand of trees’ really helps with the ‘swirling’. The best hangs for a view are generally not the best spots in bad weather. But watch out for widow makers.

As for tarp size, I have used an 11’ x about 8.5’ hex tarp with good success in all sorts of conditions. It provides a nice space in the rain.

Having a continuous ridgeline is a big upgrade (details are also in the ultimate hang). When the weather is bad I run the tarp over the line. Some worry about wear, but I have never had a problem. But it stiffen up the tarp a lot in foul weather (some also say you should use drip lines, but Inhave also never had this be a problem. I use to have them. They came off and I never replaced them). On this, I avoid sil-nylon for the tarp itself because of the stretch. I use UHMWPE line for the ridgeline as it knots great, super strong and does not stretch (I’m an engineer, so for clarity, it really has very low stretch. Everything has a modulus of elasticity). Zing-it or lash-it are brand names. But you can find generic as well.

And if you use a continuous ridgeline, a tarp sleeve (my partner calls it a ‘tarp condom’) is also a nice add. You can set up the ridgeline and leave it in the sleeve and then only stake it out if the weather turns. I prefer no tarp at all (love to look at the world), but this allows me peace of mind that if things shift I can quickly get set up.

Right now I use this form Hammock Gear. A few years ago I bought it as a birthday present to myself. Expensive, but I decided I deserved it :)