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Outdoor Section => The Outdoor and Survival Forum => Topic started by: Gareth on May 12, 2016, 11:19:18 AM

Title: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 12, 2016, 11:19:18 AM: After my paddling trip to Norway (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,61152.0.html) last year I was switched on to the benefits of a poncho, both as a rain cover when paddling and as a tarp style shelter.

Now, the one I used on that trip was OK, but it got snagged at the end and got some serious rips in it. :( It also didn't have any grommets to help string it up as a tarp (I used the trick of tying a pebble into the corners). So with that in mind I'm thinking about getting a slightly better one but would like to hear from you fine folks as to which ones you have used and would recommend.
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gerhard Gerber on May 12, 2016, 04:50:39 PM: I have a First Ascent that ripped a little because they did not allow for my big head :P

I have a North Ridge that does fit over my head, but it's a South African brand so likely not relevant for you.

I live in a desert country in the middle of a drought, both are utterly useless, but still my preferred method of staying dry :rofl:
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: SteveC on May 12, 2016, 06:20:08 PM: I had an army surplus Poncho that was very well made. Do they have British army Poncho's on E-bay over there ?
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: SteveC on May 12, 2016, 06:24:41 PM: Looks like they do

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR8.TRC2.A0.H0.XArmy+Poncho.TRS0&_nkw=Army+Poncho&_sacat=0
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: MadPlumbarian on May 12, 2016, 06:28:49 PM: I have a $2 one I keep in my bag, but I also carry two 55gal trash bags(not used, lol) folded neatly into a ziplock, I have used them before and they do work, they just don't have sleeves nor a hood, but with a hat are ok. In your case GG, sounds to be even better? The only thing I don't like about any poncho is that the upper body stays dry but everything drains to the feet, one thing I absolutely hated about my, um, what's that thing called, the Australian jacket?? Err I can't think today..
JR
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 12, 2016, 07:20:26 PM: Quote from: SteveC on May 12, 2016, 06:24:41 PM

Looks like they do

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR8.TRC2.A0.H0.XArmy+Poncho.TRS0&_nkw=Army+Poncho&_sacat=0

Yeah, the British 58 Pattern is the common surplus one here but, as far as I can tell, the US style ones aren't genuine surplus, just made on the basic pattern. Doesn't automatically make them bad, just an unknown quality.
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 12, 2016, 07:24:17 PM: Just looking at the French Army poncho (thanks to Steve for getting me looking at ebay again) and it looks to be a nice balance of size, weight, and practicality. Still happy to hear suggestions though. :tu:
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: styx on May 12, 2016, 07:41:38 PM: MLD, six moon designs and sea to summit have 'em but they might be pricey and not too durable (light weight though)
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 12, 2016, 07:48:52 PM: Quote from: styx on May 12, 2016, 07:41:38 PM
MLD, six moon designs and sea to summit have 'em but they might be pricey and not too durable (light weight though)

Cheers buddy. I'll have a look. :cheers:
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Poncho65 on May 12, 2016, 09:12:46 PM: Me of course :pok: I am the best Poncho there is :rofl:
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Poncho65 on May 12, 2016, 09:13:13 PM: I'll get my coat and be off now :whistle: :D
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Poncho65 on May 12, 2016, 09:17:12 PM: Mind you though if you try to put me on in bad weather I'll probably give you a good :twak: or 2 :rofl:
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 12, 2016, 09:21:58 PM: Obviously there is no better Poncho than you mate. I'm just not certain that I'd want to carry you over my head to keep the rain off. :D
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 12, 2016, 09:29:30 PM: Quote from: Gareth on May 12, 2016, 07:24:17 PM
Just looking at the French Army poncho (thanks to Steve for getting me looking at ebay again) and it looks to be a nice balance of size, weight, and practicality. Still happy to hear suggestions though. :tu:

Despite our Poncho's very generous off to hold my umbrella I've gone for the French Army one.;) I talked to the seller and these are new old stock so should be no issues there. I also liked the fact that they aren't quite as huge as some of the other surplus ones so weigh a lot less, making it far more likely that I'll actually want to carry it.

