I spent 1983-1988 as an army infantryman...the poncho was a life saver. Germany, Georgia, SouthKorea, Canada...cold...wet...hot...no matter what....the poncho was an amazing piece of kit. FANTASTIC VIDEO...I JUST SUBSCRIBED
In the Army, I learned to always carry two ponchos. One for a shelter and the second for guard duty. It never rained in the Army but it sure rained on us a lot. After 40 years my two ponchos disintegrated. Good Luck, Rick
I have a challenge that if it can be done you are the guys to do it. Put up a poncho shelter while wearing the poncho. All in effort to remain dry the whole time. Take care!
I have made a shelter that you don't have to stake down or use cordage as guide lines unless there are high winds. Take two saplings long enough to criss cross and form an arch to opposite long corners of your poncho. Secure the two saplings where they intersect with cordage. During the day you can prop one side of the poncho up and at night drop that side to form an umbrella shelter. It eliminates your having to crawl under the edge of the poncho. It's amazing how much heat is retained. I use a sheet of tyvek as a groundsheet and is cut the same size or dimensions as the poncho. In high winds I stake down the windward side of the poncho's two corners. In the warmer months I pack my military poncho for my shelter and a Helikon Tex poncho with the Swagman Roll as my ranger roll; or you can use a woobie for a lighter weight ranger roll. The two ponchos weigh less than my Aqua Quest 10X10 Defender tarp. I'm searching for collapsible tent poles that can replace the saplings.
My poncho existed for one reason and one reason only: keeping the poncho liner dry. My unit banned shelters for some reason and it was easier to just deal with being wet.
You need to look into Wildernesses Innovations website. A bunch of amazing gear. But their custom poncho/hammock /tarp is where it’s at. They have all the regular snaps like the military poncho. But with 12 or so extra stitched on tie out tabs for tie outs for a tarp. But also on the bottom of the front an back like while wearing it. Has small sleeves along the width of it that contains 1/8th inch Dyneema cords with eyes on each side that can be pulled out to instantly turn it into a gathered end hammock. The cord stores within the poncho itself. The hood had a d-ring for the drawstring to pull through instead of it pulling against the fabric while cinching it down. Also a plastic snap button to seal it up while using it as a tarp or hammock. There all custom to order. So they can be regular length like the military poncho. Or long back so 6” added to the back. To cover backpacks. Or long equal. So 6” added to the back and to the front. For taller people or extra coverage. For like me 5’9. It goes furthermore down my shins for more coverage. They do an extra wide version that adds 6” to the width. But than theirs extra options for an added hoodie pocket, or for people with cold weather a fleece lined hoodie pocket on the poncho. Or instead of an extra wide with a full 6” on the whole width. Sleeve extensions can be added. That adds 6” at the center that sits over the shoulders so it’s a couple feet wider in that area. So stretch your arms out. Instead of coming mid way past the elbows it goes to the wrist for coverage. The guy does it in many different fabric patterns. From a very light sil-nylon, sil-poly. To a Dyneema rip stop material And a 40%+ woven Dyneema material. And a whole bunch of other things that go with it. Different thicknesses climasheild poncho liners with actual hoods that can be used as an under quilt for it as a hammock. A shelter base with the right length poles to turn the pinch into a 1 man tent. 3” compressible sleep pads With everything designed to snap together an work alone or as a system. Just think it can add to Steve’s gear an may open other covert camp out locations an styles ect. Besides who can’t use a poncho. I’ve never gotten anything free from the company. Never reviewed their stuff for others on here. The items I have was all bought by me and personally used ect. An it is all top quality materials. And built like a tank. All made in the US not China, an has quality that they would definitely be passed down in the family. Too not h gear. Just my opinion. Hell everyone that enjoys the outdoors and uses/likes ponchos should atleast check it out. wildernessinnovation.com/shelter/
Don't forget being useful as an emergency stretcher by overlaying it on 2 poles (each with about a foot or so longer than the poncho): Spread the poncho out on the ground. Lay two poles parallel along the long sides of the poncho a bit more than shoulder-width apart. Then fold the poncho sides over the poles and over each other. Lay the patient in between the poles; his weight will compress the poncho and keep it from slipping out when you lift him.
@@toml.8210 I don't, because nature often provides them...called saplings. And I'd be more concerned about carrying out an injured person than a corpse. But hey, you do you.
