Poncho advice

http://www.prolitegear.com/integral_designs_silcoat_cape.html

this is what I bought and I think I am going to really like it.

I curently own a integral designs poncho tarp and use it all the time. I love it however I recently purchased the MLD sil-poncho which I am waiting to arrive. I will continue to be used the ID poncho as a ground sheet for my tent.

The reason I decided on the MLD poncho is there were a couple of features I wanted.

1. Longer tarp, bing 6 foot 1 a slighty longer tarp that I can stake the ends to the ground would be usefull in heavy rains. I take my BMW bivy in string the hood with shock to to head end of my tarp which stops rain from the head end but I always worry about my feet. To be honest however, this has been not much of a problem, but I want to try more camping above treeline.

3. Wider tarp. The extra couple of inches again would provide better protection. It is more narrow at the foot end, but do not need much room there.

2. catanary cut. Being as tall as I am many of the other pitches do not work well, so I am already almosy always pitching an a-frame. Thus the catanary cut is just an advantage for me. Also, it will work better above treeline.

3. Any changes. I do like how my ID poncho is while wearing it. I worry somewhat that the MLD poncho will be too long, if so however, as a custom product, I can have it altered.

I too ordered a MLD Pro poncho with 1/2 foot chopped off the length. If you’re not going to use your poncho above the treeline I would go with the MLD poncho cause its multi-purpose (if you ever want to experiment with tarp/bivy set-ups). Also, you might find a poncho a little better in terms of breathability because of the open sides (as opposed to a dedicated cape).

But Ron’s design is definitely the best-of-all worlds. Having the poncho hood integrated into the ridgeline of a catenary tarp insures that your hood won’t leak even in the worst deluge.

Hello Sven, While this may not address your question, I am on the verge of making two ponchos (out of old fashioned/heavy 1.3 oz silnylon) that will snap together (military style) to form a goodly sized shelter for two. For solo hikes one could add a ‘snapped in’ poncho extender for a sightly wider (than poncho alone) ‘tarp’ for one. Cheers, Linsey

If you don’t need to use the poncho as a tarp, the Integral Designs cape is hard to beat. It really works well, is sipmle, and is 5 oz.

If you want a really nice tarp, that can be converted to a poncho, then the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape is worth a look. It makes an outstanding shelter, and functional poncho.