I hike exclusively in the Southwest 3 season and during fair weather.

I'm waiting to receive my Bora Gear Sil Poly bivy and now entering my third year of hiking, ready to take the plunge of leaving the psychological protection of my tent behind me.

The plan is to use the bivy exclusively. However, when any significant chance of rain is in the forecast I'd like to have something to put in my pack. My base weight will be under 5.5 lb so the weight penalty for sil poly on both the bivvy and the tarp seem well worth it for the significantly smaller packed size as I'm also moving to a cutaway tiempo pack (17l ).

I'm attracted to the 7.2oz weight of the Bora sil poly tarp, which is 5.8 ft wide by 9 ft long. I am 6'2, and my shoulder circumference is 55. I sleep on a 25-in wide sleeping pad.

I'm really bringing it along to protect me from some stray precipitation, but if I'm honest, it's primarily a psychological bridge from being inside a tent to cowboy camping.

At this price point, it seems like a great low-cost solution. Would love to hear any feedback from others about a low pack volume, under 8 oz tarp, or any potential drawbacks I have not considered.

Edit: My bivi is going to be covered in Argon 67 with a twelve inch headcap in argon as well. It'll have splash protection.