Never done the there 'n' back race and I can't decide what shelter to use, wild country zephyros 2 and share it or bivvy and tarp?

its not a race. just an excuse to be out with a bunch of other wierdo's.

I'd use the bivy. more versatile, and dare i say it, a bit more fun?

Bivi for sure.

Hmmm, I was 100% going to use my tent but reading this has made me think maybe I should man-up and use the tarp???

My plan was to make a concerted effort to make the bivi-a-month challenge in 2014 (using a bivi each time) and this would the ideal opportunity to tick off January.

We'll see how wet it is!

It depends on what the weather will be like and how cold you're sleeping bag is rated.

If its going to be cold and dry i'd go for the fun and versatility of a bivi. It gives you more flexibility and its always seens like more of an adventure when you can see the sunrise from your bed.

If your bag is going to be on its temp limit a tent can a few more degrees of warmth, and if the weathers grim a tent will give you a bit more protection from the elements.

I'm watching the weather. Think I'll be using bivy/tarp unless it's forecast to rain hard.

But I'm no expert...