Mil-Tec US Style Waterproof Poncho Ripstop Hooded

this was large enough for my chunky frame (21 stones worth) while carrying a ruc-sac. Use it mainly when I am out walking the dog for when the rain catches me out. seems tough enough, it is waterproof and is actually very comfortable even if it makes me look a little strange :)This is a follow up to my initial review which I wrote after the first couple of weeks.I have used this repeatedly since purchase because when I am at work it covers me and my PC backpack, and when I am out with the dog it covers me, my dog bag and keeps me dry without much in the way of condensation. I have also used it a small number of times as a tarp to go over my hammock and I used it once as a ad-hoc shelter when the weather closed in and trapped me on the moors in Yorkshire. This was a not a real survival situation as all that was required was protection from the weather (poncho 2 walking poles and some Para cord) a hot drink provided by my trusty meths stove and a little patience, in truth the dog was more bored than I was and insisted that he needed to torment the local bunny population :).All Ponchos seem to be of a uniform size which for me makes them a little small. Based on my usage I would like to seem them all around 10 cm wider and 20 to 30 cm longer which I know will increase the price but I believe it will make them even more useful. perhaps a poncho XL?? if anyone sells one of these please do let me know :)In terms of the use I have had however I have found it to be useful and resilient to wear and tear easy to maintain (wipe it over when it's dirty) it is a multi-use flexible. it has even served as a picnic sheet and as seat padding while waiting for the 5:30 am train allowing me to sit without freezing my butt off :) I would heartily recommend this anyone.

I have waited to review this product as a) I seldom write reviews - I usually forget, and b) I wanted to give it a good test first. Bought it on a whim after a major downpour on the way to work which completely soaked me, my handbag and its contents. It is large but I expected this and it was one of it's selling points for me as I wanted something that would cover me and everything I was carrying, the slight downside to that is that it can be a bit bulky and heavy and if you are looking to keep/stash it in your handbag in a just in case kind of way, then this possibly isn't for you, but it is very effective. I used it for Bonfire night when it was rather cool and damp and my little one was able to hide under it with his head sticking out the side to watch the fireworks. We have also used it as a ground sheet so we could sit and have our hot drinks and treats when there was no seating available. I have used it in snow, rain, hail and just generally the cold and at a little over 5ft 7" it has been more than long enough to keep me dry with or without boots. It is large so it can be a challenge on very windy days but I soon got the hang of keeping it in check so that I could walk in straight lines! It arrived when it was expected.

This needs to be reviewed after wearing in various downpours and wind conditions to be of any real value to those reading. However, my guess is that this poncho will be more effective than most, if not all waterproof coats, some of which can be £00’s to buy.I chose this item because I commute on public transport, preferred something small and compact when stored, genuinely weather proof and I walk 1.5 hours a day. My biggest frustration with the 20 min walk part of my commute during periods of rain, is that most coats let the water run off onto my trousers, leaving them soaked from the hip down. Not ideal for a 1 hr train journey to follow. The poncho allows the rain to run off much lower down the leg. So whilst not a complete solution, I can tolerate wet trousers from the calves down.Water proof trousers are an additional and notable option.The poncho has bags of room underneath and would easily accomodate a day sack.The hood is massive, enough for two. It has draw strings but if when 'drawn' reduce the aperture and restrict visibility, for the most part covering your eyes. It’s not ideal. The alternative is to leave un tied and hold the hood in place when windy, again, not ideal.I've noticed many weatherproof coats with hoods, are designed over size nowadays. Odd because most people dont wear climbing helmets to work.The poncho has numerous tie cords inside, which I guess were designed with a useful purpose in mind. However, not understanding what that purpose is they are a nuisance when putting the poncho on, and then having them trailing about. I’ll probably cut them off.The popper studs which secure the poncho sides are solid and allow scope to fix your wings so to speak.Whilst this is a great defence against downpours I can imagine when the wind whips up it will present different challenges to the wearer. Something similar to a kite with a broken string!Choose wisely.

This product is perfectly adequate given the low price - how much can you actually say about a waterproof sheet with a hole in the middle? Having said that, it is quite a lot heavier than advertised. I weighed mine (yes, I know, very sad....) and it comes in at 630g, not 375g as advertised, which is a bit irritating given that I plan to use it on rain forest fieldwork and every gram counts. I'd appreciate a more honest product description. Having said that, very lightweight ponchos flap around and are clingy, so maybe it's no bad thing that it is a bit heavier. Otherwise, it's pretty robust - poppers down the sides, capacious hood, various laces and draw strings and a nice little stuff sack. I am sure it will do the job.