Originally Posted by
rifraf
Theres a lot to be said for the new tents available now.
Many offer similar weights to the once advantageous bivy, where once they would have been twice the weight.
Even taking into consideration a groundsheet and tarp, though this advantage is mostly a thing of the past.
I have to disagree on the weight difference. My bivy weighs 7 ounces and if rain is likely I take a 7 ounce tarp and 2 ounces of stakes and cords. So for about a pound, I have a very nice shelter system. This without going for high tech high $$$ stuff like cuben fiber which could cut the weight a good bit more.
The cost of my bivy setup is a good bit less than tents at the lightest end of the weight range.
There is also a lot of flexibility with a bivy. I sleep on top of it when it is warm, but as it cools I can climb inside. If I expect bad weather I pitch the tarp but otherwise don't bother. If rain comes up unexpectedly I just pull the tarp out and pull it over me and my gear.
I still might take a light tent for some trips depending on the expected conditions, but the bivy has been my choice for my last several bike tours and backpacking trips and it has worked out very well.