The soldiers best friend

[8thidpathfinderpower]

I have seen every other type of thread on here, but the one that counts. An often overlooked, not often carried, and in every soldiers standard issue of TA50....the poncho. This simple, very well made, and durable design has been around since moses was in diapers, and strangely enough, almost EVERY soldier fails to carry it into battle, when it will do the most good.

You can use it as a tent, sleeping bag, stretcher, ground tarp, rain gear, camo net (yep, a camo net. In the woods, works great.Add some OD 100mph tape, and some weeds and twigs) wind break, and other countless uses people seem to come up with. Oh, and I forgot, a sun shade. So, if any one has their poncho story, pictures and ideas, lets hear about them....


Oh, do not forget the item that makes it really warm and cozy, the woobie(aka, poncho liner, or blankie)

[BadKarma26]

my poncho smells like throw up

[East Scout]

my poncho smells like throw up

Sounds like someone put it away wet and left it there..hand wash it w/ hand soap...let it hang to dry and repeat if needed..

[scrybe]

Can use it to make a raft out of rucks too.

[Limeyfellow]

The British soldier's best friend tends to be a 6 pack of beer, neatly tucked into all the ammo pouches.

Though the US ripstop ponchos are quite nice.I do throw one in when out in the wilderness.

[ABNINF]

Dry socks and overhead cover

[Creeper]

Leatherman.

http://www.mytoolstore.com/leather/blast.jpg

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

Adequate training for every kind of situation & Immediate Action Drills about every situation possiblle, physical & above all mental strength.

[Sabre]

Going back to ponchos...

Not as useful now that we have DPM bashas, but they used to be great for model making. The alternative being the OG KIP sheets.

The solid green colour, bordered with a few logs would make an instant model base for orders out in the harbour area.

[gilgoul]

Humped one for a lot of time, it is very practical compared to it's weight and volume, but it is a sort of half ass solution, and really not adapted to tactical situations.
If it's hot and humid, you gonna get soaking wet anyway, so let the rain get you, at least it will wash a little bit of the salty sweat residues on your shirt and pants.
If it's bivouac time, then a basha or a simple 5$ polyusomething sheet is way better, and will cover your hamoc more efficiently.

In a cold weather, it is cute, and the liner a real plus, till the weather turns windy, try to stay in ambush with the poncho of someone flapping in the wind.
Try to hear something during an approach march with the hood on the ears,

I still would consider the liner thought.

[Hollis]

I think all the things we carried, probably the green towel was the best friend. It added a little comfort, worn around the neck use to wipe sweat from the brow. I still have mine tucked away. It was probably the only comfort item we carried about all the time. Ponchos were only needed for monsoon time.

The other item that people felt some attachment to, was their boots. Still have mine too. One Gunny mentioned getting his bronzed and made into a lamp when he got home.

[King_Cobra]

I was always taught that a Soldier's Best Pal was his Rifle :) !!!

[sct1886]

Sounds like someone put it away wet and left it there..hand wash it w/ hand soap...let it hang to dry and repeat if needed..

Wrong, It it the material. Buy a aftermarket or commercial or one with a plastic backing/waterproof coating. The rubberized coating will never cease to stink. I know, I used to manage an army surplus store and have owned both types.

[Delta Niner]

I was always taught that a Soldier's Best Pal was his Rifle :) !!!

I second that :)

[Pete031]

Wrong, a soldiers best friend is Wet ones, or baby wipes. And foot powder.

[GNR]

http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/images/ponchoman.pdf >-- best poncho story EVER.

[martinexsquaddie]

its a steel thermos flask

[Ipkiss]

Much respect to the poncho story on the pdf whaha. But when you look at all the useful things you can do with it, it seems that virtually nobody uses it to put it over your head. So should the hood be removed? Should we get a personal tarp?

Oh and the buddy of the puncho -it's liner- deserves a star aswell. The Netherlands army has just introduced it along with some other kit. I love it.
cheers.

[East Scout]

Wrong, It it the material. Buy a aftermarket or commercial or one with a plastic backing/waterproof coating. The rubberized coating will never cease to stink. I know, I used to manage an army surplus store and have owned both types.


Working in a surplus store is miles away from getting out and using one. Its not the same as Personal Admin for gear your using and depend on..I have had many issue ones over the years..I always hang them to dry and clean them when Im done, and NEVER had the smell..I always see guys that havnt taken good care of thiers get the stink..

[H3]

Come on fellas its his stash of **** mag's !!!!!

[Adam Wilhelm]

Come on fellas its his stash of **** mag's !!!!!

