The Military Poncho and its Survival Uses

The Military Poncho is a piece of survival gear all wilderness backpackers should have with them on their adventures. I can be used for many different applications. mtheamericanbackpacker.tv ([e-mail])

[@Cetok01]

It could also serve as an improvised shower. Tie off the hood at the neck with a simple overhand knot, invert and fill the poncho with water. Tie a long line around the gathered end of the poncho (the new "up" end) and hoist it so that the hood is above your head but within reach. Carefully and slowly loosening the hood knot, open it just enough to allow a trickle of water to flow; adjusting the hood shape will affect the configuration and flow rate of the shower. If you've hoisted it in a sunny area, you'll have a warm/hot shower after a short wait.

[@ehsoule]

Very useful information, thank you.

[@eodnavigator]

Great job,,! Thanks

[@meiam1130]

Great useful info ! Thanks :) 👍

[@willl447]

You can also use a poncho liner in it. Also you can use it as a sleeping bag with a poncho liner.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Absolutely, a poncho liner is very lightweight and can be used in place of a sleeping bag. Thanks for commenting

[@runswithbigfoot2249]

Great info

[@MarcMallary]

I like the breathable ripstop poncho. It's lighter too.

[@clydemactavish3457]

Amazing video for such a versatile piece of equipment. Can you tell me what specific poncho you use in the video? Thanks a ton.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Yes, a poncho has many uses. My poncho was purchased years ago at a military surplus store. It is a military issue which you can find online. If you have a military surplus store near you they may have one as well.

[@couchcamperTM]

I believe in 2 Ponchos more than in one tarp ;-) versatility is key.

[@Community-Action]

Secure the grommets together and get two sticks to make a simple stretcher to extract wounded. Will require a second person.

[@saftovooey4569]

You got some thick grass.

[@Flockingtheherd]

Looking at getting one for camping. What brand poncho is this it looks very durable

[@dkfloza]

Great informative video. Where can I get one of these ponchos from that has a genuine quality, it’s not a knockout, if I’ve never served military?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Your best bet so as not to get a knock off is to go to your local Army surplus store. There you can see, feel, and talk to the owner about the military poncho. Many online stores say what they are selling is real but many are counterfeit versions.

[@MaryannHazel]

Any recommendations on measurements? Thank you!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Hi Maryann, this poncho is about 56” x 90”

[@vitaliyhope4132]

Thanks you so much, I'm from Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@moondragon05]

can yours be used as a hammock too? and will it support your weight?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Yes it could be used as a hammock. A good military poncho will hold about 220 pounds of body weight with the proper cordage and setup.

[@shaunmiller9369]

What kind of carabiner are they?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I believe what you are asking is the nite ize rope tightener I used on the poncho for my shelter system. It is an option or you can use the tautline hitch rope knot.

[@mrMacGoover]

Thanks for the great ideas, I have the same one though I'm trying to figure out why each one of my snap buttons are double sided with a male on one side and a female piggybacked on underside....?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

It will allow you to attach another poncho to it.

[@randyshopher7146]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker also allows you to snap it so the flap goes over the top rather than letting rain in when used as a sleeping bag

[@1PauloSilva]

Where can I buy please?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

You can purchase military ponchos online at military surplus stores. Possibly on Amazon but they may be counterfeit so research before buying.

[@drive-byguitarlessons1858]

Today’s hikers are sleeping on military gear

[@jortjacobs9568]

Is this a vietnam era poncho?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

The style of this poncho is.

[@jortjacobs9568]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker awesome, Perhaps a video idea on vietnam us army shelter configurations or the way of carry with a liner or sleeping system army style.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Sounds like a good video topic.

[@jortjacobs9568]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker would love to see it.