Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll Multi-Purpose Military Poncho - Emergency Poncho & Woobie Blanket & Jacket

This product is absolutely ideal for the outdoorsman looking for a lightweight do-it-all weather protection system. If I could only have one item in the 'cover' category of Dave Canterbury's 10 Cs in my pack, this would be it, hands down. Weight, durability, and the multiplicity of features and uses of this design make it indispensable, even in a paired-down ultralight pack. By adding on Helikon-Tex's military poncho and some 550 cord/bank line plus a few contractor bags in the pocket, I've obtained an absolutely bombproof ultralight shelter solution for my part of the planet.In design, it is essentially an upgraded military poncho liner, aka "woobie", but vastly upgraded. The Helikon-Tex poncho liner replaces cheaper milspec materials with waterproof, NIR-reduced, whisper-quiet ripstop nylon; Climashield batting that packs tight while staying fluffy and dry in use; heavy-duty YKK zippers and fast clip straps as well as milspec stacking snap closures; an integral insulated hood with hood stowage pocket; a large zip-opening front "admin pouch" pocket large enough to store maps; and a built-in stuff sack with compression straps as well as a separate outer stuff sack. It can be worn as a poncho, under a poncho, as a sleeved cloak, or a blanket, and can also used as a sleeping bag or bag liner, hammock liner, ground pad, or shelter component.

When I first looked at the price I said “hell no”, even though the idea was cool, I was not willing to put that much money into a hobby that I don’t make money from. After buying it I still think it’s expensive as hell, but boy is it worth it. The quality is there, it’s warm, it’s durable, it’s soft, it’s useful, it looks and fits great. I have no complaints or even guilt for wasting this much money because this is simply just worth it in every-single department for me. (I am 5’8, weigh about 150, for fit reference). The Swagman roll color is Taiga Green and I have it paired with a compatible Woodland Mil-Tec Rain Poncho in the picture (same cut/measurements as Helikon Tex US Model Poncho a bit darker, thicker and heavier duty). If you live in a car, go hunting, hiking, camping, cycling, live in high natural disaster area etc. I recommend this 200%.

This is a must have item to own. I plan on getting a second later. It is very well thought out and very practical. It is lightweight and compact.Pros:1. Lightweight, compact2. Water resistant3. Multifunctional4 Great QualityCon's:1. There is a small velcro patch used to tuck the hood into garment whin in blanket / sleeping bag mode. Velcro should NEVER BE USED EVER!2. The main zipper used when converting to sleeping bag can only be zipped from outside of bag. It needs a zipper that the pull will work inside and outside the bag.3. I am 6'4" and 265-lb, When in sleeping bag mode the bag is too small around. I cannot sleep with both arms inside when in sleeping bag mode, I must keep my arms outside the bag. This could be bad in severe weather conditions.

It would be simple to just call this a poncho liner and leave it at that. However, I don't think that would be a fair assessment. It's offered in a number of camo patterns and is water resistant in its own right, so functions equally as well as an outer garment as it does a liner. When used in conjunction with a poncho, you're effectively doubling up on the water protection. It's quite lightweight and provides good insulation. The only place this doesn't work as well for me as it might for some others is when it's converted to a sleeping bag. Being a little on the bigger side in the chest (50 inch), it gets somewhat tight bringing my shoulders inside the bag. That's the only shortfall for me, but given this is designed primarily to compliment/augment a standard rain poncho, then there's a limit to the size, so I certainly appreciate that and don't consider it to be a strike. To be a little funny about it; a standard rain poncho compliments this... not the other way around. :-) Everything else functionality-wise stated by HELIKON-TEX is an accurate statement. When worn in the poncho form, it's very comfortable and you can retain a lot of mobility. I think it's an excellent choice when you're camped (or in a hide) and wish to keep comfortable.To summarize, I think this is a great piece of kit to the point where I think it should become a standard item for almost any out-of-door activity that is hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, go bag, get home bag, automobile, etc. related. It offers a level of add-on weather protection and insulation that's just not the same from any other article of clothing that I can think of, nor have had experience with. I will definitely look to get another one sometime here in the future, so I would definitely by it again.

Works well for all advertised functions, with quality construction. Used as a poncho, and camped overnight using it as an underquilt on a hammock, in cool/mild temperatures. Very comfortable.