Right - we have at least 10 who are interested. The more the merrier though and maybe we'll pick up more when more details and testing/pictures come through.
I have been thinking long and hard about what I really would/would not like to see on the Poncho. I generally agree with all the comments so far - although I do not know what you do about not having a hood - except making it removable (like some Paramo hoods) - but I would think that this would impact on complexity and make sealing the hole a bit more problematic. But we will see what Dave says.
I am not fussed about attaching Poncho to other tarps really as it will be for personal use but I understand if you wish to have it compatible. I'd just not use it in that way very often so it isn't a 'must-have'.
Eye-lets are a things I have great dislike for. They create areas of great weakness when put under strain and I cannot forget the numerous nights in high winds that these damn things have pulled through the material. I am a big fan of various material loops at corners and edges etc - like the ones you see on Tatonka tarps - but the same applies for the corners - good reinforcement patches are necessary. I am also aware that poppers to make it compatible with NATO tarps might also need some form of reinforcement which could add to weight and complexity.
For me other signficant things is that it is functional enough a) to sleep under and b) cover me and a Bergen when on the move c) but not so big so I fall over it all the time!
Price was always going to an issue with Ventile. It just shows the contrast in Ponchos/Tarps that are made of cheaper stuff. Yes you can get stuff for £10-£30. But I am taking the view that this piece will take the place of a jacket, a shelter and a rucksack cover - made of Ventile - all for £110 inc P&P.
Anyway...I'll drop Dave at Hilltrek a line and see if he can take our most important comments on board, write up a quick spec that we all agree on and then he can make a prototype that we can get a one or more of us to test. Agreed?
I have been thinking long and hard about what I really would/would not like to see on the Poncho. I generally agree with all the comments so far - although I do not know what you do about not having a hood - except making it removable (like some Paramo hoods) - but I would think that this would impact on complexity and make sealing the hole a bit more problematic. But we will see what Dave says.
I am not fussed about attaching Poncho to other tarps really as it will be for personal use but I understand if you wish to have it compatible. I'd just not use it in that way very often so it isn't a 'must-have'.
Eye-lets are a things I have great dislike for. They create areas of great weakness when put under strain and I cannot forget the numerous nights in high winds that these damn things have pulled through the material. I am a big fan of various material loops at corners and edges etc - like the ones you see on Tatonka tarps - but the same applies for the corners - good reinforcement patches are necessary. I am also aware that poppers to make it compatible with NATO tarps might also need some form of reinforcement which could add to weight and complexity.
For me other signficant things is that it is functional enough a) to sleep under and b) cover me and a Bergen when on the move c) but not so big so I fall over it all the time!
Price was always going to an issue with Ventile. It just shows the contrast in Ponchos/Tarps that are made of cheaper stuff. Yes you can get stuff for £10-£30. But I am taking the view that this piece will take the place of a jacket, a shelter and a rucksack cover - made of Ventile - all for £110 inc P&P.
Anyway...I'll drop Dave at Hilltrek a line and see if he can take our most important comments on board, write up a quick spec that we all agree on and then he can make a prototype that we can get a one or more of us to test. Agreed?
