MLD Superlight Bivy and Tarp?

I don't use a ground sheet with my Superlight, but I have a ccf pad that I put underneath the bivy. I also coated the bottom of the bivy with seam sealer to make the fabric tougher and more waterproof.

Here is my experience with the MLD Superlight Bivy XL custom to fit my 78"x25"x2.5" Big Agnes sleeping pad
(I USED THE XL WITH MY LARGE NEOAIR for the first 5 or so weeks on the A.T last year AND IT WORKED GREAT) (I'm 6'1", 168 lbs)

Is a ground sheet required for 3 season Sierra trips when using the MLD Superlight?
(I USE A GOSSAMER GEAR POLYCRO SHEET TO HELP PROLONG THE LIFE OF THE BIVY, BUT IT COULD BE USED ALONE)

Any recommendations for tarps to accommodate this large pad setup? Seems like with the Bivy I wouldn't need as large a tarp. I'm looking at a few options that seem fairly similar:

MLD Cuben Ultralight Solo (perhaps too small for a newbie tarp camper or with large Bivy?)
Can't say I have experience with the UL Solo – but…
(MY FIRST TENT WITH THIS BIVY was the SoloMid – I liked having a bit more protection while I figured out the bivy thing – WORKED GREAT BUT WILL BE WITHIN A FEW INCHES OF EACH WALL – IF THAT BOTHERS YOU)

MLD Grace Solo
(OWN BOTH BUT HAVEN'T TRIED IT UNDER THIS TENT YET – ASSUME IT WOULD WORK GREAT)

Zpacks Hexamid Solo Tarp (HEAR GREAT THINGS ABOUT IT)

Zpacks Cuben Tarp (seems to pan out to about the same weight as the Hexamid, any feedback on the Zpacks Tarp vs. Hexamid?)
(NO IDEA ABOUT THIS ONE)

Thanks!

James,

I have been using a MLD Soul Side Zip for a number of years now and my friend, Jeremy, has been using the MLD Superlight for about the same number of years.

Neither one of us has used a ground sheet and both our bivies are fine.

Just clear the ground of sticks, pinecones, etc and you should be fine.

I have the MLD Cuben Ultralight solo and I can tell you that it is really small.

The reason I have it is because I have eVent/waterproof fabric on my bivy and rarely have seen rain on the trips in the Sierras, where I hike.

I would suggest that you consider how likely or unlikely it is that you might be caught in bad weather to determine what size tarp you might want to purchase.

Hope this helps.

-Tony

I have the MLD Superlight bivy, and do not use a groundcloth with it. That would kind of defeat the whole light weight thing, eh? Still going fine. I hike mostly in the southern Sierras or the Transverse Ranges. Avoid putting the bivy on cactus, and you should be fine!

Great feedback, much appreciated. The dimensions seem to pan out ok, but anyone have experience using a 78"x25" mattress with a Zpacks Hexamid? Just want to make sure there is adequate space. Being close to the walls is fine for me.