Lots of uses outside of a rain cover. Can be used as a sit-upon, a placemat, extra cover for arms/body in cold weather while sleeping, as a clothes stuff sack with a mini rope, etc. When backpacking, you must justify the load. Thus, be creative and make things multipurpose. Have a couple of these already and purchased another. I like this one best due to the elastic around the rim.
This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.