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Heavy-Duty Poncho
|
Category
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Rain & Sleeping Gear
|
|
Sub-Category
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Ponchos and Poncho Liners
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| Manufacturer | Southern Athletic Co., Inc. |
| Date | 1966 |
| FSN | 8405-290-0550 |
| Specification | MIL-P-3003 |
The plastic coated nylon poncho had a permanently attached hood, waist draw-cord tabs and snap fasteners down both sides. It was designed to be used as a rain cape, but could also be used as a blanket, sleeping bag cover or
shelter half. A
liner could also be tied inside the poncho to create a hybrid lightweight
sleeping bag.
The standard poncho proved unsatisfactory for use in Vietnam because it was too heavy when wet and the shiny coating gleamed in the rain. These deficiencies were resolved with the introduction of the
lightweight poncho.
