Ultra-light tarp tents.

[Neil]

As for the tarp, consider what you will do if the weather is blowing snow.

Doug

That's easy, head for the nearest motel!

 

[DougPaul]

That's easy, head for the nearest motel!

In that case, you can save the weight of a sleeping bag and pad too!

Doug

 

[spider solo]

sans tarp or tent

This has been the 1st winter I'll be experimenting with doing some overnights without a tent or bivy bag.
I've ordered up a - 40 bag with a mostly waterproof breathable shell. (it weighs about 4lbs 10oz)
Last year on a few occasions I've hiked out late at night. This year when soloing I would just as soon curl up for a few hrs shut eye and finish hiking out in the morning. I think it would open up a few more extensive off trail travels without the worry of getting lost or overly exhausted.
I have used a bivy bag in the past and when it snowed I would crawl beneath any trees or underbrush that I could find, but that could still leave me wishing for a warmer bag. This year I'll get the warmer bag and leave the bivy.
I think someone mentioned the 'psychological barrier' of getting used to not being in an enclosed area and there is much truth to that, for me at least.
I am fortunate enough to be able to sleep outside year round about once a week. Usually I would put up a tent or bivy but these past few weeks I've just been going out with a pad and a bag, for conditioning, and that has been working out pretty well.
Still a couple of big considerations are not to loose things in snowy conditions,
...and of couse where can I keep my pillow and teddy bear ??

 

[Warren]

Bivy tarp is my year round preferred shelter though in winter "tarp" is frequently translated as "megamid".

It's an excellent combination for snow on the ground, with a few drawbacks- spindrift becomes a living space problem, the tarp doesn't give you a temperature boost the way a tent does (though a megamid will) and your own breath is more likely to snow back down on you.

That said for quick weekends it's a mighty combination and one could say warmer, with a bivy you're much more likely to cook and lounge in your bag.

 

[jbrown]

Here's another couple of alternatives in the tarp category: Gossamer Gear shelters . I can attest to the quality of the product as my G-4 pack is the best I've owned. It's top quality stuff at very reasonable prices, not to mention the fact that Glen and his crew are just great people.