When I first saw the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho at Outdoor Retailer a few years ago, I wrote it off as the world’s most gimmicky item. Boy, was I wrong. So very wrong. Is it a blanket? Is it a sleeping bag? Is it a life sized slice of American cheese? Whatever it is, it’s my favorite piece of gear.
Despite how obnoxious this is, it’s actually a solid technical piece. 35.7 Active Partical Polyester provides the insulation for this, not down. (Side note: A lot of folks ask me if it’s down and I honestly don’t think down would survive in this poncho, at least not the way I use it.)
The shell is made of Waterproof Breathable 20D Polyester RipStop. It is water resistant in case you’re busy twirling in it and you spill your beer.
Available at Amazon | CampSaver
Snaps line the sides if you don’t want the Honcho Poncho flapping (as much) in the wind. A hood with cinches keeps your head from losing all its warmth.
It also has a kangaroo pouch and a zippered pocket that runs deep. It’s surprisingly deep. Like hold a lot of things including your groceries deep.
Available at Amazon | CampSaver
The Honcho Poncho stuffs into its pocket for storage which also conveniently doubles as a really nice pillow.
This thing is pure magic. Tuck it into your crash pad for some nap time while bouldering. Stuff it under your feet for road trips where you and your partner can’t decide on car temperatures. Or just use it and twirl around the campfire.
Available at Amazon | CampSaver
At 1lb and 12 oz, it’s not the lightest form of insulation. But if you have the room for it, it’s the most fun luxury item you can pack in the backcountry.
The Honcho Poncho is unisex. If you’re tall, this will be shorter on you, and if you’re short, this will be long. At 5’ tall, sometimes I end up stepping on the corners, and maybe tripping.
Available at Amazon | CampSaver
The Honcho Poncho is annoying when you need to use the bathroom, both inside and out. It’s best if you take the poncho off, otherwise you’ll be holding bunches of fabric awkwardly over your head to make sure dirty things don’t touch.
I suppose that as a guy you can just flip the fabric over your shoulder when nature calls. As a lady, this is not an option that I have.
It currently comes in three other colors, but when a piece of gear is already this ridiculous… the yellow is really the only choice.
Buy the ultra fabulous Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho through Amazon or CampSaver. It retails for $129.95, but there are deals floating around on different colors.
This was sent to me for review.
