Fun With a Poncho. . . multitasking

[Deleted member 67185]

As I was pondering about non-COVID things, I wondered what kind of multitasking master list we could come up with for the lowly poncho.

• A shelter lean-to. (A bit of cord and trekking poles make it even more independent in setting up.)
• A sun shelter, it can be rigged up to provide you shade in hot climates.
• Ground cloth: Under a tent, or a survival shelter, a poncho can protect you from the damp ground. If you are in a cold damp climate, this can help you stay warm.
• Wind Break: While a poncho without the liner does not have much insulating qualities, you will be warmer if you wrap up in the poncho in windy weather, this will help protect you from wind chill.
• Privacy -- great emergency privacy screen when needing to do some 'elimination' business and natural coverage of bushes or tall grass is scarce. It also works when needing to change pants or shorts.
• Sit pad. When taking a break and sitting surfaces are damp.
• Mattress cover.
• Can make an emergency backpack or carryall.
• Windshell to add a bit of extra warmth to layers. Great for cool, early mornings when you need something that can be quickly removed after you have warmed up from walking.

Your turn

 

[Jeff Crawley]

• Water collector for a solar still
• Line a depression in the ground and fill with water to make a foot bath/wash tub
• Mobile sweat lodge (who hasn't worn a poncho and been wetter on the inside than the out?)
• Privacy screen (2) curtain for the lower bunk dweller

• (depending on quality of poncho and weight of occupant) makeshift hammock

 

[OzAnnie]

Did you purposely leave out it’s main use/ I would have thought it’s primary use ?
Rain coat

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I like this game . . . Hiking Poles

• tent/tarp pole
• washing line across window frame
• cat hole digging stick
• makeshift triangular pack frame
• fencing foil
• drum major mace
• snorer prodder
• leg splint

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

I know this is supposed to be light-hearted, but could I suggest hiking poles for self=defense?

 

[Former member 62607]

Thinking First aid uses if in remote area:
To keep casualty warm
To make an arm sling
To tie legs together as an emergency splint
To make an emergency stretcher to move someone if no hope of an ambulance or other help - but granted these would be extreme situations.

 

[benny aumala]

As I was pondering about non-COVID things, I wondered what kind of multitasking master list we could come up with for the lowly poncho.

• A shelter lean-to. (A bit of cord and trekking poles make it even more independent in setting up.)
• A sun shelter, it can be rigged up to provide you shade in hot climates.
• Ground cloth: Under a tent, or a survival shelter, a poncho can protect you from the damp ground. If you are in a cold damp climate, this can help you stay warm.
• Wind Break: While a poncho without the liner does not have much insulating qualities, you will be warmer if you wrap up in the poncho in windy weather, this will help protect you from wind chill.
• Privacy -- great emergency privacy screen when needing to do some 'elimination' business and natural coverage of bushes or tall grass is scarce. It also works when needing to change pants or shorts.
• Sit pad. When taking a break and sitting surfaces are damp.
• Mattress cover.
• Can make an emergency backpack or carryall.
• Windshell to add a bit of extra warmth to layers. Great for cool, early mornings when you need something that can be quickly removed after you ave warmed up from walking.

Your turn

Cover the banket if feel cold in bed.

 

[K Turner]

I'm currently using my hiking poles to prop open the door on my pop-up camper!

 

[Dromengro]

As a kite.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

As a kite.

Hmmm, nice idea, but has it been "tried and true"? ...I assume are you speaking of the poncho and poles both used together? I think it needs a wind of hurricane force to lift it in the air!

 

[El Cascayal]

Mobile sweat lodge (who hasn't worn a poncho and been wetter on the inside than the out?
Love, love, love this. So freaking true.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Mobile sweat lodge (who hasn't worn a poncho and been wetter on the inside than the out?
Love, love, love this. So freaking true.

That sure can be the case, just as with rain jackets.

A lot depends on the poncho used, its ability to maintain airflow, and how it is worn. I know that even compared to my eVent WP/b rain jacket, I stay much drier from interior condensation with my poncho.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

If the right color, a poncho could be staked to the ground to indicate where the rescue helocopter should land to pick you up when you see you have developed a blister.

If a camouflage design, wear it when the "petitioners" who can't hear you and can't talk to you approach so they won't be able to see you either.

Spread it on top of pits to trap elephants.

Have two friends hold a poncho up when entering albergues, museums, etc. to get "buy two, get one free" admissions.

Have four friends hold the ends to provide a hammock.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Rick, you can be so creatively hilarious!

