Jim,
For my PSK and that of my three boys in Boy Scouts I have selected the Coghan Emergency Bag as a sort of emergency tent. I prepare them by putting one loop of duct tape on the closed end with a metal washer to secure the foot end. Then I put three loops with washers on the open end. Two loops for the bottom and one for the top to make a triangle opening. I tie a taught line knot on the top loop. This way we stake the bottom loops and tie the top loop to any bush or tree. If there is nothing to tie to then a pair of crossed sticks can be put in the opening of the taught line and secured open with a stake holding the crossed sticks and line in place. Then I add two clear trash bags. These can be filled with leaves, pine needles or whatever to create two blankets to put over them to keep warm. The Emergency Bag is great because if it rains or snows you will stay out of the wind and wet. A 99-cent poncho can be duct taped on to the top of the opening to make it even more watertight. You have to have some opening for air. Plus we have a cheap space blanket to reflect campfire heat.
The clear bags can also be used to collect water from transpiration. So, they can be used for warmth when it is cold and water when it is hot. The bright orange bag is a good signaling device. The Coghan Emergency Bag can also be used as an immediate shelter. If you get caught in a downpour you can step into it, sit down, cover your head and stay dry and out of the wind.
Coghan Emergency Bag, two clear trash bags, a 99-cent poncho and a cheap space blanket for us. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
We also keep a stocking cap, work gloves, and a neckerchief that also can help keep us warm.