The Handy Poncho

fixer27 said:
Outdoor survival guide had 5 swiss ponchos for around 2 dollars each. 12 bucks for 5 ponchos? that is a good deal.

I use my poncho in clear weather as a sort of bed roll/sleeping bag to save weight and to add convienence.
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Are they the plastic ones that are more like a cape than a USGI poncho - in Alpine camo?
 
There is always a rubberized ex mil poncho in the vehicle and another in the camping gear.
For awhile the US military was using some uncoated nylon POS (It would not hold water in or out). I hope, for the sake of our troops that they have seen the light and coated it.
During my last trip to the local surplus store they had some OD rubberised ponchos that they said were German (they looked like US issue though).
Enjoy!
 
Coote, excellent photos. :)

While at a survival class, i found one way to use a FULL-SIZE poncho (unfortunately I don't have a pic) is to make a pine needle bed, use a cord tied to the hood and a limb to raise the center, while using the old stone and loop technique (with paracord) to do side ties. A bracer stick at the front provides a door and pine needles & debris all around the rest of the edges keep out breezes.

One of my fellow students slept in this makeshift shelter quite comfy for 5 days. Cheaper than Dirt sells a nice Ponch... http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/BJR014-3201-614.html

(Maybe I should do a drawing...) :(

Clint Hollingworth
The Wandering Ones webcomic
http://www.wanderingones.com
 
www.campmor.com has a variety of ponchos available.

I used to wear a poncho all the time when it was raining before the big and tall manufacturers realized they ought to make big rain coats. I greatly prefer my raincoats now, but you can't beat a poncho when it's warm enough to sweat.
 
USGI ponchos rock.
Mine is going on 18-20 years old and the rubber goop around the neck is just flaking off.
The poncho has two eyelets on tabs underneath in the front panel about waist height. Running through them is a long lace that you can tie around you. Just the thing for windy days.
The only drawback of the GI poncho is the weight.

I'd caution against wearing a poncho in a boat.
If you do please wear a pfd under or over it.
If you go overboard it will really hamper swimming motions, visibility, etc.
Especially in moving water.
 
Ebbtide said:
USGI ponchos rock.
Mine is going on 18-20 years old and the rubber goop around the neck is just flaking off.
QUOTE]

I just picked up one from an army surplus store and there is a very small amount of flaking around the neck - nothing to worry about at the moment but it does beg the question: Does anybody know what the coating is and is it available?

Doc
Click to expand...
 
I don't know what it is called, but I'm considering a coating of 'Goop'
Or a new poncho ;)
 
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