Poncho recommendations

[MnFn]

Anybody have a good source for a quality poncho?  I can't find any decent ones around here.

[Sam McMichael]

I use a military surplus poncho on the few occasions I use one. I simply can not handle a bow while using one. However, I don't hunt when it rains heavily. If you are looking for warmth as opposed to rain protection, check out the Asbell site.

[MnFn]

No, do not need it for warmth.  I used rain jacket and pants last year and was part of the reason I missed a shot at a nice bull. Pants too noisy for the final approach. And I could not get them off before the bull moved off.

I want to try it in conjunction with gaiters, then
I intend to to take the poncho off prior to the shot.

[Bill Kissner]

I have carried a military poncho for many years. For me it is the best raingear. If it starts raining, the poncho covers me and my bow for the duration. It goes on quickly and if the rain continues I am headed to the truck anyway so full body raingear is not for me.

[Lost Arra]

GoLite Poncho Tarp- packs very small. Will cover you and bow and pack.

Downside: if it's windy, it kinda flaps around. Probably the same with any poncho.
 
The Golite is a popular backpacking item. Can be hard to find.

[Jerry Jeffer]

I like the ponch because when I draw, it doesn't get in my way. It naturaly hangs out of the way. If it is raining too long or hard, then I'll be going home too.

[Jim Wright]

Adding to what Bob said about how "it kinda flaps around" in wind, if there is much wind "it kinda doesn't keep you dry at all".

[bigbadjon]

The best rain poncho available is made by Wiggy's. It is about $25.

[MnFn]

Thanks,
G

[AkDan]

I hunted out of a poncho this spring for turkeys....I should have known after being in one for a number of years active that I really dont like them for hunting.  

I wear a helle hansen impertec guide top (3/4 length).  Works extremely well.

I do have and wished it came in anything but blue/orange a gruden pull over with neoprene cuffs and a hoody.  Man is it nice!

disclaimer is I wear an armguard iwth everything.  not for my arm as much as it is to keep my string from burying into cloth.  Its a simple piece of gear that can cost you huge...you'll mess it up once and never again lol.

[STEVE R.]

what Bill said x2

[eidsvolling]

AkDan, that anorak from Grundéns is actually available in green:    Brigg 34 Anorak Green .

They also have an entire line of dark green rainwear they market for agriculture and forestry. This includes a ¾ length jacket that will remind you of the Helly Hansen Guide. They also sell a hunting cape that looks like it might work with an armguard.

Details are in their catalog at    Grundéns rainwear catalog . I suspect many of these items aren't directly available in the U.S., but a dealer might be able to order them.

[damascusdave]

Wow, I feel you pain...we used to be able to get a very nice yet inexpensive poncho from Coghlans here in Canada...went to their website and all they currently have is cheap plastic ones...went to the Mountain Equipment Co Op website and they have none...went to the Helly Hansen website and they have none...apparently the younger set have no idea the advantages of a poncho and quit buying them...sure wish I had taken better care of the good ones I had

DDave

[damascusdave]

Down Under Saddle Supply, Aurora, Colorado...as we used to say there is more than one way to skin a cat...what you are looking for is a rain slicker...they have what looks like a nice lined pvc one for 41 bucks

DDave

[AkDan]

Eid, thats a different model but similar to the one I have.  

I will say this, every client whose put it on has loved it.  My dad tried 'stealing' it when he visited.  I've given every other one I owned away but this one and I've owned a few of those grundens (the yellow blue is a great light weight rain jacket as well!  

This is it...if you're looking for crazy good this is it!  I've spent many many days in it in weather most people would be sitting at home in.  I bought it early in my skipper days and still have it to this day.  I'm heck on gear and this hasnt let me down in any way which I cant even say about my helle hansen I love so much!   The only two reasons I wear the helles is I like the 3/4 length when i'm glassing, and its lighter for the size.  I dont carry rain pants on a hunt.

 I like this jacket its quiet, its extremely warm, and it keeps you dry!  More importnatly I havent killed it in years of wearing it both as a guide and she's still going strong after my guide days unlike my helles.  I've had 2 helles delaminate, cuffs rip off.  Its great rain gear but it doesnt have the life this jacket has.  I just wish it was some form of green lol.

  http://www.grundens.com/product-categories/jackets/sund-763-hoodedpullover-shirt-navy-detail

[damascusdave]

You really have me thinking about what would work in your situation...first of all think very carefully about shooting an elk when it is raining...elk have a reputation for going a long way even with a good hit and then hiding very well just before they die...finding them with a good blood trail is difficult enough...finding them with a washed out blood trail would be next to impossible...given the kind of soft rain it would be ethical to hunt in I think your answer might be something less than either a poncho or a slicker...I think you might find this oiled cotton mini umbrella will do the trick...just some food for thought

DDave

 

[MnFn]

Thanks for all the thoughts expressed, I appreciate it.

I have hunted elk with a bow three years now, soon to be four.  Almost every year, I have encountered afternoon showers and then it clears up.  I just want to ride out the shower when out of camp for the day, without getting drenched.  I am not  planning on hunting in the rain.  And getting most rain pants off after the rain has ended is usually a pain.
Thanks again, gary

[AkDan]

As much as I hate the poncho for those requirements it might be the better option.  Heaven forbid you gotta shoot out of one lol.  I hated shooting a rifle in one.

The 3/4 length helle is a great top, it has a relatively shorter life span than I'd expect from a top end piece of gear.  I haven't tried sending them back, maybe I should.   Either way I like them and carry them as my go to for most hunts for the reasons stated.  Like you I hate rain pants unless its REALLY cold or I'm on the scooter, than I don't care what color they are as long as I'm dry LOL!

I like the fact I can easily shoot in one should the opportunity arise. The cuffs latch down as tight as you care to Velcro them.  Though I've had the inner cuffs pull out twice now.  And she's long enough I can sit and keep my tail dry when I'm glassing and a good portion of my legs.

I'm not partial to sites just pulled it up so you or others wouldn't have to try and figure it out..here she is.  

  http://www.altrec.com/helly-hansen/mens-impertech-guide-coat/

[bowhuntingrn]

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