I deer hunt, sometimes I end up on some awful ridge watching a herd when it gets dark and I have to hunker down and spend a night. A Bivy has been my savior more than once. Between blowing snow and harsh winds a Bivy and a down bag makes all the difference. I do believe there is a place for bivys in a persons gear. I now carry my Bivy on all day hikes, and most backpacking trips.I mean it only weighs 8 ozs!! Sorry for being the black sheep here but I love bivys for what they are made for.