Poncho vs Tarp

[Stilton and whiskey]

Hey just trying to work out what is the best option. Here's what I have in mind either one of the Decathlon Tarps or one of those Dutch Army ponchos.

As far as I can see after postage they both work out the same. This will be used in conjunction with a a bivvy bag with a view to later (maybe a years time) get a hammock though that is just a pipe dream for now.(uk) spring summer and probably early Autumn.

They both work out at roughly the same price after P&P. I mean the advantage with the poncho I suppose is that I won't need a coat.

http://www.endicotts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=126&products_id=1689
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/tarp-3243880/

Thanks,
Oliver

 

[rik_uk3]

Poncho's are a tad small in truth, go for the tarp.

 

[Shewie]

Is that Decathlon tarp really 2.2kg ? :yikes:

They must be including the poles in that weight come to think of it.

I'd be tempted to spend a few more quid and get the DD 3x3
http://www.ddhammocks.com/products/tarps/tarp

 

[Neumo]

A poncho will be too small for a hammock as well, so I would go with the tarp. Even a 3x3m on the diagonal is a bit small if it is really bucketing it down when you are in a hammock, IMHO; it's OK but a bit more round the edges is better, from my limited experience. You cant go wrong with a 3x3 DD Tarp to begin with & they are cheap enough; spend the extra £10 & you wont regret it.

Also a ponch sounds good but if it's your shelter then you have to take it out with you, whatever the weather (assuming you always want some shelter available for when it rains); if it's cold you would have a thicker coat on anyway & in the summer it may be too hot. Just something to think about, from my limited experience.

 

[RonW]

Actually I have both; The poncho as a raincover while on the move and a tarp for the same purpose when stationary.
The poncho is great, because it fits over me and my rucksack, but is, as said, a bit small to sleep under. The tarp is large enough to sleep under, being 3.5x2.7 mtrs.

 

[wood dweller]

if you can get a bigger poncho take an umberela as well and you are sorted.

i use a ventile poncho this is my shealter and jacket and with gaiters on you dont need waterproof trousers. umberlas are amazing you can get a 70 mph umberla from ebay for £18

 

[woof]

I got the decathalon tarp, threw the poles away, and used it quite a bit with a bivvy bag. Now got a hammock but not used it yet. I have used my walking poles when there has been no where to tie it off.

Rob

 

[forestwalker]

Ponchos are good in that you have rainwear *and* shelter. However, it gives you inferior rainwear and a tiny shelter.

 

[SimonM]

I have spent many nights under ponchos, but now use a DD tarp which is much bigger and lighter.

Get yourself a DD or similar, and a set of water proofs. That way you can sleep in comfort, with plenty of space for cooking / admin and still be free to leave your shelter when it rains.

Simon

 

[Graham_S]

I have the Decathlon tarp, It's very good for the price.
Given the choice for shelter, I'd have the tarp every time.
Ponchos are a little small to make a decent shelter in poor weather.
I generally take a poncho as well.
If the weather really deteriorates, I can rig up the poncho as a wind/rain break when I make camp.
The downside of using a poncho as a shelter, which often gets overlooked, is that if the weather is bad when you're making camp, you have to take off your shell layer to make your shelter.

 

[sandbender]

With a bit of jiggery-pokery a tarp can be used as a poncho/cape, I have used my Hilleberg as such.

Some poncho's can fasten together, so if you carry two ponchos or are traveling with someone else then you have the option of bolting two together to cover a larger area.

Another alternative is to make your own 'ideal' tarp/poncho/cape combination, see this thread on another forum for some ideas.

 

[Kerne]

I sleep under a tarp but carry a poncho in my rucksack on day-long bimbles to shelter under in inclement weather. Weighs next to nothing gives you a pleasant environment in which to have a brew.

 

[mountainm]

For me - Poncho = Groundsheet, Tarp = Shelter. My poncho is a coleman 3 in 1 camping jobby - but it's fleece lined so nice and snug. Makes a good pillow and a makeshift hammock underblanket too.

 

[Stilton and whiskey]

Right so the general consensus is the Tarp, excellent!
Thanks very much guys.