GoreTex pack ponchos

[TerraMer]

Hi All,

In Nepal I remember seeing these long poncho designs that went over the pack as well as down to the knees. I'm wondering if these are available in Australia and of good quality material and durability?

Cheers

[eggs]

Were you thinking of this one?
http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=9569#p126807

[TerraMer]

No, not like that. Just like a big long goretex hooded poncho but with more room in the back for any size pack regardless of how much gear is strapped to it and covered down to the knee for a 5'10" hiker. The ones in Nepal looked very durable and were waterproof, tested by some fellow trekkers in the Annapurna Ranges in monsoon season. It seemed so much easier to wear one poncho instead of a jacket, overpants and pack cover. I've spent 5 years wishing I had bought some and posted them home. Sea 2 Summit have something similar.

Has anyone tried this one, how long does it stay dry in persistent rain, would it be suitable for days of walking in the rain or is it designed just for temporary shelter while on the move? http://www.seatosummit.com.au/showdetai ... de=APONCHO

[Bluegum Mic]

Hi.

I've not used one but I have often thought about using one here in QLD (but have since changed my mind as it would tear in two seconds flat as all the plants seem to want to eat you I have noticed however Lafuma appear to do one (in goretex) and there was someone selling them on ebay.

[bmak]

Ive been looking at them for awhile. Most just don't look durable enough.
Hoping someone had experience with them

[johnw]

Has anyone tried this one, how long does it stay dry in persistent rain, would it be suitable for days of walking in the rain or is it designed just for temporary shelter while on the move? http://www.seatosummit.com.au/showdetai ... de=APONCHO

I have the straight nylon version of the STS one (same design as the silnylon). My experience is that it will blow up over your head in a strong wind leaving everything exposed to the elements. You need to find a way to secure it. Some comments and photos from me and others in this topic:
http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2356&p=21521&hilit=tarp+poncho#p21507

Also worth searching the forums for "tarp poncho" as they have been discussed a few times in different topics.

[TerraMer]

Thanks John

[Franco]

take another look at the packa.
That one in eVent looked a bit odd but this video might give you a better idea of how it works :
http://youtu.be/5y6Belr3mrA

it is available like that in eVent.
(Edward at "the Packa" does custom work too, so you might be able to get a longer version...)
It isn't as long as a poncho but I have found the poncho type (S2S and from reading comments similar experiences with others) to be not well suited for anything but groomed trails.
They tend to blow all over the place, are not shaped so you have loose fabric flapping about and the sil version (for me) was too sweaty anyway.
Mind you I am talking about the poncho tarp so not so sure about a poncho with room for backpack but no tarp bit... ...
Franco
(no I don't have a packa...)

[Nuts]

I'd like to give a positive comment, I like your avatar..

But I cant, iv'e seen a lot of sad looking people on the Overland Track struggling with these (europeans mainly), and on a good open track... A tough breathable jacket is the go in Oz.
Just to add (on the OLT) you don't need a pack cover, you can find one along the way...

[walkinTas]

Exped make a bivy poncho.
AFAIK military still use them. Wellington Supplies sell a range of basic ponchos. I have a poly cotton version that comes down to mid thigh. It weight 392g but I like it because it packs flat, fits in the hydration sleeve on the pack, and provides a good quick coverall. I agree with Johnw though, not the best in high winds.

[Nuts]

I have a poly cotton version that comes down to mid thigh.

Sounds even worse?

I guess they would be good for those that can't otherwise find an appropriate size, like the guy looking for 4XL??

[corvus]

Exped make a bivy poncho.
AFAIK military still use them. Wellington Supplies sell a range of basic ponchos. I have a poly cotton version that comes down to mid thigh. It weight 392g but I like it because it packs flat, fits in the hydration sleeve on the pack, and provides a good quick coverall. I agree with Johnw though, not the best in high winds.

wT ,
Interested as to why you subscribe to and appear promote this poncho thread especially as you are based in Tasmania where I guess most of your walking is done.
Polly cotton fabric mid thigh give me a good old fashioned proper IMHO raincoat,mine is a PP Vagabond Goretex with Taslan outer fabric, knee length ,yes it was expensive however it is still very serviceable after many years of use.
Rainshell/Coat is one item I will never compromise in Tasmania even if it does weigh more than some members tents /shelters
corvus

[Miyata610]

......
Just to add (on the OLT) you don't need a pack cover, you can find one along the way...

LOL

Anyway.... a poncho that you can put on without removing your pack... and may have other functions like a tent footprint sounds like a fine idea.

Not that I've ever tried it.

[walkinTas]

wT, Interested as to why you subscribe to and appear promote this poncho thread especially as you are based in Tasmania where I guess most of your walking is done.

I have carried the poncho for years, either in the spine of my day pack, in with the bladder in my camel back, in with the so called "weather proof" cover in my Lowepro camera sling, or tie to the bottom of my main pack or shoved in a pocket. It provides a quick ground sheet for kneeling or sitting; a throw-over when using a wet log as a seat; a ground sheet for my vestibule which is really handy and avoids kneeling on wet ground to come and go from the tent; a cover to wrap the pack in when I want to drop the main pack, or camera bag for a while and just walk around taking photos. And its also a great two-second rain cover, just put it over you, pack and all. I especially like the fact that I can wear my pack under the rain cover, so both the pack and I stay dry. This is very handy on day trips with just the camera sling. I can carry the sling on my back under the poncho, and turn the sling around to the front without any problem. I can even use the poncho as a tarp to work under with the camera and tripod in light showers. It measures 1.1m down the side seam and 1.4m across the shoulder seam. So it folds out to a ground sheet 1.4m X 2.2m. Very handy! It folds up to about 150mm square about 35-40mm thick and packs away easily.

Its not my main rain gear. I still carry a Goretex coat and waterproof trousers for the serious wet, but in light showers where precipitation is just a nuisance factor, the poncho allows me to walk and work and it keeps me and the gear dry. I'm not sure where mine came from - I imagine from Allgoods in Launceston many years ago - but it looks almost identical to the poly-cotton ponchos at Wellington Supplies. I also own an Outdoor Research pack poncho, but I don't like it much at all - and its not as versatile.

[corvus]

wT ,
To each their own and I guess an extra 392 g is a mere bagatelle to the camera gear you carry.
corvus

[walkinTas]

Lighter would be nice - if it was important. Poncho 392g, pack cover 106g with none of the convenience. Camera gear 3.4kg. On day trips I never give weight a second thought.