Every 12 months I obtain a handful of emails about poncho tarps. In specific, whether or not or not I feel they characterize a viable shelter and rain gear possibility for thru-hiking. The brief reply is sure, however with some pretty giant caveats.
For the handful of gearheads who’re within the whys and wherefores of those multi-functional items of apparatus, this text is for you. For everybody else, be happy to both try the remainder of the web site, or make your self a quadruple espresso and skim on……………
Poncho Tarping on the Florida Trail | January, 2012.
What is a Poncho Tarp?
A Poncho Tarp is a light-weight, minimalist piece of backpacking gear which, because the identify suggests, doubles as each rain gear and shelter. As a bonus, it additionally makes for a superb pack cowl.
What expertise do you could have with poncho tarps?
Approximately 18,000 miles (28,968 km) and 700 nights in whole, together with the primary 11 of the 12 Long Walks. During this journey I used a poncho tarp in a variety of environments, together with the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Southwestern Horseshoe and Pacific Northwest Trail. Additionally, through the years I’ve frequently taken poncho tarps on in a single day wet season excursions in Mexico’s Sierra Madre.
In regards to which fashions I’ve used, the lion’s share of my poncho tarping expertise has been with two totally different tarps; particularly the Integral Designs 8×5 Sil Poncho* and the Mountain Laurel Designs Pro Poncho. The latter has been my go-to possibility since 2010.(* Note: As per RJ within the feedback part, the previous Integral Designs Sil Poncho is now made by RAB).
Yours actually with the MLD mannequin in Poncho mode | Southwestern Horseshoe, Utah, February, 2012.
What kind of hikers are suited to utilizing poncho tarps?
The gossamer weight and multi-functional nature of poncho tarps has an plain attraction to ultralight hikers. Shelter and rain gear for a cumulative whole of 8 oz (0.23 kg); throw in a cuben bivy and you’re nonetheless speaking sub-14 oz (0.40 kg). However, as my outdated mate Greg “Malto” Gressel is fond of claiming, “everything looks good on a spreadsheet.”
The actuality is that poncho tarps aren’t for everybody, they usually definitely aren’t an acceptable possibility given sure situations (see beneath). Here are a number of packing containers it’s best to tick if you’re pondering of taking the poncho tarp plunge:
- Prior expertise with utilizing small tarps. There is not any method round it, in shelter mode poncho tarps are removed from palatial. If you’re using out a prolonged storm beneath certainly one of them, you’ll want to be sure it’s pitched tautly and in an applicable location. There is little room for error when utilizing small tarps in inclement situations.
- On-Trail Vs In-Camp: Due to their spartan character, poncho tarps aren’t made for lazy days round camp. They are most suited to hikers that take pleasure in spending extra time on path, and fewer time hanging out.
- Adaptability: Due to their inherent limitations, hikers selecting to make use of a poncho tarp must be able to doing huge distance days when situations dictate (e.g. Extended above tree-line sections in sketchy climate).
- No Snivelling: If you are usually a type of hikers that moans and groans at a bit of discomfort, likelihood is a poncho tarp isn’t for you.
Mike “The Gambler” Towne utilizing the Integral Designs SilPoncho on the Hayduke Trail | February 2012.
What mannequin and dimension Poncho Tarp do you advocate?
There are fairly a number of cheapo poncho tarp choices obtainable on-line. While I think a few of these are okay, most of them look disposable in nature; one thing you would possibly take to a three-day music pageant within the UK, somewhat than on a multi-week journey into the backcountry.
As I discussed above, my go-to poncho has lengthy been the Mountain Laurel Designs Pro Poncho. If you have an interest in giving poncho tarps a attempt, I can’t advocate it extremely sufficient. When I first used the MLD mannequin again in 2009 I believed it was a well-made, extremely purposeful piece of substances. Nine years and lots of nights within the boonies later, I nonetheless assume the identical, although I can now add “durable” to its listing of endearing qualities.
In a nutshell, I’m a fan of the MLD Pro Poncho for the next causes:
- Size: The 9’x5.2′ (at entrance) dimensions is ample to supply respectable safety in tarp mode. For reference, I’m 6’1″ (185cm), medium construct, and weigh round 180 lbs (82 kg). Over the years I’ve ridden out loads of storms in relative consolation beneath a low-pitched Pro Poncho (mixed with an UL Bivy). For medium and larger-sized hikers, I wouldn’t advocate going any smaller than the MLD mannequin. Indeed, for my part poncho tarps which might be 8’x5′ (or smaller) ought to solely be thought of by of us which might be 5’6″ or much less. (Note: I made do with the 8’x5′ Integral Designs Shelter in some fairly nasty climate through the years because of a mixture of excellent campsite choice, sleeping within the foetal place, and quite a lot of tarping expertise. That mentioned, I can let you know for a indisputable fact that the additional protection supplied by the MLD mannequin, makes a world of distinction in while you encounter actually dodgy situations).
