Rain may put a damper on some outdoor activities, but not when you have one of these ponchos. The colour and loose fit make it perfect for those who enjoy blending into the background.

An army poncho opens many possibilities for fun adventures you may have overlooked before. Keep one in your pack at all times in case of a sudden downpour. Try it out in rain or your shower before you go travelling.

• Rugged and practical
• Square shape, folded in half as rain poncho
• Open sides for good ventilation, can be closed with buttons or zips.
• No sleeves, hands can push out the sides.
• Can be used as tarp or shelter.
• Swimming is easy with arms outside and the waistband tied.

The U.S. Army issue ponchos are forest camo ripstop nylon with a sprayed on light water proofing. Our favourite is the black rip-stop nylon poncho. It may be used as a field expedient shelter. These garments are highly prized by nature lovers and rescue workers.

Most ponchos come in one size. When worn as a poncho there is 120 cm of coverage down your front and down the back. The poncho extends some 70 cm on each side across the shoulders and arms. The hood is located in the centre and includes a drawcord adjustment or closure.

Made with 30 to 210 denier ripstop nylon with silicon impregnation this fabric is incredibly strong and resilient. The German ponchos are made of rubberised nylon. Very waterproof, but heavier and not breathable.

Keep Dry: Airflow

When hiking or playing in wet weather you may find a poncho is best to keep dry from rain and avoid sweating. More airflow means less sweat. Ponchos by their very design are breathable. Since they don't fit close to the body they allow air to circulate from below.

Some ponchos have lightweight side zippers (instead of snaps or velcro) to give better wind protection. Usually four snaps are fitted to each side of the poncho to button it up or to attach another poncho and build a shelter.

Get Wet: Poncho Swimming

Swimming in an army poncho is easy and good fun. As you move it closely hugs your body and thus keeps out of the way. When you sit still in the water it floats around your body as a shelter and keeps some warmth in, especially if you wear clothes underneath.

Army ponchos often have a waist band inside the front to keep it close to your body when you wear it into the water. Only the lower part of your poncho floats about, but it can't cover your face.

Equipment Float

You can also tie it with a rope into a floating waterproof pack to keep your spare clothes dry if you cross open water. It can also be used as a tent or shelter. See below.

Groundsheet

Rubberised or heavy nylon ponchos make a robust ground sheet on the beach or for sleeping under a tarp at night. Two army ponchos can be connected to build simple tent for 2 or 3 people.

Versatile Shelter

In the infantry of Australia and the UK, a poncho is a shelter half which may also serve as a raincoat or individual shelter.

In operations where ponchos are used, one is carried by each person, and when combined with another forms a two-person tent.

Get your poncho as big as you can if want to use it as a tent. Multi-purpose ponchos offer decent rain protection when being worn or slept under. It is tough enough for use in an emergency shelter construction if need be.

Most army ponchos have grommet holes in the corners for use as a lean-to tarp or tent. You can get a 'poncho liner' that ties to the grommet holes in the army ponchos and converts them to sleeping bags.

There are several nylon webbing tie loops on the corners and along the edges for versatile tarp set up. Edges are fitted with light webbing tie loops and snap closures so it can be used as a tarp or turn it into a makeshift bivvy, pack cover or sleeping bag cover.

1. Dimensions: 5' x 8'
2. Length: 8 ft
3. Width: 5 ft
4. Weight: 10 oz (280g)
5. Packed Size: 3" x 6" Silcoat stuff sack
6. Capacity: 1 person

In the "Quartermaster Catalog" are some single person camo tents with bug netting that also convert to a poncho and hammock. Heavy for a poncho at 2 kg, but rather lightweight as a poncho, tent, and hammock.