I have a few questions about my ultralite explorer, please.

1. The tarp seems a little small for a blowing rain. Do you guys stay dry in hard and windy rain? I ask this because I am considering the hyperlite but that tarp is even smaller.

2. Is the tree straps main purpose to protect the tree or does it also help handle the weight? Could you eliminate the straps and just wrap the hang rope?

3. Does the shiny side of the tarp go up or down?

thanks,
Roy