Versatility is the key to survival in the world of outdoor adventure. With changing weather and demands of outdoor experiences, one piece of equipment stands out for its ability in adapting to the changing environment and requisites.

The ShellTA is unique with its ingenious design and flexible functions, such as a waterproof poncho, rucksack rain cover, mountain shelter (bothy bag), bivi bag, and one-man tent or tarp using trekking poles.

The ShellTA provides extra protection, or alternative warm weather waterproofing, for when a softshell isn’t enough. Because the poncho format gives excellent venting compared to a conventional waterproof, condensation inside is minimised. In windy weather you may want to wear it under a rucksack to keep it in place.

Useful for Swimmers

For open water swimmers the ShellTA can be your mobile changing room. It gives you privacy and keeps the wind chill off your back. You can use it as beach shelter to protect from sunburn while you snoooze or eat your lunch. Or you let the hydrophilic fabric dry you off.

Construction

The ShellTA is essentially a rectangle of breathable lightweight hydrophilic membrane-based fabric with a hood in the centre. Each side can be zipped up (from the inside) to create a poncho or shelter, while the unzipped sheet can be pitched as a tarp.

Poncho

At last a poncho that is long enough! Even for tall people it reaches below the the knees. If you find it too long for hill climbing, you can fold it up to be shorter. On windy days wear your rucksack on top of the poncho to keep it in place.

It has no sleeves, your arms stick out a bit, unless you keep them inside and pull up the zips. But the main idea is to layer this poncho over a soft shell top and pants for extra insulation and warmth. This then makes a comfy lightweight combination.

The hood and neck opening are tight enough not to flap around in the wind. It feels snug and turns with your head for better visibilty.

Bivi Bag

The zips can be attached to those on the opposite side to create a 260cm long bivi bag which is open at both ends. Press studs can reduce the size of the openings. A piece of cord can be used to tie off the foot end.

The tube is quite narrow. A summer sleeping bag fits in well and a winter bag can be squeezed in but may compress the fill a little. As a simple tube with no hood or real adjustment at the head end the ShellTA is more suitable as an emergency item than a bivi bag. The fabric is waterproof, but the zips only have small flaps.

Bothy Bag Shelter (Emergency Shelter)

Bothy bags are increasingly used by mountain rescue teams, outdoor centres and youth groups as emergency shelters. They create a surprisingly warm and sheltered environment for one or two people.

The ShellTA makes a cosy little bothy bag for two people and should always be in the bottom of your pack. You can share it with a friend during lunch breaks or sudden downpours. No need for tent poles and the like. You don't even have to make any changes from using it as a poncho. Just sit down and enjoy.

The zips open from the inside, so each of you has a little lookout opening. If it gets too rough outside, zip it up and snuggle up inside.

Tarp or One Man Tent

Lunch stops in the middle of the day can be more convenient with trekking poles and ShellTA as a tarp. It is a bit longer than the usual military ponchos. With a few pegs and a strings you can setup a nice tarp. Use a piece of cord to tie up the hood. Putting the pack sack over the top of a walking stick protects the ShellTA tarp.

Waterproof Hammock Cover

The ShellTA poncho makes a waterproof hammock cover that is suspended over your hammock to protect you from the rain, wind and shine. This versatile cover can also be used as a simple shelter or for extra cover at camp as well as much more.

Hydrophilic Fabric

The ShellTA fabric is hydrophilic, meaning that it attracts water. If you layer it over damp clothing, the ShellTA may actually dry your outer clothes by sucking moisture away from it. We will test this in detail later and report back here.

The hydrophilic fabric absorbs moisture and evaporates it on the outer surface, eliminating the need to remove damp clothes during rainy treks or between swims.

Wearing a waterproof poncho over any breathable waterproof jacket should increase the breathability. There is some airspace for the surface moisture to evaporate and a slight warming of the gap between poncho and jacket improves the vapour transmission of most membranes.

Tropical Test

We've tested the ShellTA in the hot and humid rain forests of Thailand. It was the beginning of the rainy season. Sunny mornings followed by thunderstorms with massive downpours in the afternoon. In short, ideal poncho weather.

Summary

Among different soft shell systems, ShellTA can prove to be perfect companion for the outdoors. While it is usually worn by only one person, two can sit inside during a meal break or a shower.

Carrying a ShellTA poncho allows for more fun outdoor adventures. With such a versatile piece of equipment, you never have to worry about wind and weather anymore. Bring on the rain!

Likes:
Very versatile.
Hood size.
Soft, breathable fabric.

Dislikes:
A bit narrow as bivi bag.