Things I did Not Know About the USGI vs Helikon Tex Ponchos for Jungle Bushcraft

[@simplefieldcraft]

I use the Helikon Tex poncho as my main wet weather protection in the tropical environment as it gives you the space for air to move so you are not getting hot and then sweating inside it. Comparing it to the old 58' Poncho I kept when I left the British military in the 90's it is a lot more fragile but then it also packs up very small and can be put into a utility pouch like the HT water bottle pouch. IT is a universal bit of kit and everyone should carry it as you have shown it is a wet proof, emergency shelter, can be used to harvest rain water, can be used as a bivi bag, used as a wrap for equipment when added to a roycroft pack frame. Its uses are limited by your imagination. I've used one as a stretcher bed on an A frame and as a casualty stretcher. Combined with a 3x3 basha and you'll have a good set up.

[@bigshot348]

I love the idea of ponchos. You can turn it into a sort of awning when needed, waterproof yourself and gear in the rain, and well there’s a lot of things that can be done with the poncho. Not the best item, but worth to have one.

[@richardhenry1969]

Very good review. I love my poncho the brand i have is nolonger made. But it comes with the poncho and liner. I use the liner the most.

[@georgeg7840]

The only (non dollar store) poncho I have is from Rothco, currently costs $68 (CDN) which is about $50 US, it seems similar to yours but has grommets on the corners only.

[@gearaustralia8767]

Not sure that poncho is meant to travel at ankle level, if you are in the bush, you should be using knee high gators that will water proof lower legs

[@urbanknifeguy]

That does make sense. Although no one here (that I have seen) uses gaiters.

[@gearaustralia8767]

@ wow, very commonly used here, great for deflecting heavy brush/thorns off your legs, keeping water off in long wet grass, and in Australia we are very careful to avoid snakes, all serious hikers use gaiters as extra snake protection. I have this Helikon poncho but haven’t used it yet

[@urbanknifeguy]

@gearaustralia8767 Thanks for sharing! Different kind of brush here. We still get snakes but the average hiker will not deliberately go through long grass or swamps. Trail runners and long pants are the most common here. Some even in shorts.

[@gearaustralia8767]

@ cool 😎 depends on the trail type, trail runners are used here but only on nicer tracks, a lot of tracks cross very rocky and uneven surfaces, I always use boots and put the gaiters on in thick or wet brush, in heat I wear shorts but still wear boots and gaiters 😂

[@guadalupeskitchen3734]

USGI

[@runningriverbushcraft]

But for me, I'm 6 foot 6 😮 now what ? 😅

[@richardhenry1969]

They are at least 6'10 so your covered