Vietnam veteran 1st and 25th infantry division 1969-1970. The poncho liner as it was called then was a godsend for keeping warm at night during monsoon season, but not dry and for protecting you from the swarm of mosquitos that attacked every night. The actual poncho was not issued because of noise and it’s reflective nature.
@tjrhrvtimy bgbtge We got wet. Did have a poncho but never wore it. Had the hood tied shut and used it as a shelter. If you have shelter and wrap up in a poncho liner your body heat will dry it out.
@tjrhrvtimy bgbtge no choice but to sleep in the rain. We rolled up in the liner on the ground with are heads on our steel pots to keep them up out of the water.
That’s what I’ve always wondered about ponchos. Unless it’s some waterproofed canvas like older stuff, it crinkles and gives off a lot of light. Wearing my British windproof smock, the noise is annoying
I swapped an Australian Army issue machete for a poncho liner and ball cap off some visiting GIs in 1981. It has saved my life on many a cold night and I still have it. It is getting a bit thin but still does the job down to 7C (45F) or so and used with a sleeping bag well below freezing (32F). I also had it as a back seat cover when I was a young bloke and the chicks loved how it felt...
yup, mine was a godsend in korea.... i kept one in my buttpack when i was on patrol in full gear... used it with my poncho as a makeshift fart sack when it was inconvenient to have a full sized mummy sleeping bag.
@@juanmacias418 I slit the seams in my matress cover where the three inflatable units slide in and put the liner in that and it was so light and compact but really warm. Field expedient improvisation!
Love my poncho liner. I don't do hammocks, but I use it to go inside my sleeping bag for extra warmth. Never tried it in a Ranger Roll, but hear it's a good survival option. Great video, thanks.
I was stationed in Germany in the 80's❤ The poncho liner was a Godsend. I put one in the bottom of my sleeping bag and one on top of me. I was blissfully warm in zero degrees weather.
Thanks for the video! I was looking for ideas for poncho liner modifications. Your version is really great because it got all the features but seems easy to do with the Paracord loops and buttons!
I also modded my poncho liner to close up with metal snaps/poppers, and to cinch up the ends, I carefully made holes at each corner through one half of the outside hem with a soldering iron which melts the fabric and prevents fraying. I then threaded to lengths of paradors through the tube formed. Useful for closing up the foot end and tying up the poncho with the spare, when used as a ranger roll, or for use as an under quilt with a hammock. When using with my hammock I close up the poppers centrally after getting in so I’m cocooned.
Heard the “woobie” was a replacement for the old wool blanket. I have both, the old old green wool blanket I’ve had since I was a teenager. Spent many nights curled up against a tree with nothing else. I’ve tried the poncho liner and it is lighter to carry, but I don’t think it can compare at all to my old woolie!
Great video! I loved my woobie as an army grunt and still do. In the infantry during the 2000's we almost all referred to it as a woobie. May not be the original meaning but we took it as a woobie is also a slang term for a baby blanket or security blanket. On a cold night, a grunt could still have the comfort of his woobie.
Little trivia, the name "woobie" was actually taken from the movie Mr Mom. There was a "security blanket" in the film that was called "woobie". Great video! Love your addition of the buttons and loops to add even more uses.
@@warlike3934 the poncho liner itself or the name "woobie"? Cause I know they were introduced in Vietnam but the nickname didn't pop up until after Mr. Mom was released. Did a little quick digging and on forums even vets from the 70s and 80s confirm that they didn't see the nickname pop up until the 90s.
I have two of the USGI woodland pattern poncho liners from my Air Force days. Have had them for going on 25 years, and while they are definitely showing their age, they still do what I need them to! Recently acquired some newer issue ones in coyote brown and use them to enhance my Helikon Swagman Rolls on cold nights (I am a desert rat these days). I'll never part with my "woobies". They are too useful!
In 1983, Michael Keaton made a movie called "Mr. Mom". As a stay at home Dad, he had to take care of the house and kids while his wife worked. One of his children had a security blanket called his "Woobie" or "Wooby".
I have a few of these I've picked up over the years. I wouldn't give what places online are trying to sell them for but if you can pick one up for around $15 grab one. I picked all mine up new and have never given over $10 for one. The best one I gave $5, the newer USMC one with a zipper at a gun show.
@@robertsbushcraft so is the bivy! Pretty sure I run different models than you guys but the USMC bivy is inherently worn out once they come to Canada and buying on Ebay is a turkey shoot.
Best single piece of equipment I ever had. I had mine since 1999 (US Woodland) and have been with me on multiple- deployments. (Kosovo-Iraq-Afghanistan)
Was grunt in the 3rd Infantry in the 80's. We just called it a poncho liner. It was popular when going on patrols because we could just pull it out and use it as a little bit of extra insulation when we were bushed up in an LPOP or Security at the Halt. No one really used it as a true sleeping bag. It was basically just a blanket that made things a little easier. When you were going out for two or three days you took it because lugging a sleeping bag around was just not going to happen.
