You said that combo is 8 to 9 pounds in weight. That's simply too much for something like that. I chose the SAS Bivi coz it's the least claustrophobic bivi design you can get, so long as the mouth remains open(with a hootchie this is no problem), and not many goretex bivis have a sewn in bug netting. The reason I choose 2 identical 2 season sleeping bags has to do partly with balance. I support them on the outside, strapped to the side of the rucksack. This is desirable coz sleeping bags absorb body perspiration when used. So for longterm usage this is desirable. You can also switch which one goes on the inside if you're using both. Using both together gives 4+ season usage as you know, but if I pull out every piece of spare clothing I have and place it between the two bags then the rating bumps up to 5 seasons or more. I have a down vest I use for this very purpose. The other trick is to modify the bags with some loops sewn inside so that the clothing, especially the vest can be secured over the chest area, without slipping to the side. The other good thing is that any clothes that might be a little damp can be placed between the 2 bags, and in the morning they stand a good chance of being dry. Even the 3 pieces (50cm x 100cm) of viscose towel I carry can be used to bump up the sleeping bag rating. There are many things you can do to give yourself 5+ season protection without lugging an 8 - 9 pound sleeping system around with you. Ortlieb sell a number of waterbags and sacks. The 10L sack in black makes a good portable shower, with the shower accessory, but the 10L waterbag can be used as a hotwater bottle. That thing stays warm till morning, but don't pour boiling water directly into it.<br>I'm on another one of my tirades, but the truth of the matter is most camping equipment is a load of sh*t, concocted by people who don't really know the score.