Yes...If I'm trying to cut weight to an absolute minimum or am desert hiking, I'll use my Robinson Poncho Shelter as a shelter. I'm mostly a hammocker and still haul the poncho to be used as a bigger fly, a ground shelter, or to wear in the rain. I've used space blankets, tyvek, and coated nylon as ground cover. All three work great with the exception of mylar space blankets shredding after the 3rd night. And yes, I've been stuck in rain. As long as the wind is blowing at your back, it's fine. If you have a friend with a second poncho shelter, you can put the two halves together and end up with a sizeable tent. I use contractors braid as guy line.