Best Poncho/Shelter Design

http://www.sixmoonsdesigns.com sells the gatewood cape, which would be perfect for your needs.

Linkage:
mountain laurel designs
exped
integral designs

I have the GoLite poncho/tarp and really like it.

campmor has one too. look for the "extension" one. I have never seen one.

I have one; it's actually an Equinox.

I've got a Gatewood Cape, and they're awesome. All the advantages of a poncho/tarp, but with more overall protection (though less ventilation), all in an 11 ounce package. Got to love that :D

Tom

I have and like the Sea to Summit PonchoTarp. It weighs 11.5oz without the little stuff sack that comes with it.
I actually stuff the thing in the hipbelt of my Mariposa Plus pack.
It does great triple duty as an emergency shelter (A-frame), pack cover and rain poncho.
I have yet to use as a primary shelter in a lean-to pitch but I will try it out next year in the summer.
I always hated the clammy feeling of a rain jacket. And the ponchoTarp with its open sides with button snaps I don't get that feeling.
Only downside is the weight of course. I would like to make my own someday with half the weight.

the Six moon designs gatewood cape looks like an excellent shelter, full coverage shelter and packcover/raingear, but I have not bought one, because I like having multiple pitching options.
my recomendations would be either the Integral designs sil poncho, or the golite poncho tarp. both companies make excellent products. The golite is a little longer, and narrower.

most any poncho 8 ft or more will work for a shelter/pack cover. I made a copy of the MLD pro poncho, and it provides better pack coverage than regular ponchos because it is wider in the back. it also works better as a shelter than regular ponchos because it gives you more room at the head and tapers to the foot. I would highly recommend it as the best poncho.

I am partial to the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape. The nice thing about the cape is there is no need for a bivy in inclement weather. Pitch all the way to the ground and you are set.

Has BPL ever done a group test of ponchotarps?
You know, get a few people and do an overnighter in less than perfect weather using ponchotarp systems. I would be interested in a thorough back-to-back test of these products in real (wet windy bush) conditions.

Andrew,

You can see a real world comparison on this website at The Poncho Tarp: Techniques and Gear Systems for Inclement Conditions .

I think this one does require membership to read.

Ron

This is a great help – I looked in the wrong place.