 

[trecile]

I used my poncho as a portable dressing room when I used a laundromat to heat treat my clothing and gear. There was no bathroom nearby, so my poncho (actually a homemade "parcho" with sleeves) worked great!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Rick, you can be so creatively hilarious!

Dave did say Fun With a Poncho.

 

[Michael-FL]

As I was pondering about non-COVID things, I wondered what kind of multitasking master list we could come up with for the lowly poncho.

• A shelter lean-to. (A bit of cord and trekking poles make it even more independent in setting up.)
• A sun shelter, it can be rigged up to provide you shade in hot climates.
• Ground cloth: Under a tent, or a survival shelter, a poncho can protect you from the damp ground. If you are in a cold damp climate, this can help you stay warm.
• Wind Break: While a poncho without the liner does not have much insulating qualities, you will be warmer if you wrap up in the poncho in windy weather, this will help protect you from wind chill.
• Privacy -- great emergency privacy screen when needing to do some 'elimination' business and natural coverage of bushes or tall grass is scarce. It also works when needing to change pants or shorts.
• Sit pad. When taking a break and sitting surfaces are damp.
• Mattress cover.
• Can make an emergency backpack or carryall.
• Windshell to add a bit of extra warmth to layers. Great for cool, early mornings when you need something that can be quickly removed after you have warmed up from walking.

Your turn

All stuff I learned as a Boy Scout

 

[WalkingJane]

Did you purposely leave out it’s main use/ I would have thought it’s primary use ?
Rain coat

While using it this "main" way, one rainy and windy day, my poncho nearly turned into a sort of kite, trying to lift me right up and off.... Sadly, this did not turn out to become a free ride.

 

[BarbaraW]

I'm in the rain jacket camp, so can offer no suggestions from experience. But I have been thinking of making myself a sort of short cape to replace the rucksack cover and deal with the rain down the back issue. The pattern would be an egg shape with a face hole near one end. If laid flat, it would just about work as a the top half of a bivvi bag provided I kept my knees bent..............
Or perhaps not.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

While using it this "main" way, one rainy and windy day, my poncho nearly turned into a sort of kite, trying to lift me right up and off.... Sadly, this did not turn out to become a free ride.

That can be a pain Fortunately, there are techniques to keep such things from happening.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I'm in the rain jacket camp, so can offer no suggestions from experience. But I have been thinking of making myself a sort of short cape to replace the rucksack cover and deal with the rain down the back issue. The pattern would be an egg shape with a face hole near one end. If laid flat, it would just about work as a the top half of a bivvi bag provided I kept my knees bent..............
Or perhaps not.

When I did use rain jackets, I never used a backpack cover during rain. I had a waterproof liner inside the packbag, like a garbage compactor bag, and also used lightweight waterproof stuff sacks to contain sleeping gear and clothing. I didn't worry about the backpack getting wet.

As to the potential of water down the neck, a hat with a broad brim in back will help divert water.

One of the reasons that I decided to start using ponchos, after decades of using rain jackets while backpacking, is that I can quickly pull it out of the side pocket of my backpack and slip it on over my backpack. I do not even have to stop. I usually do pause for the ten seconds it takes to put on, though, because I am a bit clumsy I do not need to take my backpack off, put on a rain jacket, put the backpack back on.

This is a huge factor for me when it rains. And as is often the case, when it rains off and on during the walk. Periodic sprinkles and showers can eat up a lot of time and energy with a rain jacket IF you take it off and put it on based on the immediate conditions.

With a poncho, I can respond to conditions within seconds. I can whip off the poncho as soon as the rain has slowed or stopped, and not question "should I wait to see if it starts back up?" Keeps condensation way down.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

That can be a pain Fortunately, there are techniques to keep such things from happening.

I've used a piece of bungee type cord as a belt for the poncho which works well.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

When I did use rain jackets, I never used a backpack cover during rain. I had a waterproof liner inside the packbag, like a garbage compactor bag, and also used lightweight waterproof stuff sacks to contain sleeping gear and clothing. I didn't worry about the backpack getting wet.

As to the potential of water down the neck, a hat with a broad brim in back will help divert water.

One of the reasons that I decided to start using ponchos, after decades of using rain jackets while backpacking, is that I can quickly pull it out of the side pocket of my backpack and slip it on over my backpack. I do not even have to stop. I usually do pause for the ten seconds it takes to put on, though, because I am a bit clumsy I do not need to take my backpack off, put on a rain jacket, put the backpack back on.

This is a huge factor for me when it rains. And as is often the case, when it rains off and on during the walk. Periodic sprinkles and showers can eat up a lot of time and energy with a rain jacket IF you take it off and put it on based on the immediate conditions.

