To answer your questions.
Yes unfortunatly cuben only comes in this "color" right now. And it did pose a deliberted thought procces in my mind before I went for it. I am very sensitive to light when it comes to sleep, and would have prefured a darker tarp. But I did not want to take the weight hit. A syl tarp of this same size would come to about 9-10 oz if I am not mistaking. And I knew I would eventually transition to this "wonderlust material" any way. I still may make me a syl one just for kicks. But I fiigure I usually sleep with my beanie pulled over my eyes any way so it would not matter. Plus in the evening it will let in more light than other darker colors. Keep in mind I only pitch a tarp if the weather looks iffy, other wise I just sleep out in the open on the ground.

I chose a retangle just for the mere fact of it offers a vast number of pitching options. Equipped to survive offers a polethera of ideas that are fun to play around with, and explains the differnt shapes and sizes very well. Also I knew that I did need at least 8 feet however 9 would be better for my length/heighth. But I did not need more than 5-6 feet for side/width protection. Remember I am actaully only used to about a 4.5 x 7 tarp (army poncho) so this is a big step up in alot of ways when it comes tarps...The only other tarp I have is a Golit Lair II and that is used for my when the boys and I go out. Still nothing compares to my SMD lunar solo but that is for the fringe seasons. Or the expexted deluge on a trip.

Hope this answers your questions. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />