I've been doing a little research this last week or more. Looking at the ZPacks Hexamid, MLD Patrol and some bivies like the Borah. From what I can come up with is the Hexamid is lighter and cheaper, the Patrol may have a smaller staked out foot print, if it does, that would be nice but with the Borah standard bivy and tent poles comes in at almost a pound without the stakes added in. Any help? I am trying to get around 12 oz total if possible. I know one older than me UL/SUL bper I have done some trips with and he still uses the Gatewood poncho, switching for other shelters now and then, one of which is a 3 oz tarp without a bug bivy, bugs don't mess with him. Must be nice I currently use a TT floorless Squall in the summer at 1.5 lbs., so my friend is my inspiration to go really light.
Duane

Edit: I'm thinking of getting a EE cuben quilt, which would eliminate the need for a bivy, cutting out the weight of the bivy, its expense and saving more weight with the cuben material. Maybe that is my bivy solution, was not looking forward to hot nights in the Sierra. All I would need then is a light bug bivy/netting.

Edited by hikerduane on 01/29/2013 20:02:18 MST.

When I lived out west, I never used a bugnet and rarely wished I had one. The exception being wet areas and then I often got swarmed.

Now I live in the northeast and bugs are everywhere, starting from when the snow starts to melt until the temps drop to well below freezing.

I also use a bugnet in cold weather to add warmth by reducing air flow and thus reducing the convection cooling effect caused by cold air circulating inside my shelter.

It may be that the extra weight could be used for increased loft in my bag/quilt, but I also like the way the net helps keep my face from getting so cold on winter nights.

You really notice it when you unzip it in the morning and feel the temperature drop.

Mosquitoes are notorious in the Caribou Wilderness just to the east of Lassen Vol NP. In the High Sierra, I usually run into heavy numbers of mosquitoes, so a bug net is mandatory. On a mid-August trip just north of interstate 80 and Truckee, CA, I slept cowboy style as there seemed to be no bugs about, but by dark, a few mossies were out. I had my head net with me, so I just put it on. You are right, it does add warm.
Duane

"Regarding a DWR bag or bivy. Yes, fully waterproof breathable is heavy."

Fully waterproof may be heavy, but DWR not so much. My DWR sleeping bag is 17 ounces and it has served me well down in to the teens F and could go lower with a bit more clothing.