A poncho is one of the most commonplace survival items, frequently carried in a bug-out bag or vehicle emergency kit. Of course, its traditional use is to protect from rain and the elements, but that's far from the only thing you can do with it. We talk a lot about survival hacks — taking an ordinary object and finding different and creative uses for it.
This is a handy skill because you never know what you'll have on you when disaster strikes and you're forced to improvise and make do with what you have. Read on to learn about some of the survival hacks you can make with an ordinary poncho.
10 Survival Hacks Using a Poncho
1. As a Poncho
(Of course.) It protects you from the wind and rain. Put the hood on and you'll be safe and dry.
2. As a Tarpaulin
You can use a poncho to protect other items from the rain.
3. As a Ground Cloth
For when you need to get down on the floor to rest, eat or prepare your stuff.
4. As a Sail for your Boat
Attach the poncho to a pole or sturdy stick and use it as a sail.
5. As a Smoke Signal Device
Put two sticks together into an X and tie the other ends to make a strong structure to control the smoke.
6. As a Dummy
This will help you evade your enemies.
7. As a Sleeping Tarp
Put it over your sleeping bag to keep yourself and the bag from getting wet.
8. As a Stretcher
Attach the poncho to two long sticks and you have a stretcher. (Yes, that was a typo in the video. Sorry folks.)
9. As a Tent
Tie a rope between two trees. Drape the poncho over the rope and tie it down.
10. As a Water Collector
In the dry season, spread it out at night so it collects the moisture.
Check out this instructional video showing different survival hacks using a poncho:
When you are out in the wild, the first thing that comes to your mind is to look for shelter. It wouldn't matter whether you are there because you have bugged out, running away from a disaster or from enemies. You are going to need rest and protect yourself from the harsh weather. If you happen to be in the woods or forest in the middle of winter or a hurricane, the more you are going to need a shield from the forces of nature.
A poncho or a tent will provide the protection that you need from the heat of the sun, cold and hot temperatures, the wind, snow and the rain. Considering the great number of living things out there, your shelter can keep the insects and most bugs in general. Having a barrier from the harshness and rawness of nature in the wild can definitely help you survive the crisis situation you are in.
The will to survive is somehow strengthened when you feel comfortable and safe. For the night or a brief period, you have some time to rest and reflect on what has happened and how you are going to handle the situation in a few hours or tomorrow.
In extreme survival situations, your shelter can help hide you from the eyes of the enemy. As a result, you get your much-needed break after a chase. The search for shelter is also a situation where it is more important to obtain than food or water.
Want to know more? Check out these related articles:
- 8 Outdoor Survival Life Hacks
- 40 Mind-Blowing Survival Hacks You Need To See
- 8 Survival Hacks Using a Soda Can
For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on February 17, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
One more use.
If you’re lost or injured, a poncho, particularly one in a bright color, can signal your location to rescuers. It’s much larger than you are, even if you’re waving your arms frantically.
You might even want to attach it to a long pole, so you can wave it about. Movement plus a bright color plus the larger size will make you visible from much further away. And if you prefer a cameo poncho, you might still carry a compact, bright-colored plastic sheet for signaling.
It works at sea too. When I had a sailboat, I attached lines and clips to a bright orange poncho, so I could hoist it up the backstay. I wanted to be certain that, if I found myself in trouble, a USCG helicopter would have no problem spotting my little boat in a large and stormy sea.
There are times when you want very, very much to be seen.