Right on, brother! Thank you for your service! We'll be storing a few of the poncho liners in our loft once we get it done: th-cam.com/video/4xSfak35yvk/w-d-xo.html
I was in 2001 through 2017 on and off. I had a staff nco who did 20 years and he would never pack the sleeping bag but always carried the poncho liner and poncho. Used it as sleeping system.
I've slept under a woobie every night for years. I'm in Florida and it seems that for most of the year it provides the perfect comfort level. When a cold front comes through in the winter I pull a wool blanket over the top of it but I could survive with just the woobie if I had to.
You wo-be-cold without it. I put a zipper in my liner for my head. Then a took a SOL Mylar sheet and took some clear packaging tape and put it in key spots and where I eventually put a slit for a neck opening. Then I safety pined the Mylar to the liner. With seasonal clothing it will take you to lower temps. So with winter clothes I’ve gone down to 30F. By putting the Mylar against your clothes, liner slows conduction of heat loss from the Mylar. It was and is rated down to 60 s F. The quiet SOL Mylar double size sheet is a must for minimal kit.
I've heard of folks using hook and loop tape instead of a zipper, and some even use buttons to close the gap. How often do you use your poncho liner like that over normal cold weather layers/clothing?
This is going to date me. In the Army in the 80's we called it a poncho liner. My son went into the Army and when he got out asked me if we had Woobies when I was in. It took us awhile to figure out what each of us were talking about. So Woobie is definitely a new word.
I have been using my PL as an under quilt in all conditions ever since i saw Dave Mcintyre demonstrate his. The only difference being i use two 2 ft long bungy cords that are attached to my ridge line via Prussic knots. Both tag ends then attach to the PL's cords...this allows plenty of stretch without stressing the cords on the PL......When it gets really cold out i slip a military 3/4 length foam pad between my hammock and the PL...works great!...I agree with you my friend..."The poncho Liner is not a useless piece of surplus military junk!...Like my poncho, it is a multi purpose, indisposable and still viable piece of military equipment. ..but then you already knew that!...atvb...MTwoods
I sleep with a poncho liner ever night. I was in the navy and of course we were a lot tougher than the rest. Thus all we had was a scratchy wool blanket. Once my mangina discovered the poncho liner I never went back.
We called them poncho liners in the Army as well. I actually never heard them called a "woobie" in the Army which makes me suspicious that term comes from a non military source.....
I love my "woobies"...I have 2 from the guys that make them for the us army ...and I have 6 from DRAGOON UNLIMITED, that have a hole for the head, 2 without zip (older), 2 with zipper and 2 with zipper and extra water resistance. I have just ordered another one in normal olive green that I am expecting to arrive this week. Either for just a nap at home or for going in the wild, they are wonderful pieces in my kit.
Its old tech but is still useful. Layering a poncho, casualty blanket, wool blanket and poncho liner makes decent light weight gear to 30 F or so if your fully dressed. The jungle bag and a bivy is better imho. Makes a good light weight addition though.
I use mine as a sleeping bag liner. It takes some rather packable, but cheap sleeping bags and makes them warm down to the low 40's (Edit: I have a really bad habit of typing before watching the entire video). I have some doubts about the kit on it's own, however. I still pack it everywhere, though. FWIW, I was under the impression that the Molle II Waist Pack will carry precisely ONE poncho liner. I recently watched a TH-cam video where the presenter used his waist pack to carry a poncho liner AND his poncho in a ranger roll configuration. I just wish that an issue poncho was as affordable as the liner. Aside from getting a little hot in the sun, the liner makes the best beach barrier as sand does not stick to the poncho liner unlike everything else. What's really funny is how the backpacking community recently "discovered" quilts. Poncho liner people kinda chuckle.
I have a Dutch Army Woobie and a commercial one, the commercial one is far warmer. I can’t say if all Military woobies are subpar in comparison but the commercial one is definitely thicker than the army one.
