Rich man's poncho

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PayetteRucker

Joined
Aug 4, 2009
Messages
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I'm flat broke right now and I know most of you are probably sick of me bitching about it, but I was given what I believe is the 'elitist's poncho' for Christmas and figured those that live by their ponchos might be interested. It is in the form of a Drover's jacket. Designed as a packable, weatherproof top layer for cowboys in arid climates, the Drover's jacket is a long sweeping garment that operates just like a GI poncho but looks, smells and feels a whole lot better in the process. Mine is made by Kakadu, out of oilskin canvas. It's durable, incredibly breathable, and waterproof. Pretty sure my mom got it for the 45 dollar range at Sierra Trading Post. Keeps me warm down to about 30 degrees, and I love it to death, although I tend to favor a thick wool sweater in most conditions. I can definately make a tent, hammock, blanket, smoker, or any one of 1000 improvised things that the poncho was designed for.
 
Would this be it?

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Aye that's the beast! Durable as all getout, well fitted and the utility pockets are real handy too. I've used mine for everything from a furniture moving blanket to a bivvy. I know there are plenty of other brands out there making similar style rancher's jackets and just figured I'd bring it up as a good alternative to a chunk of thick riveted plastic.
 
I run stakes through the loops on the wrists and the drawtrings at the bottom, stick a two foot tall stake at the neck to prop it up. the sides fold down around, creating a relatively dry sleeping space. It's not full length but a man definately has enough room to sleep under it. I use mine as a shelter for firewood or my pack alot too, if I've got my bivvy or my tent along.
 
I'll take some this weekend. It IS a jacket, I'm just saying it fills the role just as well, and IMO is a heck of alot more comfortable, as oilskin canvas breathes. You aren't swimming in your own sweat while trying to avoid getting wet.
 
Yeah, I didn't know they could be made to do so much either:eek: I do know that those oilskin drover jackets and the like are quite tough and good for pathmaking with a lot stickers and thorns!

ROCK6
 
Nice jacket for sure. But I've slept A LOT of nights in my ponchos. Can't imagine any jacket replacing my ponchos.
 
Definately, they're durable as all hell and have snaps in all the right places. I consider it my RC5 of outerwear, I wear mine for everything from construction work to bushwacking in high desert brush, I beat the hell out of it and don't even have to worry. As long as I wax it every six months it'll come back for more. It's awesome in sandstorms too, combined with a shemagh it keeps sand out of my gear and my clothes. For open country I don't think there's a better alternative.
 
PayetteRucker said:
although I tend to favor a thick wool sweater in most conditions.
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I love my oil skin. When it is warmer, I wear just it.

When it is a bit colder, the wool sweater goes underneath. The wool under, and oilskin for rain is a great combo :thumbup:

When it is really cold......well I don't need to worry about rain :D

Mine is a DrizaBone, and I love it.

B
 
I have a Drizabone that I have had for 21 years this year. It is still in great shape. It gets worn regularly in the winter. It gets re-oiled at the end of every winter and touched up at the beginning of each winter.
 
For those that are more familar with Kakadu, what's the difference between the Drover and the Iron Bark jackets?

ROCK6
 
Good taste Payette.

I love my oilskin. Like you I've found it more than adequate even in very cold conditions t wear just a good wool sweater and the oilskin.

My Kakadu is great.
 
Wow, that Drizabone stuff looks AWESOME. I don't know why I haven't layered the wool and oilskin before but I will now.
 
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