USGI RAIN PONCHO | MILITARY RAIN PONCHO VS LIGHT WEIGHT COLEMAN PONCHOS

RAIN PONCHOS - AUSTRALIA 

Ponchos, particularly military ponchos is one of the best pieces of apparel that came out of the Vietnam war. The versatility and re-purposing of these items are endless and provide backers, hikers, survivalists and campers with a light weight option considering the overall functions.




Poncho are still standard issues for most military personal as they can be used:

1. Keeping people & packs dry in heavy rain 
2. Be used as half shelters (Pup Tent)
3. Be used hammocks 
4. Be used as ground sheets 
5. Be used as floating devices 
6. Be used to gather water 
7. Be used to carry wood, or times, or personal in emergency medical situation 

IMAGE - HEAVY GAUGE MILITARY RAIN PONCHO 

TYPES OF PONCHOS 
The are two main types of ponchos available within the market.
Commercial light weight (rip stock) ponchos, or the heavier military styled ponchos.

Modern design improvements like a rain beak on the poncho are preferably and yet for some reason, some manufactures have still not adopted this basic necessity. Putting this aside I often the question: which one is better ?

The answer is your preference, and many of the arguments around the additional weight simply in my opinion don't stickup. Stating this I respect the view point of the ultra light weight community and their strive to reduce weight at any cost.

The material gauge of the heavier weighted, military styled poncho in my humble opinion is minor when when you look at the advantages of the more durable, extended use of the heaver gauge materials.

The fact the you can do more, means your carrying less weight (per combined item) considering the extended range and versatility. All this however is academic and the truth is that is what you prefer.
Here is a list of pro and cons.


IMAGES - LIGHT WEIGHT  COLEMAN PONCHO + 

Light weight rip stock rain poncho Vs heavy gauge nylon rain ponchos. 

PRO - LIGHT WEIGHT PONCHOS

• Very light weight  (Coleman: 350 grams, 0.77lb)
• Space saver 
• 4 out of 7 functions listed above 

CONS - LIGHT WEIGHT PONCHOS

• light weight material tend to stick to body in heavy rain increase contact (sweat) 
• Work as ground sheets but are more permeable (a little thin to be comfortable)
• Lighter material catches sparks more easily. 
• As tarps, they product more radiant heat
• Be hesitant to use to carries loads 

PRO - USGI MILITARY PONCHOS

• Applications are extended
• 7 out of 7 functions (rain, tart, pup tent, hammock, water carrier, floating device, carry / haul heavy items)
• Can be used in combination with sleep liners or other items for robust sleep system 

CONS - MILITARY STYLE HEAVY WEIGHT PONCHOS 

• Weight : 700 grams (1.5lb)  
• 2x weight of light weight ponch

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As an alternative we have found a product that sits in between the weight of the USGI Poncho and the lighter weight poncho. Review below.

RAIN PONCHOS - OFFICIAL STORE 

 CLICK TO BUY PRODUCT 

BY ANDREW YOUNG 

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