What poncho do you use?

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HM

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Ponchos -without question- are useful and apparently rated even higher than rain jacket if one has to choose between the two. This is because of their multipurpose use. However, I assume that not all of the ponchos are equally good. Just looking around in the stores one can find different thickness (gauge?) and texture. So, which one do you use? Where would you recommend to go to buy it?

Thanks for all replies,

HM
 
I prefer the MILITARY ponchos! They have snaps on the edges and can be snapped TOGETHER! I had both the older heavier 'rubberized' ones and the newer 'ripstop' material one. I ended up only keeping the ripstop one as it is lighter, easier to roll up and quieter when worn.

The make good field expedient shelters and two can be put together to form a better one. I always liked the idea of THREE so one could be used as a ground sheet/floor. But two of mine were too heavy/bulky to be convenient.

Good luck!



------------------
Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com

You use what you have on you, then you improvise! :)
 
I like the nylon fabric with a coating, and metal snaps. This can be military or other. I had one from my dad, but left it with my sister when I moved, and haven't replaced it yet (Snow just doesn't require raingear often...)

DO NOT rely on the plastic/vinyl ponchos. They would be good to stick in cars as back-ups that are cheap, but they are cheap, and will tear easily, and get brittle with age.

How long till they come out with a Gore-tex poncho??
smile.gif


Stryver
 
Hi Plainsman and Stryver,

WOW guys, you are the true 'midnight surfers'!
Thanks for the answers, and for confirming what I already suspected, that my ponchos (among some other things in my inventory) are not the most optimal ones. I have seen the military rip-stop ponchos in the local Army & Navy store, so I can do the replacement easily.

Stryver, 'great minds think alike'.... On the other 'Poncho or Rainsuit' thread I just typed in a similar idea/question about a Gore-Tex poncho (or other 'high-tech' poncho). Let's get patented it!

Enjoy your weekend guys,

HM

 
....which message I had to type in again on the 'Poncho or Rainsuit' thread because I pushed the BACK button before it went out and therefore lost it.
Anyway, Stryver, I think the Gore-Tex high-tech poncho is a great idea especially if it does not come with a 'high-tech price'. And that might be the reason that it is not too often seen yet.

HM

 
I'm casting about for a good poncho to buy and keep in my car and carry kit for emergencies.

Problem is, the ones recommended for survival are too heavy and bulky to keep in my kit. The ones light enough to carry in my kit aren't substantial enough for real emergencies.

Suggestions, anyone?
 
The U.S. Military issue camoflauge nylon poncho is the only way to go. It is the lightest and most useful/durable one on the market.
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Clayton Hufford:
The U.S. Military issue camoflauge nylon poncho is the only way to go. It is the lightest and most useful/durable one on the market.</font>
Click to expand...

Thanks, Clayton.

 
I've been surprised by a heavy rain storm while miles out of camp. Fortunately I had a 33 gallon trash bag in my day pack. I simply cut a neck-sized hole in the bottom and slipped it over me with my head through the hole.
 
I've had a green snap together ripstop nylon poncho for years. It smells of mildew! So this year I got another one. A military poncho made from a slightly heavier ripstop nylon. It is also a little over-sized so it will go over a substantial pack and still hang down far enough to protect the upper part of your legs at least. It works great. Got it from Brigate Quartermasters. Only problem is it only comes in BLACK... That's fine for you real tactical operators, but for me its a little dangerous since I often have to wear it at night and I become pretty invisible to traffic. Next year I'll try and remember to tape a few reflector strips to it...
 
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