- Catenary Cut: The catenary reduce ridgeline is spot on. The slight curve makes for a simple and taut pitch in A-Frame, however isn’t so pronounced that there are points pitching it in different configurations such because the Half Pyramid.
- Hood Design: The patented hoodslit design is what actually units the MLD Pro Poncho other than different fashions I’ve seen and tried. In poncho mode, the drawcord/cordlock system makes it simple to regulate the hood’s quantity, and the stiffened brim is large enough to maintain the rain out of your eyes (Note: You will nonetheless want a cap beneath to cease the hood from drooping when the rain is actually coming down). In tarp mode, the hoodslit is ready into the ridgeline, and seals shut when taut. I’ve by no means skilled any of the pooling or drippage points which might be widespread with the usual round-hole / twist-and-tie-off ponchos.
All smiles on a chilly, moist and misty winter ramble on the Ouachita Trail | January, 2012.
What pitches do you utilize with a Poncho Tarp?
I prefer to preserve issues so simple as I can when within the backcountry. Over the years, 95% of the time I’ve used simply two configurations with my MLD Pro Poncho:
1. Half Pyramid – Employed in delicate situations, when there may be little likelihood of precipitation, (6 or 7 stakes), and;
2. A-Frame – Used when medium to heavy rain and wind is on the playing cards. Pitched low and with the again corners pegged on to the bottom (9 stakes minimal). The A-Frame supplies extra safety per sq. foot than the Half-Pyramid, however is much less roomy and cozy.
The MLD Pro Poncho in low A-Frame with the again corners staked to the bottom (Photo courtesy of MLD web site).
What environments are appropriate (and unsuitable) for a Poncho Tarp?
For established lengthy distance rambles such because the Triple Crown trails, the place there may be little to nothing in the way in which of bushwhacking and two weeks straight of inclement situations could be very unlikely, I feel poncho tarps are a good selection for knowledgeable tarpers who aren’t too fussy with regards to house and luxury .
That mentioned, I wouldn’t take into consideration taking a poncho tarp for prolonged journeys in persistently moist and windy environments (e.g. Scotland, Tasmania, South Island of NZ, and so forth). Same goes for routes in which there’s a whole lot of rugged cross-country terrain or overgrown path, by which instances, ponchos usually tend to snag on a department or bush than an everyday rain jacket.
Finally, I’d additionally depart the poncho tarp at dwelling for solely above tree line hikes. In such uncovered environments, I’ll sometimes take a bigger sq. (8.5’x8.5′) or rectangular (9’x7′) tarp, however most of the time I’ll go along with a fully-enclosed light-weight shelter reminiscent of a Mid.
MLD Pro Poncho on the Grand Enchantment Trail part of the Southwestern Horseshoe | April, 2012.
Do you at all times mix your Poncho Tarp with an UL Bivy?
Yes. For a weight penalty of between 4.5 to 7.5 oz, a bivy minimizes drafts, supplies an additional 5 to 7 levels of heat on your sleep system (like a windshirt on your quilt), a sanctuary from no-see-ums / midgies / mossies throughout bug season, and safety on your quilt from splash again when it’s bucketing down. If you so select, you’ll be able to even depart your groundsheet at dwelling because of the bivy’s waterproof (ish) backside. Indeed, if I’m utilizing any tarp that’s smaller than 9’x7′, I’ll at all times mix it with a bivy. The two bivvies I’ve utilized in mixture with my poncho tarps since 2009 have been the MLD Superlight and the Katabatic Bristlecone.
Poncho / Bivy Combo | Southeastern Serpentine Trail | South Carolina, USA, 2011.
How do you take care of the flapping when mountaineering with the poncho in moist and windy situations?
I at all times use a little bit of bungee wire round my waist, joined collectively on the entrance with a mini-cordlock. This easy and ultralight accent weighs virtually nothing and eliminates a whole lot of the flapping points. If you’re desirous about giving ponchos a attempt, some kind of makeshift belt is a should.
On a associated aspect observe, the “breezy” nature of poncho tarps in rain gear mode, is definitely one of many issues I like most about them. Unless you’re rocking an umbrella / windshirt combo, I feel ponchos are powerful to beat with regards to moist climate air flow.
What about setting it up when it’s raining, and extra particularly, making the change from poncho to tarp mode in these situations?