I also feel that the extra material is obviously better if you are rigging it up as a tarp, but otherwise I think it'll just get in the way when paddling or whatever.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/French-Army-Poncho-Festivals-Bush-craft-camping-/272235269357?
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 12, 2016, 09:44:28 PM: Quote from: styx on May 12, 2016, 07:41:38 PM
MLD, six moon designs and sea to summit have 'em but they might be pricey and not too durable (light weight though)

Good looking products there, but not in the budget I was thinking of. :) Sea to Summit also have a very annoying website that automatically goes to the .co.uk version where the poncho/tarp isn't listed. >:(
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 12, 2016, 11:33:03 PM: I haven't worn a poncho since I was a child, but lately I've been thinking about them again. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Def
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: jerseydevil on May 12, 2016, 11:40:12 PM: In Boy Scouts I used a US Army Vietnam-era poncho all the time. It was heavy, but damn if it didn't work great. I need to find another one.......
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 12, 2016, 11:48:05 PM: Hey gringo, did somebody call me?

(http://a5.files.biography.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,g_face,h_300,q_80,w_300/MTE4MDAzNDEwNzE0MDY4NDk0.jpg)

Def
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: jerseydevil on May 13, 2016, 12:10:54 AM: :D. He's even got a big hat to keep himself dry while he keeps you dry.....
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 13, 2016, 12:34:21 AM: What everyone who wears a poncho thinks they look like...
(http://johngushue.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451f25369e2010536b52801970b-pi)

and what they actually look like.....
(http://38.media.tumblr.com/fdb6e71bf70081329304c57ce9fbcc79/tumblr_inline_neojx1Zx6l1rh7ox7.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: jerseydevil on May 13, 2016, 12:40:18 AM: :rofl:
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 13, 2016, 12:44:43 AM: Ye Gods. If you think that one's bad don't click here....

Show content
(http://randomoverload.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/576afashion-fail-at-least-hes-protected.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: TazzieRob on May 13, 2016, 03:35:45 AM: Quote from: MadPlumbarian on May 12, 2016, 06:28:49 PM
I have a $2 one I keep in my bag, but I also carry two 55gal trash bags(not used, lol) folded neatly into a ziplock, I have used them before and they do work, they just don't have sleeves nor a hood, but with a hat are ok. In your case GG, sounds to be even better? The only thing I don't like about any poncho is that the upper body stays dry but everything drains to the feet, one thing I absolutely hated about my, um, what's that thing called, the Australian jacket?? Err I can't think today..
JR

Driza-Bone?
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 13, 2016, 03:35:45 AM: Is it me, or does that look an awful lot like someoNE we know? :P

Def
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: MadPlumbarian on May 13, 2016, 05:38:43 AM: Quote from: TazzieRob on May 13, 2016, 03:35:45 AM
Quote from: MadPlumbarian on May 12, 2016, 06:28:49 PM
I have a $2 one I keep in my bag, but I also carry two 55gal trash bags(not used, lol) folded neatly into a ziplock, I have used them before and they do work, they just don't have sleeves nor a hood, but with a hat are ok. In your case GG, sounds to be even better? The only thing I don't like about any poncho is that the upper body stays dry but everything drains to the feet, one thing I absolutely hated about my, um, what's that thing called, the Australian jacket?? Err I can't think today..
JR

Driza-Bone?
Ya ya, that's it a duster! Ty.
JR
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 13, 2016, 10:40:21 AM: Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on May 13, 2016, 03:35:45 AM
Is it me, or does that look an awful lot like someoNE we know? :P

Def

Oh, that's harsh boss. :D
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gerhard Gerber on May 13, 2016, 11:03:41 AM: Quote from: MadPlumbarian on May 12, 2016, 06:28:49 PM
In your case GG, sounds to be even better?

Correct. I've had the cheap ones after getting caught in the rain on my kayak once, but don't think they're worthwhile.

The First Ascent is marketed as a 5-in-1: https://www.google.com.na/search?q=first+ascent+5+in+1+poncho&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=667&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjpxKTx1tbMAhWCSD4KHbv6CrUQsAQIMg

The North Ridge is basically the same, just better quality and slightly larger I think.

Short of a rain suit a poncho is probably the next most effect IMO.
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: firiki on May 13, 2016, 11:33:15 AM: Great! Another thing to add to the want list!

:twak: :cheers:
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 13, 2016, 04:34:40 PM: Yeah, that's a common problem around here for sure! :ahhh

Def
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 13, 2016, 05:43:26 PM: Quote from: firiki on May 13, 2016, 11:33:15 AM
Great! Another thing to add to the want list!

