made a quick and cheap ($1) HALF Poncho/Cape today. my goal for this was have an ultralight poncho/cape, that would provide some wind/rain protection, still have access to my gear (like bear spray/tools etc) and not trip or snag over the damn thing while hiking in our brutal terrain. I often leave my reg poncho at home for this exact reason.( and then SUFFER thru cold torrential rain <<<which is preferable to tripping over the regular poncho and snapping an ankle or femur in our brutal terrain) started with a 50 liter (i think) surplus clothing bag. the fabric is 40 or 50D rubber coated (polyurethane) , and it has string (wrap tight and tie) tie offs. I cut straight up the main welded seam, thru the ties, and then straight across the bottom of the bag. I then used a hot nail to melt 4 holes for the neck strings thats it. All ties off ends were heat sealed with the Exotac Titanlight and we're done! head /neck basically goes thru the cut open bottom of the bag. Wear with a boonie hat. room for a 30 liter pack (maybe smaller actually) , webbing kit , and the fabric hangs just below the waist. Easy access to knife, bear spray, rifle etc. You can tie off the waist straps if you like, or roll them up and secure them out of the way. would LOVE IT (and would BUY ) if someone took this idea further and made a military grade HALF/SHORT poncho....hint hint gear makers..........
