Poncho practical?

[captainhastings]

They seem to be talked about a lot for bush craft and I see the benefits of there dual use as a shelter. But I look out the door today it’s lashing down I look at my nice shiny Dutch army poncho. I need to walk the dog but I know I have to get over a barb fence. Next I wanted to for a mooch around the forestry. Tight packed low trees. I sort of know I would regret taking my poncho and better off popping a coat on. Realistically I imagine unless your march down a road for miles or out in the open there usage is limited ?

 

[Chris]

They’re not great if you’re mobile, unless you want to use it as a waterproof cover for your backpack.

Personally I prefer waterproof clothing and a lightweight tarp.

 

[TeeDee]

I've chucked a few spare ones ( Lidl specials ) in the boot of the car in case I come across any stranded car passengers by the side of the roads.

I think they are somewhat useful for static work or a multi purpose item.. nut like multi purpose items they do most things to a moderate level as opposed to excelling at one.

 

[Ozmundo]

I use a poncho as a summer bit of kit. A just in case rain/wind block/sun shade.

They’re also in the family’s vehicles as emergency kit.

Much of the year I’ll have a jacket and tarp. I do have the one wind cape, which is a bit Marmite, I find it a bit easier in open areas as a single pole pitch than trying to rig a tarp with room to change under.

 

[TeeDee]

I just realised we maybe speaking about different things and there is a key difference

waterproof vs warmth.

Waterproof- not great.

Warmth - so blanket poncho or modern woobie type material - great.

I'd wear a wool poncho blanket more ( if by myself ) but it does come across on occasion with a Cosplay/Larping vibe.
Although saying that - a wool blanket and waterproof mantle maybe a very nice dual system to have.

 

[captainhastings]

They seem to be big military item but again how do they manage obstacles heavy cover etc. I see the benefits of keeping pack dry. Ideal for that and shelter. But once you hit woods or have to climb over stuff

 

[TeeDee]

They seem to be big military item but again how do they manage obstacles heavy cover etc. I see the benefits of keeping pack dry. Ideal for that and shelter. But once you hit woods or have to climb over stuff

Probably the best way to think of them is within a wet/dry routine - once you get to where ever it is you are not intending to move around too much - say camp in the middle of a forest - then don your poncho

Its not really for movement I think.

 

[Chris]

They seem to be big military item but again how do they manage obstacles heavy cover etc. I see the benefits of keeping pack dry. Ideal for that and shelter. But once you hit woods or have to climb over stuff

Soldiers would not wear ponchos when doing anything active, they’re not issued in the UK anymore at all.

Sometimes you might hear a tarp/basha referred to as a ‘poncho’ but it’s just referring to the issue tarp.

 

[captainhastings]

Thanks folks just checking I wasn’t missing a trick. So basically handy to have around camp or reasonable static

 

[Pattree]

Am I the only one here who has used a Polish Army poncho as a poncho? Pull the break down over your head, pull in your arms and it can do what it likes out there, you’re dry.
I haven’t hiked in one but brilliant for festivals and moots.

 

[Ozmundo]

Also long enough to tuck under your bottom and sit on while keeping your knees covered.

 

[bearbait]

I look out the door today it’s lashing down I look at my nice shiny Dutch army poncho. I need to walk the dog but I know I have to get over a barb fence. Next I wanted to for a mooch around the forestry. Tight packed low trees.

Jerven Bag seems fine for your scenarios? Not cheap. But I'm pleased with mine.

About the Jerven Bag

The arctic lifesaver the Jerven Bag. A multipurpose cover, bivy bag. Can be used as a poncho, wind sack, tarp, one-man tent, sleeping bag cover. Wind and waterproof. Keeps you warm and dry in even the harshest weather conditions. Made to last. 10 years warranty

jerven.shop

Might look a bit out of place, though, when downtown...

 

[Ozmundo]

Beanie hat and some glow sticks, jerven would be fine at a rave.

 

[Laurentius]

I went out for a walk today and I took my poncho for when it started to rain, to be honest I should have taken my drovers coat instead, that way my knees would have stayed dry.

 

[Ozmundo]

Captain Redbread Rum has solved that problem for you.

 

[Pattree]

I went out for a walk today and I took my poncho for when it started to rain, to be honest I should have taken my drovers coat instead, that way my knees would have stayed dry.

Your poncho isn’t long enough.

 

[HillBill]

Your poncho isn’t long enough.

Never heard any woman call it a Poncho before, But the not long enough part... i can relate. Might cover 12 square feet, But needs to crawl to get under it... Ohhh... now i get it... No wonder they keep coming back. Stops them getting wet. .

 

[MrEd]

I use one, but only if I am sitting or standing around in the rain for ages.
I wouldn’t wear one in a forest tbh, and my experiences are no matter how hard it’s raining, when in a forest (dense type) you don’t get so much water down at ground level that I need extra waterproof so I just stick to my proofed poly cotton for mobility

 

[Ozmundo]

I carry a waterproof poncho for situation where I don’t really expect rain. Just something I can pull out quickly.

Blanket poncho I don’t have, unless I decide to go to a spaghetti western themed day! I do have a wool cloak for sitting around the fire at camp, it’s will keep of light rain for a short time. It has been brushed with teazle to make it fluffy.