:twak: :cheers:

Lets be fair, you've got me looking at wool blankets again. :D
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: LoopCutter on May 13, 2016, 07:13:23 PM: Simple ponchos are part of my wife's day bag.
Several years ago took the family and her sister family to Kings Island, by 10AM started raining. Out came the new ponchos one for every one, ten in all.
All different colors; blue, yellow, orange, red, green, and violet.
By afternoon our group was
Tagged the Rainbow family.
All had fun and dry thanks to a dollar store volume purchase.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 13, 2016, 07:13:53 PM: Quote from: Gareth on May 13, 2016, 05:43:26 PM
Quote from: firiki on May 13, 2016, 11:33:15 AM
Great! Another thing to add to the want list!

:twak: :cheers:

Lets be fair, you've got me looking at wool blankets again. :D

He probably only started looking at blankets so he could cut a hole in one for a poncho! :pok:

Def
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Mr. Whippy on May 13, 2016, 10:42:25 PM: Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on May 13, 2016, 03:35:45 AM
Is it me, or does that look an awful lot like someoNE we know? :P

Def

Whaaa??? :ahhh

Wrong glasses...
No mustache...

I just don't see it. ???

:D
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 14, 2016, 01:52:13 AM: Silly me, what was I thinking? :D

Def
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 16, 2016, 08:46:54 PM: Got the poncho in this afternoon and first impressions are very good. The Paul Boye stamp seems to support the claim that this is genuine surplus. Feels solid without being too heavy to carry around while in the great outdoors. One gripe is that the hood is a little large, but then it might be that it was designed to go over a combat helmet.
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: TazzieRob on May 18, 2016, 04:13:22 AM: I would have thought you'd have more mobility having the hood under the helmet?
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: jerseydevil on May 18, 2016, 04:29:20 AM: You would think so, but every piece of surplus gear I've owned that's had a hood has the same issue. I have a light German Army jacket that I absolutely love, but the hood is huge!
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 18, 2016, 11:49:21 AM: I guess that means in order to wear it properly you will need to get a combat helmet to wear on excursions then?

Def
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 18, 2016, 03:21:14 PM: Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on May 18, 2016, 11:49:21 AM
I guess that means in order to wear it properly you will need to get a combat helmet to wear on excursions then?

Def

A LOT of folks who shoot HFT wear lots of surplus and camo, but I'm not sure a helmet isn't going a little too far. :D
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 18, 2016, 03:47:33 PM: But you'd look lovely in a helmet!

Def
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 18, 2016, 03:56:43 PM: I'd look like a pillock!

Not that the poncho is going to do that at all. :whistle:
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: firiki on May 19, 2016, 10:31:48 AM: I think the oversized hood is meant to cover the needs of many people. Some have a big head, some have a long neck, others have both. Add the need to wear a helmet and stay dry at the same time. A big hood has better chances at keeping the water out than a small hood.
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: firiki on May 19, 2016, 10:35:45 AM: Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on May 13, 2016, 07:13:53 PM
Quote from: Gareth on May 13, 2016, 05:43:26 PM
Quote from: firiki on May 13, 2016, 11:33:15 AM
Great! Another thing to add to the want list!

:twak: :cheers:

Lets be fair, you've got me looking at wool blankets again. :D

He probably only started looking at blankets so he could cut a hole in one for a poncho! :pok:

Def

I'm not that dumb yet, Boss. At least, I think I'm not! :whistle:

I've been slowly putting together a BOB bag with INCH tendencies and Gareth reminded me a poncho would be a much better option than the huge garbage bags I keep in there ;)

@Gareth: :neener: :D
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Gareth on May 19, 2016, 02:57:17 PM: :P

:D
Title: Re: Recommend a Poncho
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 19, 2016, 05:09:02 PM: Quote from: firiki on May 19, 2016, 10:35:45 AM
Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on May 13, 2016, 07:13:53 PM
Quote from: Gareth on May 13, 2016, 05:43:26 PM
Quote from: firiki on May 13, 2016, 11:33:15 AM
Great! Another thing to add to the want list!

:twak: :cheers:

Lets be fair, you've got me looking at wool blankets again. :D

He probably only started looking at blankets so he could cut a hole in one for a poncho! :pok:

Def

I'm not that dumb yet, Boss. At least, I think I'm not! :whistle:

I've been slowly putting together a BOB bag with INCH tendencies and Gareth reminded me a poncho would be a much better option than the huge garbage bags I keep in there ;)

@Gareth: :neener: :D

No one suggested you were dumb.... in fact I think I was suggesting that you wre innovative! :D

Def