Army Poncho as Tarp

**Goblin** · 07-13-2010, 09:09

I've been curious for some time on the usefulness of an Army poncho as a tarp. I bought the poncho this last weekend and, last night, I set my hammock. Lucky for me, it was just before some north Georgia hard rain, so I got a real test out of it. Sorry, no pictures, so close your eyes and visualize... spritz some water on your face to get the full affect.

The poncho is not square, so when hung as a tarp, it hangs asymmetrically. Also note that I'm using a Grand Trunk Ultralight which is actually about 9 feet long with my ridgeline set to about 7 feet. I hung my hammock ridgeline so that it was touching the tarp to get as much protection as possible.

Once I climbed in, I laid diagonally with the long of the tarp. I could easily see where the short side of the tarp was dangerously close to my head. It gave a great view so I could look around, but gave worries with the rain.

The amazing thing is that I did not get wet. The not so amazing thing is that there was no wind. With anything beyond a light breeze, I think my head or my feet would be getting wet. This will definitely be my go to tarp for when I only need protection from the dew or a misting rain. It has much more of a open feeling verses my 8'x10' and has earned a permanent spot in my pack (and it also fits over me and my pack when hiking).

**Poppabear** · 07-13-2010, 09:23

It is always good to add another option to your hanging arsenal. You can never have to many hammock hanging weapons at your disposal.

**Spogatz** · 07-13-2010, 10:33

The old army poncho I have is a little on the heavy side. May they have changed since I got mine.

**Savage** · 07-13-2010, 10:44

The mil-spec poncho that I have is light enough but, I wouldn't use it for a hammock tarp. The dimensions aren't enough to cover my WBBB 1.7. If I were on a dayhike, I might take it for a temp shelter and rain protection. In a hitch I might use it for overhead cover or a lean-to.

John S

**KerMegan** · 07-13-2010, 11:08

a couple of grizz-beaks might solve the prob for only a tiny amount of ounces...

**MikeM** · 07-13-2010, 11:35

I've used the GI poncho as a beak on the Hennessy Hex, and as a ground tarp, but never tried to sleep under one as a hammock tarp. I might have to give it a try with my GT.

**trekkingnut** · 07-18-2010, 08:02

is it big enough??? the british army poncho def isnt big enough to fit a hennessy explorer delux under... not even close... you would get drenched....