Originally Posted by
staehpj1
When conditions allow I don't pitch the tarp and cowboy camp on top of the bivy. If there is unexpected rain or bugs I climb into the bivy and pull the tarp over me and my gear as needed. If rain is at all likely I pitch the tarp.
Curious: what kind of rain can you deal with by simply pulling a tarp over your bivy (drizzle, brief downpour, all-nighter -- as long as there's not much wind, you stay dry?) I am quite interested in trying out something like that. Are you in the habit of staking one side of your tarp, just in case, or simply use it as a blanket if the need arises?