I was in the Army then the USAF From 1979 to 1992, and served in many joint service operations & exercises. Back to the Army 2003-2009 including two tours to AFG. Never once heard the term "woobie". Nor had I ever read it in way too many military magazines or Viet Nam memoirs. Not saying it hasn't been around since God was a Private but I only started hearing it from youtubers in the past 10 years. IMHO, the Poncho Liner makes a spiffy bed spread. In the 1980s "The Old Guys" (VietNam, Korea) recommenced replacing it with a modified light wool blanket. You could wear it as a real poncho liner in the cold rain among other things. Today, I use a cheap fleece blanket where you others use the poncho liner. Especially nice since I can waterproof the edges. In the sleeping bag mode, notice the poncho liner sticks out beyond the poncho. If you don't fix that, the liner sucks any moisture in the air including light rain and heavy fog. Sucks it up and spreads to the liner...and to you. Pretty but OVERATED
Really great video. I am hoping to get one with a zipper, to go with my U.S. Military Intermediate cold weather sleeping bag But man! they are expensive. Might just get a faded one on the cheep. Looking forward to more of your Videos. Thank you
Slept this way many nights in the field, great way to reduce weight in the pack on tact movements. Ya'll make great videos that show the excess troops are now being forced to carry and maintain in the field these days. We pack hammocks and ranger rolls now. 4 pounds or less carries way better than all the junk Baby Marines are carring today. Old School used common sense and forced training, to be adaptable and ready to move fast.
I got 3 of em I got two of the acu ones for 45 bucks new the only issue I got is that they are too slippery and they have a habit of sliding off the bed Lmao but when I’m at the cabin I just put it in my patrol bag and use my acu bivy and no matter where it goes it’s warm guys when my grandsons are there I just tie the strings and make a sleeping bag for them and put inside there bags and there all cozy !
The name “ woobie“ comes from an ironic reference to the poncho liner as a security blanket … As parents we know that small children become obsessively attached to certain items and lose it if they don’t have them . In our house , a special blanket was a “ woobie “… and a pacifier was a “ binkie”… My wife was constantly keeping up with woobies , binkies and bottles … not to mention diapers by the ton . That was the joke … young grunts needing their security blankets … And having to explain the joke always ruins it … I can’t throw shade … My wife used to say my pistol was my emotional support firearm . I always have it tucked in my waistband … day or night … or under my pillow when I sleep . We never sewed buttons on ours , but we did keep a couple of large diaper pins ( big safety pins ) to hold the liner together when we slept in it . Some guys had a hole cut and sewn with tape ( fabric tape) in the middle of a liner , so it could be worn with the poncho as an extra layer of warmth in cold wet conditions . I agree that they are essential equipment , but keeping yours may be a struggle . Even after I left the military, I would try to keep one in different places in case we needed one … only to find them missing when we looked for them . My wife , and any other female personnel hanging around our group took a shine to poncho liners immediately… being smooth , soft , cuddly and warm … and would steal them in a heartbeat if you didn’t watch them like a hawk . I had to replace the one behind my pickup seat several times . If you think grunts love their woobies , their old ladies are even worse .
I too grew up calling it a poncho liner. As for the name "woobie". I don't recall where I heard it said..."If you don't have your poncho liner you WOOBIE COLD"
No it seasonal thing but I like my liner as light blanket easy carry blanket can villain use. Admit military army we never really used it except for gear lay out inspections outside.
I swear this man is reversing in age. I must have subd like a decade ago, and this man looks younger now than in his first videos. I enjoy content like this because there's this stigma in the bushcraft community to avoid anything surplus related (unless it's from WW2) and instead purchase comically expensive, hipster gear, made with natural fibers. Because of this, surplus is an invaluable resource for those of that practicing ending bad guys in the dark, and enjoy rubbing sticks together in the day time for warmth. There's a few, but not many attempting to bridge the gap between the tacticool community, and the bushcraft community. They absolutely go hand in hand, and if not for their being such a massive online presence of Euro bushcrafters who are more new age hipster than men of violence, a plethora of knowledge is being completely disregarded. It's ridiculous. You're not required to grab your MK14 EBR, and Reccee loadout because you're using a poncho with a camo print. I have no idea why there's this perception that as a community we're required to do one or the other. There are 10^¹²³ articles and videos explaining why we as a bushcraft community, need to seperate ourselves from the service community. If not, you're viewed with patronizing condescendence, and contemptuous cynicism, and treated like you're some western militia threeper. One SERE class would change perception for the entirety of the community, and we need more content creators bridging the gap between both schools. I know I'm ranting and it seems petty, but there's a lot of division online between the two, and I see alot of debates originate from discussions on ponchos/woobies. There's a lot of us that knapp rocks and own a set of PVS14. Anyways the reason for my triggered rant is because Woobie is the Euro term for poncho, and it's used to try and differentiate the bushcraft community, from the service community. That's all it is. God forbid we acknowledge there are bushcrafters that can stalk quarry and game, or that we lump the two into the same category because bushcrafting is about returning to nature, while the tacticool community only uses it as concealment in conflict. There are people that will completely lose their mind if you we do not differentiate the two, and ironically they're the same people that are not citizens of a free nation, and enjoy the woods as a hobby. Vs those that attain skills for genuine survival so the hobbiest is free to walk their manicured trails, in their $500 boots made from eco friendly materials that were harvested from animals that died of natural causes. God forbid there's overlap between the skills of real men, and those pretending to be men. I own and use the MSS. I had no idea the my poncho was made to integrate with it. Though, I think there's some massive buttons on my MSS that have always gone unused, and the poncho makes perfect sense. Pretty kewl, I would have never known.
