Old Style Military poncho questions

bigbcustom

bigbcustom

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Dec 20, 2005
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I have been looking for one of the older style military ponchos. I am not talking about the newer straight nylon lightweight ones, but one of the neoprene impregnated nylon ones like were used up through the 80's. I have gotten one of the newer surplus ones, and found it to be not up to snuff as far as I was concerned. My questions are:

1. Does anybody know where to get one in good to new condition?

2. Are there any comparable to be found in foreign military surplus?

3. I would like any suggestions for a civilian version that would have as much utility as one of these.

I like to hike, and a poncho IMHO is a great peice of gear since, at least as I use it, it replaces several other pieces of gear, ie. shelter, rain gear, ground sheet, and sometimes even water storage depending on which function is needed more at the time. Thanks in advance for any responses.
 
From my experience using them 40 years ago - they make good tarps and houches, etc., but when you wear them in hot weather in the rain you get just as wet on the inside from sweat as you would if you were in the rain.:D
 
I've never used them in the military, but I had a newer army poncho that lost its water repellancy after a very short time. Still rocking with the old brown rubber and nylon (or cotton for the oldest) models.
 
I agree with Goldtanker. I spent three years in the regular army back in the early 60's, and whenever I had to wear one of those ponchos, it was as hot and sweaty inside as outside. It did give protection. I remember my dad talking about sleeping in one while leaning up against a tree in Korea. They work, but there are better and lighter materials available today. The one I carry in my truck today I picked up at Sam's Club. Probably made in China, like everything else.
 
bigbcustom said:
I have been looking for one of the older style military ponchos. I am not talking about the newer straight nylon lightweight ones, but one of the neoprene impregnated nylon ones like were used up through the 80's. I have gotten one of the newer surplus ones, and found it to be not up to snuff as far as I was concerned. My questions are:

1. Does anybody know where to get one in good to new condition?

2. Are there any comparable to be found in foreign military surplus?

3. I would like any suggestions for a civilian version that would have as much utility as one of these.

I like to hike, and a poncho IMHO is a great peice of gear since, at least as I use it, it replaces several other pieces of gear, ie. shelter, rain gear, ground sheet, and sometimes even water storage depending on which function is needed more at the time. Thanks in advance for any responses.
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My 1st Cavalry group were issued WW II left-over ponchos. In southern jargon, the weren't wuffashit as rain shields. They were steam generators that would let off steam in cool weather . That is a no-no when there are 250'000 Chicoms looking to blow your a$$ away back to Dixie !

Uncle [still smell the funk ] Alan
 
I too "experienced" the old-style poncho back in the 60s. Made good tents...

We used to take ours to the company tailor, along with a blanket. (you were supposed to buy these, not steal 'em...) Anyway, the tailor would churn you out a "poncho jacket" in short order, with the poncho tailored into a hooded jacket, lined with the blanket. These were wildly popular, as they were much better than any of the issued stuff in the damp, chilly German winter.
We even petitioned the "brass" to try to get the things manufactured and issued, but they were having none of that.
 
I have a couple of the old style ponchos. Heavy duty rubberized nylon I believe. You may be able to find them at www.sportsmansguide.com in the surplus department. I bought one from the boulder outdoor survival school in Colorado.
 
Thanks for all the posts. Let me clarify here. I am not dead set on one of the old style ponchos, but I want something that is better than the flimsy nylon POS you can find most places these days. I know the old style military ponchos sucked in some ways (I used one myself for a few years), but they kept the rain off me. Anybody got a goretex one they like maybe?? heavier nylon?? anything?? Or is the consensus here that I should just buy disposable lightweight nylon POS ponchos?
 
Buy disposable POS. Ponchos were a good idea in their day, but I would not carry one around today, too heavy. I would sooner go for 30/gal garbage bags and punch a few limb holes in it. They are light weight and have multiple uses.
 
if you don't care about weight or comfort, the waxed Tin Cloth products from Filson are completely water proof, wind proof, and snow proof. I wear mine around the drill rig any time it's raining or snowing. Wouldn't want to backpack with it though.

I actually like the nylon military ponchos. I've sat out some severe hail storms in the mountains with one of those and a wool sweater, sitting on the ground with the ponch pulled over my head, eating lunch underneath. I've even used my bootstrings with the poncho's grommets to make an emergency shelter during a particulalry bad mountain storm.

-Bob
 
Bob, I think Filson products are great gear! I've had one of their brimmed hats for years, lately I've wanted one of their Tin Cloth field jackets. Not to back pack, just to wear around town in the middle of winter. On my Christmas list. Thanks for the reminder.

I'm glad to hear you had a good experience with ponchos. Having used them myself, I would choose to do something else.
 
anything??
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We keep the POS found at Walmart for less than a buck around. You can buy many and stash them whereever. You can also buy extras b/c there will always be someone else that does not have rain gear.
 
Those $1 WalMart ponchos are Ok for emergency use, and a good idea to keep one in the glove box, etc. I wouldn't want to actually depend on one though for real outdoor use. In my experience, they're good for a single use, same as a trash bag.

Bob, I think Filson products are great gear! I've had one of their brimmed hats for years, lately I've wanted one of their Tin Cloth field jackets. Not to back pack, just to wear around town in the middle of winter. On my Christmas list. Thanks for the reminder.
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My jacket is the Timber Cruiser. But it's not what I would wear casually around town - too dang "durable" for that. When I first unfolded it from the box and put it on, it cut my arm. :eek: I'd like to see a Carhart do that!

-Bob
 
Another note on the nylon Army ponchos. They're perfect for a ground cloth when sleeping under the stars. Room for sleeping bag, boots, etc. to stay out of the wet grass. And the snaps are perfect for making a sleeping bag cover that can keep out light rain, frost and dew, or wind when not carrying a tent.

An admittance of my own ignorance and experience gap, I've never used a canvas Army poncho. Don't know if it would perform better or not, or be more or less versitile. But it definitely would be heavier.

-Bob
 
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