Let's talk ponchos...

raindog101

raindog101

Joined
Jan 22, 2007
Messages
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Anyone have any recommendations? I'm leaning toward PU nylon, as sil-nylon is a bit out of my budget (no more than $50). I'll be using it as emergency rainwear and shelter. It'll mostly ride in my pack. What manufacturers make the best stuff in your opinion? There are a ton of mil-spec ponchos for sale out there, and even though I don't necessarily need camo, I wouldn't be opposed to it. So far I've seen stuff from Mil-Tec, Rothco, Survival Solutions (a bit out of my price range, though), and some surplus stuff from overseas. I'd love to hear what folks out there are using.
 
I have 2, one is a golite poncho tarp that can be used as a shelter. I got it late last year and have not tested it. I also have a Frogg Togg, not bad and cheap. it doesnt pack down as small as the golite nor is it as light and it cant be used as a shelter but it is 12 bucks at wally world! Cant beat that! Heres a link to the golite:

http://www.golite.com/Poncho-Tarp-P885.aspx

Also Stick's Blog has a piece on it as well:

http://sticksblog.com/2012/05/31/golite-poncho-tarp/
 
I really like the Sea to Summit ultra-sil.
I am 6' 250lbs and its a perfect fit for me with plenty of room for a backpack.
Its kept me bone dry in torrential down pours and goes right back in its tiny pouch with ease.
I remember the day I bought it, I had it in one hand and one that was $20 cheaper in the other.
I went with the nicer one, no regrets, never look back.
 
I keep a Swiss military rain poncho in my Jeep. Better than the USGI ones in my opinion. They are heavier though and hard to pack down real small so it may not be the best choice for backpacking.

35mjwk5.jpg
 
Will you wear the poncho over your pack?
If so how big is your pack
And will the poncho be long enough to cover your behind?
Get one with an extension?
 
soapboxpreacher said:
I have 2, one is a golite poncho tarp that can be used as a shelter. I got it late last year and have not tested it. I also have a Frogg Togg, not bad and cheap. it doesnt pack down as small as the golite nor is it as light and it cant be used as a shelter but it is 12 bucks at wally world! Cant beat that! Heres a link to the golite:

http://www.golite.com/Poncho-Tarp-P885.aspx

Also Stick's Blog has a piece on it as well:

http://sticksblog.com/2012/05/31/golite-poncho-tarp/
Click to expand...

Thanks for the links. I had no idea I could get a silnylon poncho for that cheap. Just a bit over my budget, but a serious contender nonetheless.
 
neeman said:
Will you wear the poncho over your pack?
If so how big is your pack
And will the poncho be long enough to cover your behind?
Get one with an extension?
Click to expand...

I'll wear it over my pack, but it's a small pack (base weight about 15 lbs). Even without an extension, I would be fine. I like the idea of extra coverage, though, if I need to use it as a shelter.
 
Umbrella?

I carry a big golfing umbrella as a walking stick when I am walking in the British Hills (rain and wind)
It has a double canopy of the wind and it covers me in driving rain

The umbrella has to be windproof
If not it is a waste of time and just blows out


Also I have the $12 Kelty poncho on the way
I will get it in a couple of days, and will report back

I have used a US army surplus poncho for years (and years)
It is very good indeed
And the internal string tie down stops the billowing
 
A full lenght (walking) umbrella with a crooked wooden handle or a even longer golfling umbrella makes great walking sticks
And as a walking stick they are in your hand all the time
I use them when I go to England and am faced with constant wet weather, either gales or constant drizzle
I gives a lot of protection and means your rain gear does not have to be so perfect

I watercolor paint
So I can sit on a small hiking stool and sit and sketch using the umbrella

Also just sitting and stopping for lunch or taking a break, sitting under the umbrella gives a great deal of protection
The advantage od a regular full sized or golfing umbrella is that when you are sitting down you do not have to hold it
You can rest it on your lap or hook it under your elbow, so you have your hands free
And when walking rest it on your shoulder and still have your hands lower down
 
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