Nice calm rant. I'd say a lot of what you said is correct. This idea of "bugging out" rather than staying and hunkering down has gone a little bit too far. I've got two "woobies" and two ponchos and they're for staying.
Then there's the ultralight hiking crowd who drill holes in their toothbrush handles to reduce weight. I can only assume carrying a Skeletool would compress their spine from its unimaginable heaviness. Maybe if they started making fixed blades or self defense pistols out of Dyneema they'd hike with one but the additional weight would slow them down by 00.23 seconds per 200 miles so that probably wouldn't be tolerated.
Hey, thanks for the compliment, Thomas! You know, the stigma around milsurp has always intrigued me. I hear and read all the time comments like "it's made by the lowest bidder" or "it's overpriced cheaply made", "it's trash that gets ruined so easy" and so on. Sometimes I'll respond, sometimes I won't. The gear simply speaks for itself. Sure, some of it is heavy, but, we get it cheap. I'm not taking a pack (for example) that I paid 500$ into the wilds of cutovers, thickets, thorn patches, swamps, rivers, mudholes, and sandpits. Why? Because those are the places where gear gets ruined. Why would I go into such places? It's those places that make it harder to be found. It's places like that where milsurp shines. It's rugged and made for that sort of stuff. Don't get me wrong, the gear has its limits, but I'm not crying the blues about a rip in a super expensive pack or bag. The more experience you have with your gear the more confidence you'll have in your gear. How long has the ALICE pack been on the scene now? I'd have zero issues taking that lady anywhere. Knowing that your gear is good to go (one less thing to worry about) will allow you to more confidently build on other bushcraft/survival skills that will keep you alive.
Great video. Thanks for explaining the woobie to an Australian. I couldn't figure out the hype myself. I wonder, how does that hammock go in wet weather? Will it collect water if not properly tarped off? I currently use a net hammock for that reason but would like one of these with the bug net. I am just worried they collect water in the wet weather.
I've never heard a poncho liner called a woobie. We always called it a poncho liner. They say it came from an obscure Terri Garr film in 1983. I was a marine in 1983. I saw the movie. It sucked. Terri Garr was beautiful. Don't remember Woobie. I think it's a term for civilians that collect surplus as a hobby. I use my USMC poncho liner for camping (it has a zipper) and I use my army poncho liner as a blanket in my house (Its quite a big bigger than the USMC). Both are made by Winston Salem Industies for the Blind or something like that. The Real McCoy. Genuine Surplus. Lots of imitations out there. I will accept no substitutes. Made in the USA. Just like me.
How do you deal with condensation while using liner with poncho? even without breathing under there, coming morning you start feeling damp and cold-ish... not really comfortable... after that all day is an uphill battle. For survival- sure. For comfortable sleep so that you can function next day... sleeping bag plus ponchi as a tent for wind seems to be the way. poncho liner only to keep warm if standing still for awhile and getting cold.. And as a backup/additional layer to sleeping bag. Or am i missing something and there is a way to not get damp in this system?
@@robertsbushcraft I saw the very same ones on outdoor reviews , if yo go to sportsman guide you will see the difference. sorry I meant outdoor gear review
Nothing works better than a down quilt, for any weather above freezing. I just hate how now matter what you do, there's always debris inside my sleeping bags.
When I was in the Marine Corps, if it’s warm enough, I tend to bring just the poncho & liner to save space. And yes, we’ve always referred to it as poncho liner. It wasn’t until I joined the army much later that I heard it referred to as a woobie. I still feel weird calling it that.
Thank you very much for the video. I have a question: I am having trouble finding a genuine US military poncho, even on sites like amazon, Ebay, and Sportsmansguide. Are you aware of any non-military ponchos that the poncho liner will mate with like it does with the US military poncho?
@@robertsbushcraft I don't know if that's how. But... thats the only time I ever heard the term, " Woobie". The youngest kid had a blanket, he couldn't sleep without it, and in the movie it was called his " Woobie". Movie came out in 1983.
It is NOT a poncho liner. You are misinformed. I was in in the 80s as well. Secret squirrel attached to LRRP units. Sir, it is.. Liner, Poncho 1 ea x 1, 2. Or how many you were issued. Nice slow moving video. Easy for.us old dogs to keep up.
An under quilt is not meant to be tight against your body. If you don’t know, it’s the airspace that’s keeps you warm. Don’t make videos putting out inaccurate info.
@@FD_Boss and I go on to say there's plenty of room to stuff more debris, etc. The point of it is to show the liner can be used in such a way, not an exact tutorial on underquilt deployment. That changes for each person, conditions, and comfort.
