Originally Posted by
reppans
I always take a 3oz DWR windshirt as part of my camp clothing, or I can use my vestibule tyvek groundsheet - either of those suffice for short rain excursions like bathroom runs. But I agree, if you're going to be base camping (eg, last week @ ADVMoto rally) then it just serves as shelter only - and still my favorite shelter, by far.
In bug free environments I could kinda maybe see it. Up in Minnesota, where I do most of my touring (and canoeing) it just wouldn't work. I've also had canoeing trips in particular when it rained a lot (on one 14 day solo it rained each of the first 8 days out). The couple extra pounds my hammock weighed were worth it. Same with my Hilleberg Enan, which comes in under 2.5 lbs. If I need to drop two pounds I'll drop it around my waist. Having said that, however, I'm glad people experiment and try different things. A lot of helpful innovation would be lost without that.