right now i usually carry an integral designs silponcho in my daypack for hiking. its lightweight and i can use it as poncho, rain/sun shelter. i've been thinking of getting a lightweight bivy for camping without a tent on overnight trips but also to carry on day hikes as a "just in case" sleeping shelter. i mean, even though i could carry two large trash bags to use as an emergency shelter, i'm sure if i had to i'd much rather sleep in a waterproof bivy (with a mesh insect screen). question is, would that be too much? the size is about 6 X 10 inches and weight is almost a pound. (15 x 25 cm) (.4 kilos)
i mean, is carrying a bivy for dayhikes overkill? especailly since you hope to not have to use it?
here's the bivy:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...vcat=REI_SEARCH