Vietnam veteran 1st and 25th infantry division 1969-1970. The poncho liner as it was called then was a godsend for keeping warm at night during monsoon season, but not dry and for protecting you from the swarm of mosquitos that attacked every night. The actual poncho was not issued because of noise and it’s reflective nature.
Right on! Thank you for your service!
@tjrhrvtimy bgbtge We got wet. Did have a poncho but never wore it. Had the hood tied shut and used it as a shelter. If you have shelter and wrap up in a poncho liner your body heat will dry it out.
@tjrhrvtimy bgbtge no choice but to sleep in the rain. We rolled up in the liner on the ground with are heads on our steel pots to keep them up out of the water.
That’s what I’ve always wondered about ponchos. Unless it’s some waterproofed canvas like older stuff, it crinkles and gives off a lot of light. Wearing my British windproof smock, the noise is annoying
I swapped an Australian Army issue machete for a poncho liner and ball cap off some visiting GIs in 1981. It has saved my life on many a cold night and I still have it. It is getting a bit thin but still does the job down to 7C (45F) or so and used with a sleeping bag well below freezing (32F). I also had it as a back seat cover when I was a young bloke and the chicks loved how it felt...
yup, mine was a godsend in korea.... i kept one in my buttpack when i was on patrol in full gear... used it with my poncho as a makeshift fart sack when it was inconvenient to have a full sized mummy sleeping bag.
@@juanmacias418 I slit the seams in my matress cover where the three inflatable units slide in and put the liner in that and it was so light and compact but really warm. Field expedient improvisation!
Love my poncho liner. I don't do hammocks, but I use it to go inside my sleeping bag for extra warmth. Never tried it in a Ranger Roll, but hear it's a good survival option. Great video, thanks.
It's a lightweight option that's for sure!
By itself it also makes a nice warm weather blanket. There’s always that chill from 3am to just after dawn.
You know, that exact timeframe in the morning is the absolute hardest to stay awake and warm in. But yes, you are right!
I was stationed in Germany in the 80's❤ The poncho liner was a Godsend. I put one in the bottom of my sleeping bag and one on top of me. I was blissfully warm in zero degrees weather.
Thanks for the video! I was looking for ideas for poncho liner modifications. Your version is really great because it got all the features but seems easy to do with the Paracord loops and buttons!
Nice job with the sewing skills for the loops/buttons, that really turned up the versatility of that piece of gear.
Multi-role multi-function gear is where it's at!
I also modded my poncho liner to close up with metal snaps/poppers, and to cinch up the ends, I carefully made holes at each corner through one half of the outside hem with a soldering iron which melts the fabric and prevents fraying. I then threaded to lengths of paradors through the tube formed. Useful for closing up the foot end and tying up the poncho with the spare, when used as a ranger roll, or for use as an under quilt with a hammock. When using with my hammock I close up the poppers centrally after getting in so I’m cocooned.
Well done! You've got a solid system, blackboardbloke!
Heard the “woobie” was a replacement for the old wool blanket. I have both, the old old green wool blanket I’ve had since I was a teenager. Spent many nights curled up against a tree with nothing else. I’ve tried the poncho liner and it is lighter to carry, but I don’t think it can compare at all to my old woolie!
The wool blankets are hard to beat!
Exactly!
The wool blanket is awesome
Great video! I loved my woobie as an army grunt and still do. In the infantry during the 2000's we almost all referred to it as a woobie. May not be the original meaning but we took it as a woobie is also a slang term for a baby blanket or security blanket. On a cold night, a grunt could still have the comfort of his woobie.
Absolutely. My poncho liner is always/ stays on my recliner. 😁 Appreciate 🫵👍
Mine too :D
Little trivia, the name "woobie" was actually taken from the movie Mr
Mom. There was a "security blanket" in the film that was called "woobie". Great video! Love your addition of the buttons and loops to add even more uses.
The buttons and loops really do come in handy!
Been around a lot longer than that movie
@@warlike3934 the poncho liner itself or the name "woobie"? Cause I know they were introduced in Vietnam but the nickname didn't pop up until after Mr. Mom was released. Did a little quick digging and on forums even vets from the 70s and 80s confirm that they didn't see the nickname pop up until the 90s.
@@dylanfarnham5164 way it was explained to me woobie was mumble speak from would be cold and wet without it
@@warlike3934 yeah I've heard that one too. "Would be" to "woobie".
I just purchased 2 from Military Surplus Supply ...thanks for the info, very nice presentation.
You are very welcome and I hope you love 'em as good as I do!
