Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho
Product Description
The Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho is a waterproof/breathable poncho with a thin layer of 37.5™ polyester insulation that is just enough to keep me snug while doing camp chores or sitting around a campfire chatting with friends.
The poncho includes a perfectly-situated insulated kangaroo pocket in front, topped with a zipper pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. There are snaps along the edges to hold the sides together and help trap in some heat (somewhat) on the sides.
The hood has a drawstring to cinch up the opening for a more snug fit.
The poncho can be unsnapped and opened to be used as a blanket, or stuffed into itself to create a pillow.
Overall Impressions and Updates
I love multi-use gear and the Honcho Poncho really works well when moving about camp and in a hammock. During the late summer months when I first received the Honcho Poncho, I used it daily to snuggle up in my hammock. It was just enough insulation to keep me cozy without worrying about overheating. When opened up and folded length-wise, the snaps perfectly aligned so I could snap it into a pseudo-sleeping bag with an open foot end. This provided enough venting to be very comfortable.
The included kangaroo pocket and hood really make this poncho a winner for me. It’s been great for around camp, but also in the living room for getting wrapped up and cozy while lounging about. I love that I can convert it into a pillow or a blanket/sleeping bag.
I think it is sized just right for wearing as a poncho, but also as a blanket.
Recommendations and Review
While I loved that the snaps aligned, I wish there were a few more, particularly around the short sides so I could snap closed one end for my feet. If there is one DIY update I’ll make to this item will be to add a few snaps to the edge.
On one trip in the fall, I used the poncho as my primary insulation. Temperatures dipped into the low 40s°F upper 30s°F and I was cold. I was wearing insulated pants and my light jacket. While Therm-a-Rest does not market this as a sleeping bag and provides no temperature rating, I would say that it would be good in the 50s°F or higher when used this way.
| Criteria | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension and Anchor System | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | N/A |
| Construction and Craftsmanship | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Very impressive construction, which I’ve come to expect from Therm-a-Rest. High-quality throughout. |
| Modularity | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | While you can easily use the Honcho Poncho as a blanket, it lacks sufficient snaps to fully convert it into a sleeping bag or top quilt. |
| Aesthetics | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | |
| Price and Value | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | I think it is priced just on the edge of it’s value. |
- Manufacturer: Cascade Designs, made in China
- MSRP: US$130
Available Features/Specifications
Features
- Integrated storage pouch with zipper pocket (packs into its own storage pocket)
- Kangaroo hand pocket
- Cinchable hood
- Waterproof/breathable 20D polyester ripstop w/DWR 1000mm hydrostatic head / 5000 MVTR
- Brushed 50D polyester taffeta liner
- Available colors: Lemon Curry, Poseidon
Specifications
- 79 × 58 in (200 × 147 cm)
- 37.5™ active partial polyester insulation
Weight
- 28 oz (794 g)
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Disclosure of material connection: The author (Derek Hansen) was provided with a free sample from the manufacturer for testing and evaluation purposes. The comments in this post (written & spoken) are of my own opinion, which I formed after personally handling the gear. I was under no obligation to publish a review of this item.
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