After about 1 month of constant wear the boots should be worn in enough, and your heel tough enough to stop them.Mine gave me blisters for a month and a bit, then they stopped..

Not sure about other bivy bags, but my new one has a space at the bottom for gear.. below my feet..I'm 6'8 or so tall, and I can fit me, and my backpack in easily..

Am I wrong in thinking that a bivy bag be more sufficient than a hootchie? For those who don't know, a bivy bag is basically a waterproof (goretex) bag that fits over your sleeping bag (mozzie net included).That would be my bet. Very light, very insect and waterproof.