I have two of the USGI woodland pattern poncho liners from my Air Force days. Have had them for going on 25 years, and while they are definitely showing their age, they still do what I need them to! Recently acquired some newer issue ones in coyote brown and use them to enhance my Helikon Swagman Rolls on cold nights (I am a desert rat these days). I'll never part with my "woobies". They are too useful!
These liners are some of the best pieces of gear on the planet :D
In 1983, Michael Keaton made a movie called "Mr. Mom".
As a stay at home Dad, he had to take care of the house and kids while his wife worked.
One of his children had a security blanket called his "Woobie" or "Wooby".
That could very well be the source!
I have a few of these I've picked up over the years. I wouldn't give what places online are trying to sell them for but if you can pick one up for around $15 grab one. I picked all mine up new and have never given over $10 for one. The best one I gave $5, the newer USMC one with a zipper at a gun show.
Have yet to own one , if I ever get up to a surplus store and get me a genuine military poncho I will get me one for sure , maybe in a few weeks
You'll not think much of it if you pick it up, maybe even roll your eyes. Get one and you'll see just how awesome it is :D
I love my poncho liners. They make great liners for sleeping bags as well. I have a few different models and my children all have one as well.
All of our main packs have two constant pieces of gear: a bivy, and a poncho liner. The liners are worth their weight in gold!
@@robertsbushcraft so is the bivy! Pretty sure I run different models than you guys but the USMC bivy is inherently worn out once they come to Canada and buying on Ebay is a turkey shoot.
I have two of them one with a zipper on the side also a spot for your head and a regular one i like both of them .great video
Hey thanks, Broseph! Do you prefer one over the other?
Best single piece of equipment I ever had. I had mine since 1999 (US Woodland) and have been with me on multiple- deployments. (Kosovo-Iraq-Afghanistan)
Right on and thank you for your service!
Great video Curry! Got two poncho liners in old school woodland camo and will not part with either! Thanks for sharing!
Hey you're winning life if you have more than one poncho liner, JT :)
Was grunt in the 3rd Infantry in the 80's. We just called it a poncho liner. It was popular when going on patrols because we could just pull it out and use it as a little bit of extra insulation when we were bushed up in an LPOP or Security at the Halt. No one really used it as a true sleeping bag. It was basically just a blanket that made things a little easier. When you were going out for two or three days you took it because lugging a sleeping bag around was just not going to happen.
Right on, brother! Thank you for your service! We'll be storing a few of the poncho liners in our loft once we get it done: th-cam.com/video/4xSfak35yvk/w-d-xo.html
I was in 2001 through 2017 on and off. I had a staff nco who did 20 years and he would never pack the sleeping bag but always carried the poncho liner and poncho. Used it as sleeping system.
That sir, is brilliant! Thank you for the idea.
You are very welcome, Michael!
Thanks for your tip on how you do the liner as an under quilt. I like it. Thanks.
You're welcome, Kurt!
one of my followers sent me your video i think you did very well i enjoyed your video..thanks for posting...safe journeys to you
Blackie, thanks for stopping by! And thanks for your subscriber sending our video over to you, we love your channel and appreciate the down and dirty!
I certainly love mine. My son's in the army and introduced me to them.
I've slept under a woobie every night for years. I'm in Florida and it seems that for most of the year it provides the perfect comfort level. When a cold front comes through in the winter I pull a wool blanket over the top of it but I could survive with just the woobie if I had to.
Frank, I love the versatility of these poncho liners!
You wo-be-cold without it. I put a zipper in my liner for my head. Then a took a SOL Mylar sheet and took some clear packaging tape and put it in key spots and where I eventually put a slit for a neck opening. Then I safety pined the Mylar to the liner. With seasonal clothing it will take you to lower temps. So with winter clothes I’ve gone down to 30F. By putting the Mylar against your clothes, liner slows conduction of heat loss from the Mylar. It was and is rated down to 60 s F. The quiet SOL Mylar double size sheet is a must for minimal kit.
I've heard of folks using hook and loop tape instead of a zipper, and some even use buttons to close the gap. How often do you use your poncho liner like that over normal cold weather layers/clothing?
I’d love to see a tutorial video on how you installed those loops and buttons. How many, how far apart, etc.
I might rig another poncho liner in the same fashion as this. I'll video the process if I do.
This is going to date me. In the Army in the 80's we called it a poncho liner. My son went into the Army and when he got out asked me if we had Woobies when I was in. It took us awhile to figure out what each of us were talking about. So Woobie is definitely a new word.
I have been using my PL as an under quilt in all conditions ever since i saw Dave Mcintyre demonstrate his.
The only difference being i use two 2 ft long bungy cords that are attached to my ridge line via Prussic knots.
Both tag ends then attach to the PL's cords...this allows plenty of stretch without stressing the cords on the PL......When it gets really cold out i slip a military 3/4 length foam pad between my hammock and the PL...works great!...I agree with you my friend..."The poncho Liner is not a useless piece of surplus military junk!...Like my poncho, it is a multi purpose, indisposable and still viable piece of military equipment.
