Tarp or poncho ?

T

tyuio

Joined
Apr 9, 2003
Messages
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I'm going to pick up a 5X8 silnylon tarp or poncho in the near future but i'm having second thoughts to my choise. Originally i was just going to get the tarp as it's cheaper and packs a bit smaller. Also, i have used ponchos in the past, and i don't like the thin emergency types. I can use a thicker/heavier one with only minor issues.

This piece of gear will be in my day hike kit, which will be attached to my larger pack on longer trips. The kit will be mostly survival emergency type items like shelter, first aid, firestarting etc.

My question is, to those who use the silnylon poncho, do you use it only as a tarp primarily? Most of the pictures i see they are being used as tarps with no mention of wearing it, so why not just get a tarp? I can see the flexibility of a poncho if you don't carry raingear, but if you carry rain gear like i do, is there any point to the poncho over the tarp? Thanks.

:D
 
Hey tyuio,

I have the Integral Designs poncho/tarp, which is 5x8. It sounded like a cool idea at the time, but now I kind of regret it.

It is kind of cool because it can be used as a poncho or tarp and if you backpack can cover up your pack, and has a shock cord in the bottom which is cool for use with a pack.

But, these are things I do not like about it:
- Ponchos are not the best rain protection, IMO. They do good for being out for a day, getting caught, or emergency. But, if you are out in a down pour, or out for days, I really think you need different rain gear if you really want to stay dry.

- If it is already raining, and you want to set up your tarp, you are wearing it :D So, you are already forcing yourself in to separate shelter and raingear. If you get one, I would still go with another tarp for your shelter.

Just my thoughts.
 
tyuio said:
I can see the flexibility of a poncho if you don't carry raingear, but if you carry rain gear like i do, is there any point to the poncho over the tarp? Thanks.:D
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No.




:D To me the only reason to use a poncho-tarp is if you are specifically trying to cut weight using multi use items. They generally are inferior to purpose built rain gear for keeping the elements at bay while hiking, and slightly inferior to a purpose driven regular tarp as a shelter, do to the cut and fashion of the hood. I.E. taughtness of pitch, flapping keeping you awake etc. They certainly can make very effective shelters, but given the choice Id take a regular tarp.

Poncho tarps are a compromise, except in the role of backup shelter on day hikes and such, where your not going to have rain gear as you mentioned.

Of course theres the whole thing where your only rain gear is strung up for a shelter and you have to GO in the middle of the night when its storming problem:D;)
 
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I've decided against this as well. The easiest solution is to get the tarp and then pack a lawn/leaf bag with it. Then when it rains you can wear the lawn bag while you're stringing your tarp. Can't say how handy lawn bags are. Everyone should carry one, or two or three.:D
 
I'm going to be using a poncho as a primary shelter for a few weeks on the A.T. The critical difference is that I'll be using an ultralight/breathable bivy sack with a bug screen underneath it. It's a setup I've used before and I enjoy how it works. I also carry an ultralight umbrella from GoLite which takes care of the spattering rain when dropping trou at midnight issue. The bivy was made by Dave Olsen at owareusa.com - Dave is an awesome guy who can make modifications and custom work (such as gore for the top of the bivy) and not charge you an arm and a leg. He also carries a line of tarps and shelters that are worth taking a look at. Don't be too shocked at the price for the incredibly light weight cuben fiber shelters. It's a case getting what you pay for.
 
i always want to ask the people who use their poncho for shelter what they do if its raining in the middle of the night and they have to go out to get more fire wood/ go the the bathroom? do they pack up and pull down their shelter, or just go out in it?
 
champ_2482 said:
i always want to ask the people who use their poncho for shelter what they do if its raining in the middle of the night and they have to go out to get more fire wood/ go the the bathroom? do they pack up and pull down their shelter, or just go out in it?
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Ive heard of folks cutting a slit in there ground sheet and using it as sort of an improvised poncho. For those little natures call trips.:D
 
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tenkara said:
The critical difference is that I'll be using an ultralight/breathable bivy sack with a bug screen underneath it. I also carry an ultralight umbrella from GoLite which takes care of the spattering rain when dropping trou at midnight issue.

He also carries a line of tarps and shelters that are worth taking a look at. Don't be too shocked at the price for the incredibly light weight cuben fiber shelters. It's a case getting what you pay for.
Click to expand...


With that setup are you back at about the weight for a rain jacket and and say.... 8x10 tarp? I think I see the differences that you like with that rig Im just curious how it pans out weight wise.

Ive seen lots of people using the little umbrellas. It really seems like a great idea, (keeps you from sweating your nards off:p) Id try it but I just cant get my head wrapped around it. And what would I do with my trekking poles!!:D

As for Oware I second that motion heartily!! Ive got one of Daves tarps and its a performer:thumbup:
 
A panch0 of course:D No really I would go with a tarp. I have been caught out in the rain with both and a tarp can be wrapped around your head and body, and also make a small shelter of sorts. A poncho is more limited in what you could do. I f nature calls pee out the side, but if its the other one then you should have brought two tarps.Just my $.02.

-frank
 
I have the ID SilPoncho as well. For me, I carry it as "just-in-case raingear when rain is not anticipated and I'm not expecting to stay overnight. If I'm wrong on either or both counts, I'm covered for VERY little weight.

-- FLIX
 
Shotgun said:
I've decided against this as well. The easiest solution is to get the tarp and then pack a lawn/leaf bag with it. Then when it rains you can wear the lawn bag while you're stringing your tarp. Can't say how handy lawn bags are. Everyone should carry one, or two or three.:D
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I'm with you on this one. I am a contractor, so I take the 3 mil heavy duty contractor debris disposal bags when I go. They are large and heavy duty enough to be useful. They usually have these at Home Depot or most contractor supply houses.

