The Essential Guide to Poncho Tarps

It’s a nice review of the MLD poncho tarps, but the title implies that he considers other manufacturers as well.  As a Gatewood Cape user I feel somewhat slighted that he doesn’t mention other options.

I agree it can’t be an “essential guide” when it leaves out what anecdotally seems to be the leading product in the category (Gatewood Cape).

I was thinking the same thing. The article should have been entitled “MLD Pro Poncho Review.”

At 12 oz I can pack a Helium II Jacket and a 7′ X 9′ DCF tarp. I would also have my rain jacket to wear for extra warmth around camp, as well as keep me dry when I’m setting up my tarp.

Should have included all the leading contenders with weights, materials, dimensions and prices. For example, MyTrail, Equinox, Sea to Summit, Rab, Exped and ZPacks poncho/groundsheet. “Essential Guide” yea right.

Swami’s article never claimed to be a comprehensive review of poncho tarps.  Top of second paragraph, emphasis added:

For the handful of gearheads who are interested in the whys and wherefores of these multi-functional pieces of equipment, this article is for you.

And here’s the definition of “essential”

essential
(adjective)
absolutely necessary; extremely important:
[with infinitive] : it is essential to keep up-to-date records | fiber is an essential ingredient.
[attributive] fundamental or central to the nature of something or someone: the essential weakness of the plaintiff’s case.

I found the article “essential” to understanding the pros and cons of a poncho tarp – which matched my short-lived experiments with same.

YMMV.

— Rex

I don’t care what the title of the article is, I appreciated the information and learned a lot about poncho tarp camping.  I’m still not going to do it, and for having read this article I am now most certain that is the correct decision for me :)

I found the most telling bit to be the implicit assumption that you have a windshirt or some other ‘sort of’ rain wear.

I also thought it interesting, and humorous, that the author mentioned being willing to accept discomfort and that “whiners need not apply”.