Rain Protection

Doesn't Frogg Toggs make an inexpensive and supposedly-breathable poncho?
Might that vent a little better? They are light and cheap enough. I don't see the point is spending much money on a poncho unless it is also some sort of fancy shelter, and even then I'd rather have two separate items to fit those bills.

Me, I only use a poncho when I don't care if I get wet :)

The Driducks poncho isn't designed for backpacking— it has no rear extension.

Breathable fabric is unecessary with a poncho. You might as well have silnylon and get the durability and shelter option.

I've used a Dri Ducks poncho over my pack before. There are 2 snap-sets on each side – when used over the pack, it hikes the back flap up enough that the back/lower snap, snaps to the front/upper snap. Still adequate to cover the pack though. You get the good ventilation, and no rain between the pack and your back.
Kelly

I have been pondering finally just switching to the zpack poncho groundsheet in the sierra this summer. As light as it is it doesn't really come down to weight. It weighs the same as my essence jacket, and the ground sheet it replaces is only a few oz. Mostly it comes down to fewer gear items, better ventilation and the extra protection of the pack.

Also I look dead sexy as a tossed salad.

I wish somebody would make a pair of poncho tarps that mate together to form a two person shelter. That would be super cool. Not sure how it would be done though…

Derek that was the standard military set up for a long time. They called them shelter halves.