I thought a bivy would be a good idea until I went to NZ and spent a fair amount of time in heavy rain in my tent (SD Flashlight-original version) or a hut. The idea of being pinned inside a bivy quickly convinced me that they are great for climbing or camping in good weather only. I have a BD Winter Bivy, but it is nothing more than a bag cover with a cross zip. I'd much rather have a 1 person tent or better yet, 2 person tent than a bivy. I want to be able to sit up, keep my stuff dry, change clothes, read or just be out of the weather and a bivy just doesn't give me all that, even if it was the kind with a hoop. A Tarptent, Lightheart, SMD, or similar tent is about the same weight and lots more room.