..but then you already knew that!...atvb...MTwoods
Poncho and liner are lightweight and should always be carried. If you can afford a little extra weight, a USGI tarp would be great in combination.
Agreed! I usually carry an Aqua Quest defender tarp.
Poncho liner is extremely light and can be rolled up to almost nothing. It is great when your issue sleeping bag isn't enough or when you got no bag.
Agreed 100%
Its also a tent bottom. You can snap ponchos together to make bigger tent. Or waterproof bottom.
Good point!
I sleep with a poncho liner ever night. I was in the navy and of course we were a lot tougher than the rest. Thus all we had was a scratchy wool blanket. Once my mangina discovered the poncho liner I never went back.
Poncho liners are KING!
Iam Ex British Airborne and got my first Poncho Liner off a US 82nd Airborne Soldier around 1988, Still have it.
Hey that's awesome and thank you for your service, Roy!
We called them poncho liners in the Army as well. I actually never heard them called a "woobie" in the Army which makes me suspicious that term comes from a non military source.....
You could very well be spot on with that suspicion, Bill.
I love my "woobies"...I have 2 from the guys that make them for the us army ...and I have 6 from DRAGOON UNLIMITED, that have a hole for the head, 2 without zip (older), 2 with zipper and 2 with zipper and extra water resistance. I have just ordered another one in normal olive green that I am expecting to arrive this week.
Either for just a nap at home or for going in the wild, they are wonderful pieces in my kit.
Absolutely 100% wonderful pieces of kit!
You gave me some ideas.. Thanks👍
Hey you're welcome, Adam!
Its old tech but is still useful. Layering a poncho, casualty blanket, wool blanket and poncho liner makes decent light weight gear to 30 F or so if your fully dressed. The jungle bag and a bivy is better imho. Makes a good light weight addition though.
I agree about the jungle bag and bivy 100%
In the movie "Mr Mom" Michael Keaton's character's little son called his security blanket a "Woobie". This may have been where the term came from.
That could very well be the source!
It is.
NGL had me there at the end haha, I just ordered my self one unissued in woodland camo
You won't be sorry that you made that purchase!
The word Woobie came from the movie Mr Dad 1983, apparently it was a security blanket used in the movie
I LOVE mine. Stay away. Don’t be so uptight. It has been repurposed and is great as a minimalist blanket for mild days.
I love mine too! Keep them in the truck, packs, car, and the list goes on!
I use mine as a sleeping bag liner. It takes some rather packable, but cheap sleeping bags and makes them warm down to the low 40's (Edit: I have a really bad habit of typing before watching the entire video). I have some doubts about the kit on it's own, however. I still pack it everywhere, though. FWIW, I was under the impression that the Molle II Waist Pack will carry precisely ONE poncho liner. I recently watched a TH-cam video where the presenter used his waist pack to carry a poncho liner AND his poncho in a ranger roll configuration. I just wish that an issue poncho was as affordable as the liner. Aside from getting a little hot in the sun, the liner makes the best beach barrier as sand does not stick to the poncho liner unlike everything else. What's really funny is how the backpacking community recently "discovered" quilts. Poncho liner people kinda chuckle.
I have a Dutch Army Woobie and a commercial one, the commercial one is far warmer. I can’t say if all Military woobies are subpar in comparison but the commercial one is definitely thicker than the army one.
I was in the Army then the USAF From 1979 to 1992, and served in many joint service operations & exercises. Back to the Army 2003-2009 including two tours to AFG. Never once heard the term "woobie". Nor had I ever read it in way too many military magazines or Viet Nam memoirs. Not saying it hasn't been around since God was a Private but I only started hearing it from youtubers in the past 10 years.
IMHO, the Poncho Liner makes a spiffy bed spread. In the 1980s "The Old Guys" (VietNam, Korea) recommenced replacing it with a modified light wool blanket. You could wear it as a real poncho liner in the cold rain among other things.
Today, I use a cheap fleece blanket where you others use the poncho liner. Especially nice since I can waterproof the edges.
In the sleeping bag mode, notice the poncho liner sticks out beyond the poncho. If you don't fix that, the liner sucks any moisture in the air including light rain and heavy fog. Sucks it up and spreads to the liner...and to you.
Pretty but OVERATED
Really great video. I am hoping to get one with a zipper, to go with my U.S. Military Intermediate cold weather sleeping bag But man! they are expensive. Might just get a faded one on the cheep. Looking forward to more of your Videos. Thank you
Facebook Marketplace has been a real gem for us since our local surplus store closed. I hope you find one soon!
Gruntproof channel mates an issue wool blanket, liner and poncho for a Ranger Roll.
