Hiking in the rain can be fun if you have a hiking poncho with you. Keep one in your pack at all times in case of a sudden downpour. It is beautifully relaxing to sit in the rain inside your hiking poncho and listen to the raindrops as they fall onto the fabric, form little puddles and then roll off.

Dry Backpack

Some hiking ponchos have an extension for your backpack that folds out when needed. They are specially designed with flaps that can be extended to cover you and your backpack. The bottom edge of the poncho may have a shock cord fitted to enable the poncho to be snugged around the bottom of a backpack and tied off around the wearer's waist for security in windy conditions.

The one drawback for the fashion conscious hiker is that hiking ponchos can look a bit unattractive if worn over your backpack. You will end up looking like a hunchback. Oh well, a small price to pay.

Spare Swimsuit

If you decide to go for a spontaneous swim you can wear your poncho instead of a swimsuit, or on top of your clothes for extra warmth. Hiking ponchos usually have a strap that connects the front and back between your legs to keep them from riding up in wind or water. 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 shouldn't cover you face. The back can be buttoned to the front and thus should stay in place when you run or swim.

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.

Army Surplus Ponchos

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. Keep one in your pack at all times in case of a sudden downpour. Try it out before you go travelling.

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.

The German ponchos are made of rubberised nylon. Very waterproof, but heavier and not breathable.

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. Four snaps are fitted to each side of the poncho to button it up or to attach another poncho and build a shelter.

Versatile Shelter

Get your poncho as big as you can, you may 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.