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Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Review

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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.

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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.

When stuffed into its zipper pocket, the Honcho Poncho converts into a nice pillow.
When stuffed into its zipper pocket, the Honcho Poncho converts into a nice pillow.

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.

During this trip, I only used the Honcho Poncho as my sleeping insulation. It got down to the lower 40s°F and I was cold. During warmer trips, the Honcho Poncho worked fine as a blanket.
During this trip, I only used the Honcho Poncho as my sleeping insulation. It got down to the lower 40s°F and I was cold. During warmer trips, the Honcho Poncho worked fine as a blanket.

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.

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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.

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

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.

3 thoughts on “Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Review”

  1. Pingback: Review: Astucas Sestrals Poncho and Balaclava - The Ultimate Hang

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