This is without doubt one of the greatest issues hikers have about giving poncho tarps a attempt. However, if in case you have practiced the transition beforehand, have all the mandatory parts able to go, and are adept at pitching your tarp shortly, it isn’t as huge a difficulty as many hikers consider. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Campsite Selection – More than half the battle when mountaineering with a poncho tarp in inclement situations is choosing the right campsite. Small tarps aren’t as forgiving as tents or bigger tarps. You might want to up your planning sport; this notably holds true if you’re mountaineering by means of an uncovered and/or above tree line part. Before setting out, establish sheltered campsite choices in your maps, estimate how lengthy it would take you to get there, and have a Plan B in case Mother Nature throws you a meteorological curveball. Above tree line using out the mom of all storms isn’t the place you wish to be when utilizing a poncho tarp.
2. Once you could have arrived at your spot, stand beneath a tree, take your pack off and take away your guylines and stakes out of your pack. Both this stuff must be simply accessible when there’s a likelihood of precipitation (i.e. aspect or again pocket of backpack).
3. Take off your poncho; give it an enormous shake to take away as a lot extra water as attainable.
4. If you’re chilly, shortly put in your windshirt. This merchandise is waterproof somewhat than waterproof, nonetheless, it would preserve you heat and dry for the couple of minutes it takes to arrange a poncho tarp. As with the guylines and pegs, make sure you have it simply accessible and able to go.
5. Connect your guylines to the poncho. I exploit mini carabiners to attach my guylines to the poncho. It takes lower than a minute or so to connect them. For a weight penalty of virtually nothing, I desire this method to messing round with knots when your arms are chilly and moist. If it’s not raining or precipitation is extremely unlikely, I depart the carabiners hooked up to the Poncho.
6. Pitch your poncho the identical as you’ll your tarp. Some hikers will let you know that they will pitch the shelter while nonetheless carrying it. Forget about this concept. It takes longer, is extra difficult and likelihood is you’ll get simply as moist (most likely extra). Keep issues easy. If you’re proficient in pitching tarps, the complete setup could be performed in lower than two minutes.
7. Under Cover – Grab your pack – which has been patiently ready beneath a tree, bush or groundsheet – and crawl beneath the poncho. Wipe off any remaining water from the within of the shelter with a bandana.
8. Breaking Camp – Bummer. It’s nonetheless raining the next morning. Not to fret. Pack your bag in order that every little thing is stashed away other than the precise poncho. Once that is performed, take down your shelter, disconnect the carabiners/ guylines, retailer them in an simply accessible saggy, give the poncho a shake, put in your pack, placed on the poncho and away you go.
9. Almost forgot………….attempt to not get flustered no matter how a lot the weather are raging, and give attention to performing every of the steps intentionally and effectively. Over the years I’ve seen extra of us than I can bear in mind lose their poise whereas making an attempt to pitch their shelter in inclement situations. Keep cool, don’t rush, breathe steadily, and get it proper the primary time.
During an enormous storm on the Colorado Plateau in late February, 2012, the Gambler and I arrange this “Double Poncho Tarp Fortress” (i.e. combo of MLD Pro Poncho and Integral Designs Sil Poncho).
Summary
Personally talking, I just like the multi-functionality, together with the burden and quantity financial savings of a very good poncho tarp. For sure sorts of environments and journeys I feel they characterize a strong possibility. That mentioned, they aren’t and by no means will probably be for everybody. If you’re eager on making an attempt a poncho tarp, and extra importantly really having fun with the expertise, listed below are some closing ideas:
- Hikers and Chippies: Understand and settle for the constraints of poncho tarps earlier than setting out. Good hikers are like good carpenters. They by no means blame their instruments.
- Size Matters: Choose a mannequin that’s applicable on your dimension. If you’re effectively over 6′, and also you head out into the boonies with a 8’x4′ tarp in something however bone dry situations, you’re probably asking for issues. This holds doubly true when you achieve this with out a bivy. I do know a whole lot of UL hikers get obsessive about base weight and going as little as they presumably can, however this specific level actually is simply widespread sense.
- Practice: Before setting out on a visit, apply making the transition from poncho to shelter mode. If attainable, attempt doing it within the rain. With repetition, the transition turns into simpler and faster.
- Perspective: Chuckle within the face of discomfort, and embrace and be taught from adversity. In regards to the backcountry, it has at all times been the difficult instances which have taught me probably the most and made me a greater hiker. Using poncho tarps efficiently isn’t at all times simple, however after I give it some thought, that’s one of many issues I like about them probably the most.