Staying Dry and Stealthy: The Use of Tactical Poncho in the Wild
A tactical poncho is one of the most versatile pieces of gear that an outdoor enthusiast can carry. Whether you're hiking, camping, hunting, or simply exploring the wild, the right poncho can provide essential protection and enhance your overall experience.
Tactical poncho continues to be valuable for rain protection, camping, and survival activities. Crafted from lightweight, durable materials like ripstop nylon, they provide waterproof coverage while being compact and easy to carry. For years, survivalists have relied on tactical poncho to shield themselves from the elements and, in emergencies, to serve as makeshift shelters, ground cover.
Here are some key benefits of using a poncho in the wild:
- As a Blanket
The most common use for a tactical poncho liner is as a blanket. Its ultra-thin, lightweight design makes it perfect for adding extra insulation in cold environments. When you're resting or sleeping, simply wrap it around your blanket for added warmth and comfort.
- Field Expedient Pillow
With limited space and resources, soldiers often use their tactical poncho liner as a makeshift pillow. By folding the Gloryfire tactical poncho in reverse, you can create a surprisingly comfortable pillow to rest.
- As an Insulated Layer
By attaching the liner to your tactical poncho, you can create an insulated shelter or a makeshift sleeping bag. Combined, they provide added warmth and protection, making them ideal for harsher weather conditions.
- Sleeping Bag Alternative
In mild weather, the tactical poncho liner can be used as a lightweight sleeping bag. You can wrap it around your body, essentially using it like a blanket or a sleeping bag for added comfort.
- Waterproof Shelter
One of the most practical uses for an emergency tactical poncho is to create a waterproof shelter. Just like it keeps you dry, a tactical poncho can be turned into a shelter with the help of some rope and stakes, providing protection for both you and your gear.
- Sling Backpack
In emergencies, you typically have little time. You need to run and take only what you can carry. However, you can carry more if you use your emergency tactical poncho as a carrying bag.
- Rainwater Collection
Water is crucial for survival, and in emergencies, it can be difficult to find and store.
A tactical poncho can help! You can use it to collect rainwater by digging a hole, lining it with the tactical poncho, and tying off the neck and arm holes. As it rains, water will gather in your makeshift rain catcher. Likewise, you can use a tactical poncho to collect and transport water from natural sources back to your camp or hideout.
- Wind Protection
If you’re caught outdoors in windy conditions, a tactical poncho can shield you from the elements. By blocking the wind, it helps you maintain your body temperature and stay more comfortable.
- Ground Cover
No one wants to sleep on cold, wet ground. If you have an emergency tactical poncho in your go-bag, you can use it as a ground cover. It’ll keep you dry if you need to sit or sleep outdoors.
- Cold Compress
If you or someone else gets injured, you can use your tactical poncho to create a cold compress.
Just like using a resealable plastic bag, fill part of the tactical poncho with cold water or snow, then wrap the edges. Apply the compress to the injured area for quick relief.
- Wound Wrap
Utilize a tactical poncho as an improvised wound dressing aid. First, apply dressing to the wound using your first aid kit, then secure it in place with the tactical poncho material. This provides additional protection, shields the wound from moisture and debris, and crucially helps prevent infection.
- Gear Protection
A tactical poncho serves a dual purpose: not only does it keep you dry, but it can also protect your gear from the elements. When worn over a backpack, a tactical poncho keeps both you and your pack dry. Furthermore, you can also use your tactical poncho to cover any equipment left outside your shelter when not in use, ensuring it remains dry and protected from the rain.
- Rope or Cord
In a survival situation, a rope can be a valuable resource. Fortunately, a tactical poncho can be repurposed to create one. To create a sturdy rope, simply tear the tactical poncho into strips and then braid them together, resulting in a strong and durable cord that can be used in a variety of situations.
- Garbage Bag
Even in emergency situations, it's essential to maintain a responsible attitude towards the environment. To minimize waste and leave no trace, use your tactical poncho as a makeshift garbage bag. Simply lay it flat, collect your trash in the center, gather the sides, and tie them up to create a secure and portable waste container.
- Sun Protection
As long as your tactical poncho is not completely see-through, you can use it as sun protection. While it won’t provide as much sun protection as true UPF gear, it will create enough shade to cool off and keep painful burns at bay.
- Game Processing
When hunting or fishing for food in the wilderness, maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is crucial. If your tactical poncho has been kept clean, it can be repurposed as a makeshift processing table. Simply lay it flat on the ground, providing a clean surface for handling and preparing your catch, helping to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe food supply.
- Solar Shower
To create a makeshift solar shower, use the collected water from your tactical poncho. Follow the methods listed above, using the excess water to create a warm shower. First, hang the tactical poncho from a tree branch, allowing it to heat up in the sun for a few hours. Then, carefully puncture the tactical poncho from the bottom to create a flow of warm water, providing a refreshing outdoor shower experience.
- Hanging Food Basket
Use your tactical poncho to cover food and protect it from predators when no other storage options are available.
- First Aid Sling
In case of an arm injury, a tactical poncho can be repurposed as a makeshift sling, providing support and immobilization to aid in the healing process.
- Curtains
Utilize a tactical poncho as a makeshift curtain to create a boundary or add an extra layer of protection against insects in your shelter. Simply hang it over a rope to create a barrier. This versatile use is just one example of the many ways a tactical poncho can be repurposed in an emergency situation.
- Dragging Heavy Items
Use your tactical poncho as a makeshift sled to drag heavier items, such as large branches, to your desired location. Simply place the items on the tactical poncho and pull it to transport them, making it easier to gather materials for shelter or other needs.