Became my favourite cover item after a couple of long distance get homes. If you just need a couple of hours sleep and you might need to up and disappear quickly just put it on over your coat, catch 40 winks out of sight of roads and paths and you're still warmish when you wake up while you can grab your ruck and ready to go if disturbed.
They are great to use, if you don't mind getting your legs or boots a little wet. Without it, you will be miserable, and as he said in the video, it takes a few seconds to put on, compared to the jacket.
Nice video. I love ponchos--especially a slightly larger poncho like 8x5 or 9x5 which are a bit more accommodating for shelters. I usually go with a half pyramid or a-frame. However if I am really expecting rain, I like a 9x7 (or bigger) tarp.
Very cool, thanks for sharing. Eight thumbs down? WTF? I guess you two were expected to rake all the leaves out of the way, or clean up those damn dead trees laying everywhere! Nice video.
I noticed that you didn’t mention using the poncho as a sleeping bag with the addition of a poncho liner, or as a type of Bivvy-sack with a regular sleeping bag. Also using the poncho as a floatation device.
Hi Jason and Alan! Question for you guys. Is all you take outdoors a poncho for rain cover? I ask because if it’s a “get home scenario” and you have to go through town, even without a camo pattern color (like maybe just a black color), i feel like the poncho draws more attention? Unless I’m wrong (please correct me). Also, if this is your primary shelter piece and it’s raining, wouldn’t you get soaked before entering your shelter since you’re setting it up in the rain? Would a rain jacket and pants prove useful in this situation? (Again please correct me if I’m wrong or my lack of experience is making me miss something). Thanks in advance guys! By far one of my favorite UA-cam channels!!!
Why do you not tell the brand of your Poncho ? I like the woodland design for Wisconsin, can blend in, in most seasons, great for bug out, car etc. But I'd like to know what brand u are using please, & where to get it would be nice also. Thnx. [ if ] you respond.
Question; is that the Helikon poncho? And if so does the shiny-ness fade away? Asking because I just got one in the mail and man it’s like a neon sign hahaha, it’s bright!
@@jamesthoreson1724 wilderness innovations poncho. Set up with straps sewn on to set it up like a tarp. Has the regular snaps and the bottom of the front an back has a Dyneema super strength rope to bunch the ends to hang it as a hammock
Genuine military NATO ponchos, like the USGI version are built to take punishment. They're heavier at around 650g and, if you're interested, they have IR protection coating. Genuine military ones are becoming scarce with the change to Goretex breathable gear and shelter sheets/tarps. The Dutch Army DPM poncho is still available and comes with a stuff sack. I've been using two for backpacking since the early 80s. Initially British Army 58 pattern until they wore out in the 2010s, now two genuine USGI. One to wear over a lightweight waterproof/windproof jacket in a downpour, two together for a roomy shelter. It would be a compact shelter for two people, but plenty of room for gear at one end. You have a near 2.1m X 3m base shelter, just narrowing at the centre. If you peg the sides fully down in the second double poncho pitch, then you have a fully enclosed shelter that will take all weathers. You unstud half to use as a door. If there's no trees, I use two trekking poles and a ridge line. For the overlapping centre grommets I use a corrugated roofing washer and rubber with a stopper knotted loop passed through for the ridge line to pass through and tensioning prusik knot loops from the ridge line to the hood cinch cords after closing and wrapping the cords around the hoods.
@@blackboardbloke Thanks. I just found 4 of them a my surplus store and bought them. I literally received your message as I walked in the store! Great timing! Thanks again.