With a poncho, I can respond to conditions within seconds. I can whip off the poncho as soon as the rain has slowed or stopped, and not question "should I wait to see if it starts back up?" Keeps condensation way down.

I have used both, and find they each have their own good and not so good features. Too bad there is not a perfect miracle rain covering. I suppose the Altus combines the two quite well...most people who own one seem to really like them.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I know this is supposed to be light-hearted, but could I suggest hiking poles for self=defense?

Ah! The original Pilgrim Staff



It's my bunk! Move your pack!

No! I saw it first! Eat dust Pilgrim!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

While using it this "main" way, one rainy and windy day, my poncho nearly turned into a sort of kite, trying to lift me right up and off.... Sadly, this did not turn out to become a free ride.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

View attachment 75237

Looks like a free ride to me!

 

[catheriam]

I like this game . . . Hiking Poles

• tent/tarp pole
• washing line across window frame
• cat hole digging stick
• makeshift triangular pack frame
• fencing foil
• drum major mace
• snorer prodder
• leg splint

Snorer proder! Love it! Of course, I never snore -- it's unladlylike and always someone else!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Snorer proder! Love it! Of course, I never snore -- it's unladlylike and always someone else!

So true!

 

[WalkingJane]

View attachment 75237

Perfect. Thanks!

 

[Anniesantiago]

As I was pondering about non-COVID things, I wondered what kind of multitasking master list we could come up with for the lowly poncho.

• A shelter lean-to. (A bit of cord and trekking poles make it even more independent in setting up.)
• A sun shelter, it can be rigged up to provide you shade in hot climates.
• Ground cloth: Under a tent, or a survival shelter, a poncho can protect you from the damp ground. If you are in a cold damp climate, this can help you stay warm.
• Wind Break: While a poncho without the liner does not have much insulating qualities, you will be warmer if you wrap up in the poncho in windy weather, this will help protect you from wind chill.
• Privacy -- great emergency privacy screen when needing to do some 'elimination' business and natural coverage of bushes or tall grass is scarce. It also works when needing to change pants or shorts.
• Sit pad. When taking a break and sitting surfaces are damp.
• Mattress cover.
• Can make an emergency backpack or carryall.
• Windshell to add a bit of extra warmth to layers. Great for cool, early mornings when you need something that can be quickly removed after you have warmed up from walking.

Your turn

I slept under my poncho one spring in the Roncesvalles albergue when one of my clients forgot to bring her sleeping bag. I gave her my bag and the ALTUS kept me toasty warm!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Though not in the market immediately, I have looked at the Helikon and Snugpak offerings of the combo, Poncho / Blanket. With the two together, perhaps a sleeping bag is not needed.

 

[GinaMarie]

I wonder if hiking poles could be used for an impromptu game of street hockey?

 

[leichecerca]

I like this game . . . Hiking Poles

• tent/tarp pole
• washing line across window frame
• cat hole digging stick
• makeshift triangular pack frame
• fencing foil
• drum major mace
• snorer prodder
• leg splint

Snorer prodder - haha

 

[taigirl]

As I was pondering about non-COVID things, I wondered what kind of multitasking master list we could come up with for the lowly poncho.

• A shelter lean-to. (A bit of cord and trekking poles make it even more independent in setting up.)
• A sun shelter, it can be rigged up to provide you shade in hot climates.
• Ground cloth: Under a tent, or a survival shelter, a poncho can protect you from the damp ground. If you are in a cold damp climate, this can help you stay warm.
• Wind Break: While a poncho without the liner does not have much insulating qualities, you will be warmer if you wrap up in the poncho in windy weather, this will help protect you from wind chill.
• Privacy -- great emergency privacy screen when needing to do some 'elimination' business and natural coverage of bushes or tall grass is scarce. It also works when needing to change pants or shorts.
• Sit pad. When taking a break and sitting surfaces are damp.
• Mattress cover.
• Can make an emergency backpack or carryall.
• Wisndshell to add a bit of extra warmth to layers. Great for cool, early mornings when you need something that can be quickly removed after you have warmed up from walking.

Your turn

My poncho actually has reinforced holes around the base for tent poles in case shelter is needed.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Hiking poles collapsed and tied together can also be used for a makeshift litter for carrying an inured person.

 

[nhgyy76]

Good to wear or fun with poncho and always good to have this on my wardrobe.

 

[Phil Smith]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1289972573157994496

 

[Jeff Crawley]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1289972573157994496

Tantalisingly unavailable Tweet!