When I was first in boy scouts we used plastic tarps for camping. I was excited when I saved enough money to buy a tent. I carried a tent for privacy when I camped with a girl friend. When my wife gave up on hiking and camping I converted back to a tarp.

I prefer a hammock for prolonged foul weather, but a tarp is a close second.

When you leave your cat out in a storm it will find someplace to stay dry. I like to think that I am as smart as my cats. Location, location, location.