@@ricks2651 No probs, it was obviously fate 🙂. I have 6 ponchos, one of my old worn out 58s kept for nostalgic reasons, 2 USGI woodland camo + poncho liner, a lighter military style version in dark brown I got in readiness for monsoons before a Lonely Planet wander around India and SE Asia for 8 months (camped with a hammock/poncho tarp in Malaysian rainforest with that), a medium weight military style olive green one which has a zip on extension to make it longer that I use in warmer weather for lightweight backpacking and a really lightweight one with no grommets for day walks and as a cycling cape that isn't shelter capable. I wear gaiters when wearing a poncho in rain, the only things that get wet are my knees, and I can live with that. Check my channel out, there's a few poncho vids 🙂
Google “Wilderness Innovations ponchos” Top notch the best. They have a website. There pretty much custom made. Has ones that’s way better than this an sizes goes up bigger an bigger an than you. The standard poncho can be selected in different camo ect. And standard size. Or another option is one a foot longer in the back. To cover backpacks better. An another option of that extra foot added to the front an back. From there he makes I think up to a XXXL size Also makes one out of 500D cordura fabric Following that is I believe one with Dyneema rip stop material I believe The most expensive one I picked up myself it’s right above $300 And has different options that can bring price up some. But that one is a full on Dyneema poncho. The cheapest which is still better than any standard ponchos runs about $80 bucks give or take. But they all come with the button snaps. And sewn on eyelets like tabs for tie out points to use it like a tarp a lot better an stronger than the grommets. Also each price range one comes with the front bottom an back bottom sewn in with a Dyneema string/rope rated I believe for 2500lbs with an eye on each side. So pull out of the poncho to bunch the ends to turn it into an instant hammock and included daisychain tree webbing an what not. Also all models have options to add the same pockets like on hoodie jackets that can be made out of the same thing as the poncho and fleece lined or not. And each has the ability to add sleeve extensions. So at the area that covers the arms they have an added 6” of material sewn on to give your arms more coverage. It’s kinda like build a poncho. Pain in the ass to explain. Check it out. If you don’t mind spending a little for something US made and a hell of an overbuilt poncho. You won’t find anything better.
Try Dutch Army ponchos, they're over 7ft long (220cm) because Dutch people are the tallest in the world on average. Also it rains a hell of a lot in the Netherlands so they are waterproof. On USA ebay at $21 Grade 1 used, or $31 brand new.
I remember carrying my great uncles, Marine 2 sided camo poncho, from the Korean war. Winter and spring camo. Water and wind proof. Weighed a ton. Really started to smell like *ss after 40 yrs.
My problem with a poncho is that when it's also REALLY windy, they're effectively useless as I'm tall enough that the wind gets up under 'em and blows 'em over my head like Marilyn Monroe's skirt ...
@@3nertia because the poncho has much more uses. if you're just walking then yeah, i'd say pants for sure. but if you're hiking, camping, surviving, etc. then poncho.
Jason says how much he loves the poncho and then the cut scene immediately shows him in a full rain suit......
I spent 1983-1988 as an army infantryman...the poncho was a life saver. Germany, Georgia, SouthKorea, Canada...cold...wet...hot...no matter what....the poncho was an amazing piece of kit. FANTASTIC VIDEO...I JUST SUBSCRIBED
In the Army, I learned to always carry two ponchos. One for a shelter and the second for guard duty. It never rained in the Army but it sure rained on us a lot. After 40 years my two ponchos disintegrated. Good Luck, Rick
Love the Poncho. It is one piece of kit that could, on it's own, save your life in the wrong weather conditions.
I have a challenge that if it can be done you are the guys to do it. Put up a poncho shelter while wearing the poncho. All in effort to remain dry the whole time. Take care!
It can be done and I've done it.
It's doable but I think it's better/faster to just take off the poncho and set it up
They just posted a video on June 18th
Woodland camo ponchos and rain in the woods, reminds me of my army days in Germany! Great tips!
One more thing I didn’t know about. The rain collecting with a poncho. Cool beans keep it coming
The moment you both climbed into the shelter and locked eyes 👀🤣
I was waiting for them se see each other, then say, "Hey!" and move to the side.
Great display of poncho shelters. Thank you for sharing!
I love my ponchos. Hands down one of the best chunks of kit I have ever owned.
Finally someone pitches shelter in the rain, rather than just talking about it.
Two ponches together two man team with gear and m16s and etool a water trench around it if it’s slightly down hill works wonders.
I just watched it again in the morning and didn't fall asleep this time.
I have made a shelter that you don't have to stake down or use cordage as guide lines unless there are high winds. Take two saplings long enough to criss cross and form an arch to opposite long corners of your poncho. Secure the two saplings where they intersect with cordage. During the day you can prop one side of the poncho up and at night drop that side to form an umbrella shelter. It eliminates your having to crawl under the edge of the poncho. It's amazing how much heat is retained. I use a sheet of tyvek as a groundsheet and is cut the same size or dimensions as the poncho. In high winds I stake down the windward side of the poncho's two corners. In the warmer months I pack my military poncho for my shelter and a Helikon Tex poncho with the Swagman Roll as my ranger roll; or you can use a woobie for a lighter weight ranger roll. The two ponchos weigh less than my Aqua Quest 10X10 Defender tarp. I'm searching for collapsible tent poles that can replace the saplings.
