I think a tent is a lot more appropriate for harsh conditions. Most of our tours are at least a month long, and I'd rather have a tent than get stuck out somewhere wishing I had one. That is my opinion; there are probably folks that feel comfortable with just a tarp. I think a tarp used with a bivy sack would keep a person reasonably dry, but a bivy sack and a tarp are not much lighter than a small tent.


It may be possible to pitch a tarp to deal with the wind and rain. I have not tried it, but it could be done. Snow is easier to deal with.