bivy sack? WTB need info, suggestions

I have an OR GoreTex bivy. I have never had a condensation issue with it; however I haven't used it in the rain, only cloudy/misty conditions. Works well, about a lb. With that said, I only use a bivy sac when there is no room for a tent, or wanting to travel light in good weather conditions.

My experience echo's Lowell's and Birddog's.  I've never noticed condensation with my OR goretex bag, either in winter or spring/summer, in a snow cave or on the snow, or in the rain.  Mine is the 'Advanced' bivy, with the two hoop-poles, which let me keep the mouth open in front of my head - which probably helps vent my breathing and reduce condensation.  I don't carry or use the 'poles' in the winter, as when in the snowcave or megamid, I just keep the hood part of the bivy thrown back & off my  head.  All that being said, I much prefer sharing a light tent - a lot more comfortable getting in and out of the bag, packing, cooking, etc. - especially when raining, drizzling or snowing.

A bivy sack is surprisingly similar to a body bag.

Tarps are way better.

How many of you guys who are using tarps or floorless tents use it in conjunction with a bivy? A bunch of the reading I have been doing (of course its the internet) has people using a tarp and bivy combo. I would like to start using a tarp more but am unsure if I would really need a bivy as well for inclement weather.

I understand the use of the bivy in snow caves and such but is it really needed under a tarp?

btw this would be bivy's that wouldn't need poles as that is just added weight.

How many of you guys who are using tarps or floorless tents use it in  conjunction with a bivy?

In recent years I have used a tarp shelter without a bivi sack. I put down a small lightweight ground cloth (coated nylon) and put my sleeping pad and pack on top of that. I use a 3/4 length pad and put my backpack under my legs. This works fine on snow. The only time it doesn't work well is if it's very windy. In this case, you can get sprayed by condensation if the tarp flaps in the wind. A minimalist sleeping bag cover would be helpful to shed this moisture. I carry a wash cloth to swab out the inside of the tarp when the condensation builds up. Swab, then wring out the cloth.

I don't think a bivi sack is necessary inside a snow cave. If you shape the roof well, drips aren't much of a problem.

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Edited to add:

Light-weight camping styles are appropriate for short, fast trips where you're not expecting a lot of bad weather but you want to be at least minimally prepared. If I was going to camp for two weeks on the glaciers of Mt Olympus or Rainier, I would probably not use a super-light system.

my vote is for a tarp instead of a bivy sac.  The advantage to a tarp is packing up and cooking under the tarp if it's raining

How many of you guys who are using tarps or floorless tents use it in  conjunction with a bivy? A bunch of the reading I have been doing (of course its the internet) has people using a tarp and bivy combo. I would like to start using a tarp more but am unsure if I would really need a bivy as well for inclement weather.

I do not use a bivy sac with mine. There are probably many good tarp options out there but the trick is to buy one that pitches low to the ground and is 5 sided or more so your fully enclosed. My two favorites are the MLD Trailstar and Six Moon Designs Haven, both sleep two comfortably. can be pitched with your ski poles, and weigh only a pound (cuben fiber options are even lighter). Like Lowell mentioned a ground cloth is in order, I use a Gossamer Gear Polycryo that weighs less than 3 oz. Pitching in the snow requires extra effort.