My poncho existed for one reason and one reason only: keeping the poncho liner dry. My unit banned shelters for some reason and it was easier to just deal with being wet.
Great video guys, Love all those configurations specially the joining of two ponchos... Fantastic
Love the channel guys thank you for what you do.
You need to look into Wildernesses Innovations website. A bunch of amazing gear.
But their custom poncho/hammock /tarp is where it’s at.
They have all the regular snaps like the military poncho. But with 12 or so extra stitched on tie out tabs for tie outs for a tarp. But also on the bottom of the front an back like while wearing it. Has small sleeves along the width of it that contains 1/8th inch Dyneema cords with eyes on each side that can be pulled out to instantly turn it into a gathered end hammock. The cord stores within the poncho itself.
The hood had a d-ring for the drawstring to pull through instead of it pulling against the fabric while cinching it down. Also a plastic snap button to seal it up while using it as a tarp or hammock.
There all custom to order. So they can be regular length like the military poncho. Or long back so 6” added to the back. To cover backpacks. Or long equal. So 6” added to the back and to the front. For taller people or extra coverage. For like me 5’9. It goes furthermore down my shins for more coverage.
They do an extra wide version that adds 6” to the width.
But than theirs extra options for an added hoodie pocket, or for people with cold weather a fleece lined hoodie pocket on the poncho.
Or instead of an extra wide with a full 6” on the whole width. Sleeve extensions can be added. That adds 6” at the center that sits over the shoulders so it’s a couple feet wider in that area.
So stretch your arms out. Instead of coming mid way past the elbows it goes to the wrist for coverage.
The guy does it in many different fabric patterns. From a very light sil-nylon, sil-poly.
To a Dyneema rip stop material
And a 40%+ woven Dyneema material.
And a whole bunch of other things that go with it. Different thicknesses climasheild poncho liners with actual hoods that can be used as an under quilt for it as a hammock.
A shelter base with the right length poles to turn the pinch into a 1 man tent.
3” compressible sleep pads
With everything designed to snap together an work alone or as a system.
Just think it can add to Steve’s gear an may open other covert camp out locations an styles ect. Besides who can’t use a poncho.
I’ve never gotten anything free from the company. Never reviewed their stuff for others on here.
The items I have was all bought by me and personally used ect. An it is all top quality materials. And built like a tank. All made in the US not China, an has quality that they would definitely be passed down in the family.
Too not h gear.
Just my opinion. Hell everyone that enjoys the outdoors and uses/likes ponchos should atleast check it out.
wildernessinnovation.com/shelter/
Don't forget being useful as an emergency stretcher by overlaying it on 2 poles (each with about a foot or so longer than the poncho): Spread the poncho out on the ground. Lay two poles parallel along the long sides of the poncho a bit more than shoulder-width apart. Then fold the poncho sides over the poles and over each other. Lay the patient in between the poles; his weight will compress the poncho and keep it from slipping out when you lift him.
Yeah- I always carry two 7-foot poles when I go camping, in case I have to carry a dead person.
@@toml.8210 I don't, because nature often provides them...called saplings. And I'd be more concerned about carrying out an injured person than a corpse. But hey, you do you.
Became my favourite cover item after a couple of long distance get homes. If you just need a couple of hours sleep and you might need to up and disappear quickly just put it on over your coat, catch 40 winks out of sight of roads and paths and you're still warmish when you wake up while you can grab your ruck and ready to go if disturbed.
That humble poncho will keep you from being humbled by the rain
They are great to use, if you don't mind getting your legs or boots a little wet. Without it, you will be miserable, and as he said in the video, it takes a few seconds to put on, compared to the jacket.
@@toml.8210 Yep
saved my 20yr old asa many times in Vietnam..........
Nice video. I love ponchos--especially a slightly larger poncho like 8x5 or 9x5 which are a bit more accommodating for shelters. I usually go with a half pyramid or a-frame. However if I am really expecting rain, I like a 9x7 (or bigger) tarp.
