I've used these in torrential downpours and it does a good job of keeping your upper-body dry. I would give it 3.5 stars, not 4, but Amazon doesn't allow for half-stars. The main shortcoming is the sleeves, they cover about 3/4 of the arm (or less, depending on how long your arms are), so if you're wearing a long sleeve, it'll be soaked by the time you get to your destination. Additionally, the water that slides down the poncho seems to streak down to your thighs/legs, so your pants will get soaked, but I think most ponchos do that, so I don't think that's a problem unique to this poncho. I do wish it had a front pocket and that the sides didn't come apart when it's windy out (there's some spots of velcro to help you keep it close, but those are tough to close when it's windy outside).

There is a reason that ex-military survivalists say that a poncho always goes with them. Of course, the ones they are generally speaking of are the heavy military variety, and whether you need that or something lightweight that packs small is a personal choice, depending upon your use. As for me, this sil-nylon poncho is exactly what I needed.

I was going to upload photos showing the versatility of this poncho, but I had forgotten how well-done the sales page is. There is really nothing I can add to the photos and video there except my own observations and experience. What you see in the photos and video is exactly what you will get. The poncho is well-made and very lightweight for its size, and for something made from sil-nylon, the price is very good.

I would like to remark about the guy who claimed you have to be small to use this. Either he got something different from what I received, or he must be the size of Andre the Giant. I am over 200 lbs and wear a large hat size, and I have plenty of room. One very important thing is that there is an excess of material at the neck area so that you can easily turn your head to both sides with the poncho tightened around your face, or with a hat on.

The only thing I would prefer to be different is that the "stuff sack" is not really a stuff sack but a "fold it and roll it up as tight as you can before putting it in" sack. Once you get the poncho out, it is never going back into that sack, in my opinion. Camping companies like to do that to show how small the item can pack, and I understand that, but nobody is going to do what you have to do to get it back into that sack, IMHO. So I would prefer a larger (real) stuff sack that I could actually stuff the poncho back into without a lot of effort.

The weight of the item without the "stuff sack" is 258g or 9.1 oz. Add to that the weight of whatever you decide to use to keep it in. I am using a gallon zipper bag. There is plenty of room to stuff it in there, and I can then squeeze the air out to make a small, flat package.

There is one other use that I can see possible for hammock campers. I haven't tried it yet, but I believe that you could use the poncho as a wind-breaker for your hammock or as an underquilt protector. Just a thought.

This poncho is going with me on every camping trip. Certainly for car camping, but it is also small enough and light enough for backpacking, as well.

So, all in all, great job, OneWind! Well worth the price and 5 stars.

Update: the new one was perfect, no issues. The company contacted me and was very eager to make things right. Would definitely recommend.

As soon as i pulled this out of the package I was amazed at how small and lightweight it was. Went to put it on and undid the velcro at the sides (there's velcro under the armpits that holds the sides together to make it a poncho) as soon as I tried to pull it apart the velcro started tearing away from the material. Hopefully this is just a one off manufacturing defect (it happens) because I'm waiting on a replacement right now from Amazon. Will update when recieved.

4 stars is for the camo that has a large silver logo on the back. Otherwise I would give it 5 stars. Ultralight weight and compact. I carry it everyday in my backpack. I've used it walking 1 mile to work in the rain with a backpack. I've been using it for about a year. I would buy another one.

I just wanted something: lightweight, compactable, light duty for Summer Time hikes ( may stretch it into the Winter). This fits the bill nicely. Don't expect it to be built like a tank, but for what it's intended for, it works.
Summer shade, keep dew off me, occasional shower- it's fine.
Fits easily over a backpack, surprising how many people don't get that?
Great on bicycles, tuck excess between your fanny and the seat, and keep your arms inside the Poncho and grasp the handlebars- keep things out of the spokes etc.
Smells normal to me? I don't know what the problem below is?
For the Summertime I like it.