Ponchos 
Ponchos  
© 1995 E. Michael Smith



One of the BEST alternatives is the Poncho.  These come in many styles, qualities, and features.  I like the ones used by the U.S. or German army.  Some of the best are made of layers of Gor-Tex type 'breathable but waterproof' materials.  Since it is wide open at the bottom, this is really not really needed.  A simple water proof layer with a strong backing (nylon is nice...), hood with draw string, and corner grommets, is about all you really need.  Get it as big as you can...  You may want to use it as a tent. The U.S. issue I've seen are forest camo ripstop nylon with a sprayed on light water proofing.  The German one I've got is a wet weather poncho.  It is rubberized nylon.  Very waterproof, but heavier and less breathable.   Cost is about $30.  

The best will often have grommets holes in the corners for use as a lean-to tarp or tent.  Even if all you do is put one of these on and sit on the ground; you are rain, wind and cold resistant.  They serve at least double duty, as a 'rain coat' and 'tent'.  I got a 'poncho liner' for mine that ties to the grommet holes in the US and German ponchos and converts them to sleeping bags.  Nice.  $14 used, $34 new.  

I have a cheap garbage bag thickness plastic poncho that lives in one of my car packs.  Useful for rain and wind, at least.  It cost all of about $2.  In a pinch, you can make an expedient poncho out of a large lawn/leaf bag or garbage bag.  Just cut a head sized hole in it. 

I'm currently coveting a single person tent that I saw in the Quartermaster catalog.  It is an expensive (couple of hundred dollar) single person camo tent with bug netting that also converts to a Poncho and hammock!.  Heavy, at 5 lbs, for a Poncho, but rather light weight as a Poncho, tent, hammock...  

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