Awesome thank you.
Great vid!! Good demonstrations!
What was the make of the poncho? Thank you
Informative & entertaining. Good shit! 👻
Also get some botanical info on the moss and lichens I see on those tree trunks
Great video, I love my poncho too
It’s sooo easy to forget how much it sucks to get wet when you NEED to stay dry. Seeing y’all get soaked reinforces the lessons learned.
See ya on the next one
Very cool, thanks for sharing. Eight thumbs down? WTF? I guess you two were expected to rake all the leaves out of the way, or clean up those damn dead trees laying everywhere! Nice video.
Thank you
I love ponchos
Poncho and 5 bungee cords makes an Infantryman's home!
I noticed that you didn’t mention using the poncho as a sleeping bag with the addition of a poncho liner, or as a type of Bivvy-sack with a regular sleeping bag. Also using the poncho as a floatation device.
They’ve done video on that already.
These videos are great, thank you!
sorry... where is the link for the poncho... it looks awesome
great insights - thank you.
I need to buy more ponchos
Hi Jason and Alan! Question for you guys. Is all you take outdoors a poncho for rain cover? I ask because if it’s a “get home scenario” and you have to go through town, even without a camo pattern color (like maybe just a black color), i feel like the poncho draws more attention? Unless I’m wrong (please correct me). Also, if this is your primary shelter piece and it’s raining, wouldn’t you get soaked before entering your shelter since you’re setting it up in the rain? Would a rain jacket and pants prove useful in this situation? (Again please correct me if I’m wrong or my lack of experience is making me miss something). Thanks in advance guys! By far one of my favorite UA-cam channels!!!
Why do you not tell the brand of your Poncho ? I like the woodland design for Wisconsin, can blend in, in most seasons, great for bug out, car etc. But I'd like to know what brand u are using please, & where to get it would be nice also. Thnx. [ if ] you respond.
Helikon Tex
What brand poncho are you using, do you have it in your store?
alpha tent poncho
Damn! Alan has gotten skinny! Didn't recognize him til he spoke, thought you had Billy Connolly helping you!😂😁
Question; is that the Helikon poncho? And if so does the shiny-ness fade away? Asking because I just got one in the mail and man it’s like a neon sign hahaha, it’s bright!
Did you add grommets to the ponchos? I have never seen grommets on a poncho. These must be heavier and expensive than the dollar store kind.
$40 on eBay
That's an awesome poncho! Where can I buy 1?!
Id say ebay if you want an authentic USGI woodland camo version or Amazon for the Helikon Tex surplus line version. Both are great.
I forgot to mention Fire Force brand on Amazon, those are actually Made In The U.S.A.
Hey folks, question. Is there ever an instance where a rain jacket/pants would be better to pack than a poncho? Thanks!!
Always carry more than 2 ponchos, just in case you get a tear in one, you'll have 2 spares.
One is none...two is one...
No. Lmao
Murphy's Law applies to cheap ponchos. I always buy a new one for each trip, but repair the tears and put it in the garage afterward.
Or just buy one good Dyneema poncho an not worry about it
What brand poncho were you using? I want that one!
Finding quality ponchos at work like that, I have found, is somewhat elusive.... Maybe I just don't look in the right places.
@@jamesthoreson1724 wilderness innovations poncho. Set up with straps sewn on to set it up like a tarp. Has the regular snaps and the bottom of the front an back has a Dyneema super strength rope to bunch the ends to hang it as a hammock
Genuine military NATO ponchos, like the USGI version are built to take punishment. They're heavier at around 650g and, if you're interested, they have IR protection coating. Genuine military ones are becoming scarce with the change to Goretex breathable gear and shelter sheets/tarps. The Dutch Army DPM poncho is still available and comes with a stuff sack.
I've been using two for backpacking since the early 80s. Initially British Army 58 pattern until they wore out in the 2010s, now two genuine USGI. One to wear over a lightweight waterproof/windproof jacket in a downpour, two together for a roomy shelter. It would be a compact shelter for two people, but plenty of room for gear at one end. You have a near 2.1m X 3m base shelter, just narrowing at the centre.
If you peg the sides fully down in the second double poncho pitch, then you have a fully enclosed shelter that will take all weathers. You unstud half to use as a door.
