Poncho de Chão

Seven years of section hiking culminated under that thing in a downpour, and I stayed bone dry while my pack stayed perfectly protected underneath me. It's absurd how much lighter my load felt not carrying a separate shelter. This poncho earned its spot as the final piece of my gear collection.

The groundsheet feature was a lifesaver when I had to set up a quick shelter during a surprise storm. I’ve never had a poncho this versatile, and it kept me bone dry through a full afternoon of heavy rain.

After testing it in three straight hours of Washington rain, I was amazed how dry everything under the poncho stayed—no soaked pack or damp shoulders. The hood cinches down just right even in gusty wind. It packs small enough to clip on my hipbelt for easy access.