I take two. One to put under my tent floor to protect it from rocks and debris, and one "just in case". They make great rain ponchos (worthless for shelters) and covers for packs and gear if needed.

If there is no rain in the forecast, they also make great bags to haul out trash, or to take out your wet clothes if you have any, keeping that stuff out of your pack.

Robert
 
If you already carry rain gear, I would agree to go with the tarp. If you don't already carry rain gear, get the tarp, and an emergency poncho, for emergencies, if you want to save weight.


P.S. For those of you using trash bags, how to you make a hood? Or do you do without? In my opinion, the hood of any rain gear, is the most important part. Without it you'd get wet, unless you are wearing a waterproof broad brimmed hat.
 
I always wonder: why not get a little tent to carry and have better shelter all the way around?
 
TWBryan said:
I always wonder: why not get a little tent to carry and have better shelter all the way around?
Click to expand...

Even the most high tech tents still weigh pretty much double what a small tarp weighs. And if you get into spinniker or cuban fiber that can double again:eek:

I enjoy my tarp because it doesnt cut me off from my surroundings. I can lie and look up at the stars, or even out at a veiw till I fall asleep. Theyre also very versitile and can be pitched in a variety of configurations to suit conditions. Its a very fun way to spend the night outdoors, and can shelter just as good as a small tent for half the weight and almost twice the space underneath, as well as cause way less condensation because of all the good air flow!:D


That said Its hard not to consider a tarptent from sixmoondesigns or henry shires or the like. They seem to blend good aspects of both worlds beautifully for very little weight penalty.;)
 
TWBryan said:
I always wonder: why not get a little tent to carry and have better shelter all the way around?
Click to expand...

That's a realistic alternative.

My Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 in "fast fly" configuration (ground sheet, poles and fly only) weighs two pounds four ounces, and offers WAY more protection than a tarp or poncho. (The whole tent is only 3lbs.2oz, and the super Light version is even less). I'm 6'2" and 240 lbs, and this solo tent is very roomy for me, with enough room to sit up and get dressed. Less weight than most tiny solo bivy shelters....


Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
desmobob said:
That's a realistic alternative.

My Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 in "fast fly" configuration (ground sheet, poles and fly only) weighs two pounds four ounces, and offers WAY more protection than a tarp or poncho. (The whole tent is only 3lbs.2oz, and the super Light version is even less). I'm 6'2" and 240 lbs, and this solo tent is very roomy for me, with enough room to sit up and get dressed. Less weight than most tiny solo bivy shelters....


Stay sharp,
desmobob
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My 8x10 Oware flat tarp in "tarp" configuration, weighs 14 oz. and can sleep 3 and gear in a pinch with enough room to stand up and swing your partner doe cee doe:p:p:p:D:D

Seriously though that seedhouse is a nice tent:thumbup:;)
 
Champ,
If you sleep under a tarp or poncho, Just plan ahead, stack a little more wood than you think you will need, and sleep next to a pee bottle/dump bag. no need to tear down your shelter.
 
Runsalone said:
With that setup are you back at about the weight for a rain jacket and and say.... 8x10 tarp? I think I see the differences that you like with that rig Im just curious how it pans out weight wise.

Ive seen lots of people using the little umbrellas. It really seems like a great idea, (keeps you from sweating your nards off:p) Id try it but I just cant get my head wrapped around it. And what would I do with my trekking poles!!:D

As for Oware I second that motion heartily!! Ive got one of Daves tarps and its a performer:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Runsalone


I when I compare the weight difference between tarp, bivy, and umbrella as opposed to rain gear and larger poncho plus ground sheet, I come out with a smaller load that weighs about 10 ounces less ( give or take some condensation). I wear high gaiters so the combo with the poncho with out the hood making my head sweat, the umbrella that I can easily reposition and the wpb bivy with the added bonus of keeping out bugs and rodents makes it a serious win in my book. I use hiking poles as well. The trick is to handle of the umbrella through the load adjusting side straps so that it doesn't fall or block my vision while keeping my face and my eyeglasses dry. It's not difficult to do. If you don't want to invest in a purpose built umbrella, you can always pick up a copy of Ray Jardine's seminal ultralight book. He gives some tips on how to convert a small umbrella so that it weights almost the same as the GoLite.

P.S. A really cool tip. Go to your local health store and get a small bottle of peppermint oil. soak a few cotton balls in the oil and keep them stored in a film canister. Toss them around your sleeping spot or around a trail shelter and it'll keep the mice from getting too close. They can't stand the smell of straight peppermint oil... usually.:rolleyes:
 
I have an Integral Designs sil-poncho as well. It is ok but I plan to replace it with a Gatewood cape. It provides better rain protection and sets up easier as a shelter.
 
I live in Florida,I want to be cut off from my surroundings (mosquitos) as much as possible..

Runsalone said:
Even the most high tech tents still weigh pretty much double what a small tarp weighs. And if you get into spinniker or cuban fiber that can double again:eek:

I enjoy my tarp because it doesnt cut me off from my surroundings. I can lie and look up at the stars, or even out at a veiw till I fall asleep. Theyre also very versitile and can be pitched in a variety of configurations to suit conditions. Its a very fun way to spend the night outdoors, and can shelter just as good as a small tent for half the weight and almost twice the space underneath, as well as cause way less condensation because of all the good air flow!:D


That said Its hard not to consider a tarptent from sixmoondesigns or henry shires or the like. They seem to blend good aspects of both worlds beautifully for very little weight penalty.;)
Click to expand...
 
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