The military poncho has been field-tested by soldiers since the American Civil War.  It’s a popular military surplus item that brings its wearer happiness on those cloudy, rainy days.

The U.S. military did not invent the poncho, but it did make it a dependable item to keep its soldiers dry during wet days.  The original military poncho used for protection from rain was made of a latex-coated material.  Those ponchos were multipurpose, giving soldiers a covering from the rain and a mat to sleep on.  Later the U.S. military started to make rubberized canvas ponchos to give to soldiers.  Around the time of World War II, hoods were made for the military poncho.  Finally, after the second world war, nylon was used in making the military poncho and has been the material of choice ever since.  The current military poncho can be used as a shelter in emergencies.

Poncho liner

Another military surplus item that’s similar to the poncho is the poncho liner.  It’s made of a durable nylon and doubles as a blanket.  To wear it around your body, you just tie together the strings on the corners.  Check it out here.

Everyone has a need for a poncho at some point.  The usual occasions to use one are while hunting or camping, but there are several other situations that call for one.  A poncho will keep you dry while packing sandbags during a flood, walking in the city during a rainstorm, or strolling around a fair or amusement park while it’s drizzling.

So why not get the poncho that keeps our soldiers dry?  The military poncho comes in all the great military colors, including olive drab, black, and several camouflage patterns (including “digital” camo).  They’re also made with high-quality nylon, and feature a hood to keep your head dry.  And the best part is, the ones you get here are made in the U.S.A.  Check out this selection.  If you’re looking for a way to stay warm and dry for the whole night, you might like our Family Coleman Instant Tent review.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.