Hey Shadow, like others said, it doesn't seem anybody was sniping at you. It's just the way this board works; if a new poster doesn't watch closely, they can create a link ("Re:") that's unintentional.

So be cool and stick around. Seems like you belong here.

When dayhiking, often solo, especially on a long trail, I too assume that I may have to bivvy if something goes wrong, so I pack a few extras accordingly. My emergency contacts know that I prep for this; they won't panic unduly if I'm running late, and nobody needs to go into harm's way on my behalf unless there are unusual circumstances..

BTW, most of my long hikes are in the Rocky Mountains. At night, bear and moose use the trails, so at a certain point it's better to hole up and wait for first light.