If there's no trees, I use two trekking poles and a ridge line. For the overlapping centre grommets I use a corrugated roofing washer and rubber with a stopper knotted loop passed through for the ridge line to pass through and tensioning prusik knot loops from the ridge line to the hood cinch cords after closing and wrapping the cords around the hoods.
@@blackboardbloke Thanks. I just found 4 of them a my surplus store and bought them. I literally received your message as I walked in the store! Great timing! Thanks again.
@@ricks2651 No probs, it was obviously fate 🙂. I have 6 ponchos, one of my old worn out 58s kept for nostalgic reasons, 2 USGI woodland camo + poncho liner, a lighter military style version in dark brown I got in readiness for monsoons before a Lonely Planet wander around India and SE Asia for 8 months (camped with a hammock/poncho tarp in Malaysian rainforest with that), a medium weight military style olive green one which has a zip on extension to make it longer that I use in warmer weather for lightweight backpacking and a really lightweight one with no grommets for day walks and as a cycling cape that isn't shelter capable. I wear gaiters when wearing a poncho in rain, the only things that get wet are my knees, and I can live with that.
Check my channel out, there's a few poncho vids 🙂
What brand is that one and where can I get it?
Google “Wilderness Innovations ponchos” Top notch the best.
The humble poncho
Anyone have a link for these ponchos?
It did put me to sleep. Lol. Good video, though, what I saw.
The problem is most the the gear shown on all these channells are for smaller people im 6ft5 300 lbs and mosy gear doesnt apply
Speaking to the choir. 👍
Google “Wilderness Innovations ponchos” Top notch the best. They have a website. There pretty much custom made. Has ones that’s way better than this an sizes goes up bigger an bigger an than you.
The standard poncho can be selected in different camo ect. And standard size. Or another option is one a foot longer in the back. To cover backpacks better. An another option of that extra foot added to the front an back.
From there he makes I think up to a XXXL size
Also makes one out of 500D cordura fabric
Following that is I believe one with Dyneema rip stop material I believe
The most expensive one I picked up myself it’s right above $300
And has different options that can bring price up some. But that one is a full on Dyneema poncho.
The cheapest which is still better than any standard ponchos runs about $80 bucks give or take.
But they all come with the button snaps.
And sewn on eyelets like tabs for tie out points to use it like a tarp a lot better an stronger than the grommets.
Also each price range one comes with the front bottom an back bottom sewn in with a Dyneema string/rope rated I believe for 2500lbs with an eye on each side. So pull out of the poncho to bunch the ends to turn it into an instant hammock and included daisychain tree webbing an what not.
Also all models have options to add the same pockets like on hoodie jackets that can be made out of the same thing as the poncho and fleece lined or not.
And each has the ability to add sleeve extensions. So at the area that covers the arms they have an added 6” of material sewn on to give your arms more coverage.
It’s kinda like build a poncho. Pain in the ass to explain. Check it out. If you don’t mind spending a little for something US made and a hell of an overbuilt poncho. You won’t find anything better.
Try Dutch Army ponchos, they're over 7ft long (220cm) because Dutch people are the tallest in the world on average. Also it rains a hell of a lot in the Netherlands so they are waterproof. On USA ebay at $21 Grade 1 used, or $31 brand new.
Alan is 6’6”.
You raise one corner of the hooch , then stake it down from inside so you don't crawl in the mud like that.
💗
If it ain't raining,..........
I remember carrying my great uncles, Marine 2 sided camo poncho, from the Korean war. Winter and spring camo. Water and wind proof. Weighed a ton. Really started to smell like *ss after 40 yrs.
😀💪💪✝️
My problem with a poncho is that when it's also REALLY windy, they're effectively useless as I'm tall enough that the wind gets up under 'em and blows 'em over my head like Marilyn Monroe's skirt ...
you probably could tie its drawstrings to your belt loops, and keep it down that way. or if it's super windy, wear rain pants and tuck the poncho in.
@@theskysaboveourheads Why would I need a poncho if I have rain pants? Might as well just buy a rainsuit and forget the poncho - which I did :)
@@3nertia because the poncho has much more uses. if you're just walking then yeah, i'd say pants for sure. but if you're hiking, camping, surviving, etc. then poncho.
i have noticed the poncho is like a robe at home
Comment