Summer is in full effect and camp season is here. Mountain temps might be sunny and warm during the day, but quickly cool off as night settles in and evenings offer chilly temps around the campfire. Enter the Honcho Poncho from Therm-a-rest. This is basically a sleeping bag that has been cut open, added a hood and pocket, and become the warmest camp clothing you own.
Therm-a-rest is known for their sleeping bags and sleeping pads, but as they look to make camping more comfortable they have added a series of items that make fireside life a little cozier. Tech quilts have been popular items from a variety of brands, but the Honcho Poncho is a wearable version, made of a lightweight polyester fabric. To the touch, it feels exactly like a sleeping bag, cut in a poncho style. The inner liner is brushed polyester taffeta, yet is still breathable. The innovative insulation Therm-a-rest uses traps heat but allows moisture to escape as temperatures fluctuate. And the icing on the cake, is that the Honcho Poncho is waterproof.
While this piece is meant to be functional, unfortunately it is not flattering. It is a one size fits all, so on my five-foot-tall frame it comes past my knees. But the fact that I have never been as a warm and cozy makes it worth the fact I look a little like a gnome. The construction is essentially a flat quilt, with a hole cut for your head, and snaps under the arms to bring the material together. The back side is slightly longer, to allow to wear a pack under the poncho, and make sure your backside is covered. At 58×79 inches when unsnapped, it spreads out to be a comfortably sized quilt for lounging and picnics.
The front pocket of the poncho is a Kangaroo pouch, you can tuck your hands into for warmth. It also doubles as a zipped storage pocket. And when you are ready to stow the Honcho Poncho away, it packs into its own storage pocket. While it might not be small enough or light enough for the backpacking missions, it is perfect for car camping. I found an ideal dual use as well, in its stuff sack it make a perfect travel pillow, tucking nicely into the hood of your sleeping bag. This is also the perfect place to store it, and keep it warm, for easy access in the morning before you must brave the cool morning air in the desert.
While the Honcho Poncho, is not the most technical or the most fashionable, it checks another box we don’t usually associate with camping- comfort. While it has earned me some funny looks, it has made me Queen of the Campfire, and most eye it with envy as they bundle up in extra layers.