Crap, i was just about to write that. rofl

[Limeyfellow]

Can't forget the condom either. Has helped cut down on the likes of 1/3rd of the fighting force being out of action due to stds.

[oldsoak]

its loo paper !
Nothing concentrates the mind as wonderfully as trying not to "go" because the alternative doesnt bear thinking about....

[Masai]

soldiers best friend > Gauloises 20 pack with 1 left.

there is nothing as good as that last smoke

[Andy S]

Soldiers best friend, the cargo plane taking him home!

[8thidpathfinderpower]

Can't forget the condom either. Has helped cut down on the likes of 1/3rd of the fighting force being out of action due to stds.

Here is a practicle use for condoms, besides a night out on the town....barrel covers. Yes, barrel covers. When I was in the army, at my lasy duty station, we had a supply sergant that ordered 1000 condoms, and issued them along with weapons when we went to the field. Great idea, they keep out moisture, and keep the barrel clean, no pun intended.

[Airforce1]

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c200/smitty1276/lucky_strike.jpg

[seraosha]

Beats the hell out of malaria or dengue fever
http://www.nbbd.com/avon/images/skinsosoft.jpg

[Hutz]

Gold bond medicated cream for that swamp ass. Burns but works.

[Sloppy Joe2]

Leatherman.

http://www.mytoolstore.com/leather/blast.jpg touche


Wrong, a soldiers best friend is Wet ones, or baby wipes. And foot powder.
touche

i happen to love the poncho liner as well.

[Creeper]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete031 http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2326024#post2326024)
Wrong, a soldiers best friend is Wet ones, or baby wipes. And foot powder


Right on !




i happen to love the poncho liner as well.

Yes, if ya gona bring a poncho ,,,,ya better have the liner.

2 -very important items.

[East Scout]

Soldiers best friend is a full belly and a sharp mind..w/o either you are doomed. Gear is as only as good as its operator..

[Sloppy Joe2]

Soldiers best friend is a full belly and a sharp mind..w/o either you are doomed. Gear is as only as good as its operator..
FOOD IS A CRUTCH! all you need is water, ammunition, and class 6!

[East Scout]

FOOD IS A CRUTCH! all you need is water, ammunition, and class 6!

Food a crutch huh? What are you a Borg? get real..You couldnt have thought of anything dumber to say?

[BadKarma26]

i didnt eat for 3 days once. I know it doesnt sound like that long, but try it and see how ****ed up your thought process/reaction times, etc get. i was seeing ghosts through my nods

[ABNINF]

Food a crutch huh? What are you a Borg? get real..You couldnt have thought of anything dumber to say?

Dude, Audie's downrange right now. He's being sarcastic.

[Sloppy Joe2]

Dude, Audie's downrange right now. He's being sarcastic.http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/7657/funny69xb8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ABNINF]

Shouldn't you be in bed? p-)

[Sloppy Joe2]

Shouldn't you be in bed? p-) mid-tour leave :D

[CPLHUNTER]

Good for you...how much time do you get?

[East Scout]

So was I..writen text ..go figure..

[Replicator]

With this you can get any kit you need...enemy kit that is :)
http://media.militaryphotos.net/photos/albums/Replicator-Gun-Works/acr.sized.jpg

[Sloppy Joe2]

Good for you...how much time do you get?
17 days total and i have about 9 left, it is good ****.

[ABNINF]

mid-tour leave :D

Rock on, enjoy it. You in the Bliss area?

[Sloppy Joe2]

Rock on, enjoy it. You in the Bliss area? no, i am in Colorado. come on man, you know if i was in the area i would take you out on a date. :D

[ABNINF]

no, i am in Colorado. come on man, you know if i was in the area i would take you out on a date. :D


Don't tease me, I've been on TDY for a while now......

[Sloppy Joe2]

Don't tease me, I've been on TDY for a while now...... stay motivated!

[Sheikh Al Stranghi]

Here is a practicle use for condoms, besides a night out on the town....barrel covers. Yes, barrel covers. When I was in the army, at my lasy duty station, we had a supply sergant that ordered 1000 condoms, and issued them along with weapons when we went to the field. Great idea, they keep out moisture, and keep the barrel clean, no pun intended.

My experience is that when you fire through them, the stuff melts, sticks to the barrel, and is impossible to get off... So boys and girls, always take off your condom before firing your rifle, unlike you would do in private!

on the poncho:

It's a jack of all trades, I really wouldn't want to be without mine. It doesn't make you sweat so much like a raincoat does, and it covers your equipment.

