Wet kills. Wind kills. Blowing rain in cold conditions can overwhelm a tarp setup. Got to get dry, got to get out of the wind. Got to insulate from cold ground. You might be injured. Don�t know how long you will be in the bad conditions. Don�t know how exhausted you will be from batoning with tools not up to the task --when conserving energy is a premium. That is why I believe in paying the weight penalty to pack a small bivy that I can completely zip up inside in, as well as a ridge-rest pad, Army poncho, trail axe and several knives, and at least three ways to start fire (Vaseline impregnated and dry cotton balls, several commercial fire starters, magnesium striker).
