After reading some of the post for the packable raingear, how many of you use a poncho as your ONLY choice of raingear on backcountry/bivy hunts where you don't have the option of being at your truck every night. Any thiughts on this would be welcome.
Steve
Been doing it this way for 3 years in Idaho, 1 in Colorado, and 1 in NM without anything but my military Poncho.
I like the poncho because it will cover my bow and arrows, as well as keep me reasonably dry. Easy to pack and easy on and off.
The idea is good, but I'm tall. When I was in the Army we were issued ponchos. I never had one that'd come down much below my knees. I was always wet from the knees down. I didn't like them then. :rolleyes:
Maybe there are better ones out there now, there probably is, but I don't use one now. :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
Frank
The idea is good, but I'm tall. When I was in the Army we were issued ponchos. I never had one that'd come down much below my knees. I was always wet from the knees down. I didn't like them then. :rolleyes:
Maybe there are better ones out there now, there probably is, but I don't use one now. :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
Frank
I've used a poncho and it was good rain protection for myself and pack/equipment. It doesn't work well for actually hunting, either gets in the way or is noisy.
I liked a poncho back in Illinois but after 25 years in western Washington, I just got good rain gear, since you're walking in such wet brush all the time it's as bad from below as it is from above.
Might be a good idea on this side of the Cascades, tho.
i think they would be good for ducking in under a tree and covering up from a short rain shower, but not to good for moving around and actually hunting in,
to floppy and makes your profile larger, IMO.
if your gonna be out in a drizzly overcast day,(all day) better get a lightweight rainsuit, and boots!
I sometimes carry a poncho in my pack when hunting out west, where rain is generally scarce in September. Work fine for waiting out a passing storm. I can't hunt effectively in them. Too noisy, difficult to get the tarp out of the way for a shot, etc. If I know it's going to be wet, and I'm near my base camp or vehicle, I carry rain gear instead. In most cases, I count on my wool to get me through light to moderate rains.
I used one for years in the Army and hated them the entire time. They are poor rain gear. The army issues actual rain gear in addition to the ponchos. The only thing we used them for was improvised camping. I carry one as a light weight emergency shelter. If you want ultralight weight and cheap buy frog togs rain gear. It is a bit noisy. Otherwise drop the cash on good light and quiet rain gear and keep the poncho for emergency shelter use.
That's all I have used on 6 hunts out west, 3 of which were rained or snowed on heavily. But I am not really willing to carry another set of clothes just for rain. The poncho will do for me. If you are willing to carry another set of clothes, there are better choices for sure. Some are probably even smaller and lighter but more expensive. And I am seriously cheap.
My experience with ponchos in the Army was good, and actually liked it better than the rain pants and jackets they issued in TA50 (other stuff,not so much!). That said, I use a poncho as my only rain gear when hunting, but realistically our season is so early in the fall, it only gets used to wait out really a really bad downpour.
I am not tall (5'7" on a good day), so I just use gaiters on my lower legs for protection if it is seriously wet getting from point A to point B.
Since ponchos are inexpensive compared to a set of rain pants and jacket, why not get one and try it out? If you don't like it, it will definitely have others uses.
My two cents, your mileage may vary.
Day trips I take a poncho, because it can make a good bivy if it turns into an unexpected overnighter. I've had that happen a lot. Get into game and decide that the chase is on :D I've spent many a night under a poncho with a fire ripping and all my clothes on.
Now if it was a planned overnighter or longer. I pack cheap hardshell rainpants, and a Westcomb eVent jacket. And if its real crappy, I head back to camp and light a fire in the stove and drink some Scotch and take a nap.