The Importance of the Poncho, Survive Global Warming

A recent winter trip to the camp focused my attention on the importance of the rain poncho. Why you ask? Because it rained, a lot. It was supposed to be work trip and some work did get done but it rained off and on and then rained monsoon style all night,  which it often does in the winter in North West Florida. All crew member had military style rain ponchos and that started the conversation on how important they are and how superior they are to other rain gear.
Why are they superior? For many reasons, let me lay out some of them for you.
1. They work. They actually keep you dry and warm,  some rain gear especially light weight rain gear depends on being water proofed with chemicals in order to work. If the water proof treatment is not applied correctly by the factory or not maintained after the garment is washed it will leak. Years ago I worked in public safety and our department purchased very expensive water proof jackets for us. The right sleeve on mine always leaked, it had not been properly treated at the factory and reapplication of water proof spray did not seem to help much. I have had similar experience with other rain garments offered commercially. Military ponchos are usually rubberized canvas or very tightly woven nylon they have inherent water proof qualities that do not have to be maintained.
2. Easy on Easy off. This is important.  A poncho will keep you try while you are putting it on. When the rain stops even for a short time they can be easily pulled over your head with out removing any other gear. Speed can mean every thing when you are trying to keep your clothes dry.
3. Climate adaptability. A poncho is worn over the clothes that you have chosen for the climate conditions If you are wearing a heavy coat that's fine, if you are in shorts and a t shirt that is fine as well, When the rain stops you are still in the clothes that you have chosen as most appropriate. In other words they create a micro climate underneath them that is independant of other garment choices.
4. A poncho fits OVER your gear and will protect that as well, including a back pack. Some back packs make attempts at being water proof but none really are. Its a bag that is open at the top, rain will get in there. Gear that is on your belt such as knives or firearms are also protected as is your head and any head gear you wearing. Most rain gear is waist length, a poncho will reach all the way to your feet.  Military ponchos are cut to fit over packs and the hood will fit over a military helmet. They will also fit over and protect an slung long gun.
5. Versatility. A poncho can have many other uses besides rain protection. It is a handy ground cover and moisture barrier for sitting on, sleeping on, eating on, or spreading out parts of gear that you may be working on. They can rigged to provide shade or rigged as tents. A good one can be rigged into a impromptu litter for carrying casualties.
6. Portablity. When you dont need it they stow easily and will roll up into a small bundle.

So these are some of the advantages I have been able to come up with off the top of my head, if you can think of more let me know.
 I have some old U.S. military ponchos that are great. These are getting somewhat pricey in my opinion. I offer Swiss Military Ponchos, they are very generously cut, strong rubberized canvas units that snap up the front and work great . In photos I am wearing a back pack under the ponch as well as a military helmet I am about 5' 11" and over 200lb so you can get an idea of what will fit under one of these. I also offer matching canvas Swiss alpenflage back pack backs to go with these.  Getting caught out with out rain gear can be serious even life threatning and I dont recommend it. I keep some rain gear in all of my vehicles and always have it available if the possiblity exists that I am going to be outdoors for any length of time. Not so good video for a close look at these http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aj0B-ccjww