[kayaker]

I like my poncho, although it's nearing the best by date
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/RyanWoods/PC300097.jpg
taken from underneath...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/RyanWoods/PC290066.jpg
in all its gory

[Hollis]

In the re-inacting section under Viet-Nam Load outs, there is a guy with a towel. It dawned on me how pampered all you young pups are, Ponchos, poncho liners, Heck, I bet your DI made your rack and put a mint on your pillow...............

We had trouble just getting the very basic necessities, like food, water, and sleep.

Edited to add, Heck we had it good compare to the Old Corps Marines in their time.

[MikeSierra151]

Does anyone know the temperature rating of a Poncho Liner?

Thanks

[LaoSexMachine]

not below 70. imo.

[James]

not below 70. imo.

Travel light freeze at night. ;)

[Creeper]

The p.liner may keep you manageable upntil the frost hits the ground. After that - good luck.

My P.Liner never left my rack,, I got a sleeping bag that takes up less space and keeps me hellva warmer and drier!

Hey , I like my sniffle gear! LOL.

[Ubar]

http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/images/ponchoman.pdf >-- best poncho story EVER.

A hot uncomfortable turban... :D

[8thidpathfinderpower]

Wrong, a soldiers best friend is Wet ones, or baby wipes. And foot powder.


Wetones, baby wipes and foot powder...the foot powder is a good idea to have, but the towelettes are just asking for trouble...you can smell them a long ways off...and thats the same for Safe Guard soap, Coast soap, Irish Spring soap and any other perfumed item. Try good ol' ivory soap in a bar, and water from a canteen. Just as clean, no smell, and cheaper too.

[James]

Wetones, baby wipes and foot powder...the foot powder is a good idea to have, but the towelettes are just asking for trouble...you can smell them a long ways off...and thats the same for Safe Guard soap, Coast soap, Irish Spring soap and any other perfumed item. Try good ol' ivory soap in a bar, and water from a canteen. Just as clean, no smell, and cheaper too.

You should tell the company that make MREs to stop including these.

[MikeSierra151]

I have used it well below 70 degrees. I was wondering if anyone knew factory specs. I cant find any.

Thanks

[Pete031]

Wetones, baby wipes and foot powder...the foot powder is a good idea to have, but the towelettes are just asking for trouble...you can smell them a long ways off...and thats the same for Safe Guard soap, Coast soap, Irish Spring soap and any other perfumed item. Try good ol' ivory soap in a bar, and water from a canteen. Just as clean, no smell, and cheaper too.

You can get unscented ones too man.
But why cheat yourself... Anyone can lay undetected in the field unscented. I prefer the challenge of smelling fabulous in the field.

[ed316]

I have used it well below 70 degrees. I was wondering if anyone knew factory specs. I cant find any.

Thanks


SAme here. I had full gear on and I was still cold.

[rnaf]

http://www.borlaug-sport.no/brynje2.gif

hell yea. that single piece of clothing underneath you BDU will be the difference between life and death up north.

[ibstolidude]

One extra tube sock....









even better if you have a few extra rubber gloves.

[Ubar]

http://www.borlaug-sport.no/brynje2.gif

hell yea. that single piece of clothing underneath you BDU will be the difference between life and death up north.

Is that Brynje stuff good?
I have an Ulfrotte undershirt which is fairly warm even if youre wet and cool enough to move around... but it's quite itchy against the skin being wool

[E-2]

foot powder, poly pros (especially something to wrap around your head, 80% of your body heat escapes off your head) , baby wipes, sleeping bags with the bivy waterproof cover...and CLP to keep the rifle alive.

[rnaf]

Is that Brynje stuff good?
I have an Ulfrotte undershirt which is fairly warm even if youre wet and cool enough to move around... but it's quite itchy against the skin being wool

wearing brynje is better than *** when its -30 C, so yea its good stuff.

try wearing brynje under your ullfrotte. none the itch, twice the warmth - even when wet. where did you get the shirt by the way?

[Ubar]

Bought it from here- http://survivalschool.co.uk/acatalog/Ullfrotte_Clothing.html

They were the only shop here I could see that shirt on, without the zips on

Not sure I'd want to wear both while doing anything physical, seems like it would be too warm.
Maybe it will be less itchy after it has been washed (never have done so far as wool doesnt really get smelly like helly hansen type things do).

[Steve Andrews]

Warm kit gets my vote.

It was a Helly Hansen Field Jacket in my day, when you were only issued a wooley pulley and a chinky fighting suit.

[kayaker]

Love my HH skin layer. Wicks away sweat and far more comfy than a Tshirt