Quote Originally Posted by TheBrewGuy View Post
I always pack my tarp in the outside pocket of my pack. That way I can pull it out and set it up first (another advantage over tents), then take my time setting everything else up...
As for the pack, I've put it on the ground under me with the pack cover on. This is good if there isn't any concern for flooding under you...
Ditto on packing the tarp at the top, or in pocket to pull out first and setup a dry area. Speaking of which, it should remain dry under the tarp, including "splattering of mud, runoff, etc." and if not, you're hanging in the wrong location. Be wary of hanging in former tent spots that are susceptible to that sort of thing. Look to hang over forest duff. If you've ever had the opportunity to be in the forest during a heavy rainstorm, its amazing to watch all that water come down and be simply absorbed by the earth, with no runoff to speak of except for the trail. I also use Tyvek to put the pack on instead of directly on the ground.