He's got a solid channel, we're subs there!
In the Canadian army we call the PL a ranger blanket. Don’t know why though. 🤷♂️
It's because your Canadian :D
Slept this way many nights in the field, great way to reduce weight in the pack on tact movements. Ya'll make great videos that show the excess troops are now being forced to carry and maintain in the field these days. We pack hammocks and ranger rolls now. 4 pounds or less carries way better than all the junk Baby Marines are carring today. Old School used common sense and forced training, to be adaptable and ready to move fast.
I got 3 of em I got two of the acu ones for 45 bucks new the only issue I got is that they are too slippery and they have a habit of sliding off the bed Lmao but when I’m at the cabin I just put it in my patrol bag and use my acu bivy and no matter where it goes it’s warm guys when my grandsons are there I just tie the strings and make a sleeping bag for them and put inside there bags and there all cozy !
You can't have too many of these poncho liners. You just can't!
I don’t understand how the poncho makes you cold 🥶 yet keeps you dry , unless I have a liner that’s keeps me warm .
That rain will chill you to the bone!
The name “ woobie“ comes from an ironic reference to the poncho liner as a security blanket …
As parents we know that small children become obsessively attached to certain items and lose it if they don’t have them .
In our house , a special blanket was a “ woobie “… and a pacifier was a “ binkie”…
My wife was constantly keeping up with woobies , binkies and bottles … not to mention diapers by the ton .
That was the joke … young grunts needing their security blankets …
And having to explain the joke always ruins it …
I can’t throw shade …
My wife used to say my pistol was my emotional support firearm .
I always have it tucked in my waistband … day or night … or under my pillow when I sleep .
We never sewed buttons on ours , but we did keep a couple of large diaper pins ( big safety pins ) to hold the liner together when we slept in it .
Some guys had a hole cut and sewn with tape ( fabric tape) in the middle of a liner , so it could be worn with the poncho as an extra layer of warmth in cold wet conditions .
I agree that they are essential equipment , but keeping yours may be a struggle .
Even after I left the military, I would try to keep one in different places in case we needed one … only to find them missing when we looked for them .
My wife , and any other female personnel hanging around our group took a shine to poncho liners immediately… being smooth , soft , cuddly and warm … and would steal them in a heartbeat if you didn’t watch them like a hawk .
I had to replace the one behind my pickup seat several times .
If you think grunts love their woobies , their old ladies are even worse .
That's a fantastic rundown RW! I agree, the old ladies will pull them right out from under you!
Literally never used a poncho and a poncho liner together lol, I was in army in 90s and we all called it a woobie before the internet was real popular
We used them like this in fighting holes. Other than that, sleeping bags.
Thank you for your service!
What a wonderful video - great content. Thanks for posting.
What a wonderful comment! Thank you for leaving it!
I too grew up calling it a poncho liner. As for the name "woobie". I don't recall where I heard it said..."If you don't have your poncho liner you WOOBIE COLD"
Rats! It sounds like they do like it!
No it seasonal thing but I like my liner as light blanket easy carry blanket can villain use. Admit military army we never really used it except for gear lay out inspections outside.
US Army, it was called a Poncho Liner in 1971.
I swear this man is reversing in age. I must have subd like a decade ago, and this man looks younger now than in his first videos.
I enjoy content like this because there's this stigma in the bushcraft community to avoid anything surplus related (unless it's from WW2) and instead purchase comically expensive, hipster gear, made with natural fibers. Because of this, surplus is an invaluable resource for those of that practicing ending bad guys in the dark, and enjoy rubbing sticks together in the day time for warmth. There's a few, but not many attempting to bridge the gap between the tacticool community, and the bushcraft community. They absolutely go hand in hand, and if not for their being such a massive online presence of Euro bushcrafters who are more new age hipster than men of violence, a plethora of knowledge is being completely disregarded. It's ridiculous. You're not required to grab your MK14 EBR, and Reccee loadout because you're using a poncho with a camo print. I have no idea why there's this perception that as a community we're required to do one or the other. There are 10^¹²³ articles and videos explaining why we as a bushcraft community, need to seperate ourselves from the service community. If not, you're viewed with patronizing condescendence, and contemptuous cynicism, and treated like you're some western militia threeper. One SERE class would change perception for the entirety of the community, and we need more content creators bridging the gap between both schools. I know I'm ranting and it seems petty, but there's a lot of division online between the two, and I see alot of debates originate from discussions on ponchos/woobies. There's a lot of us that knapp rocks and own a set of PVS14. Anyways the reason for my triggered rant is because Woobie is the Euro term for poncho, and it's used to try and differentiate the bushcraft community, from the service community. That's all it is. God forbid we acknowledge there are bushcrafters that can stalk quarry and game, or that we lump the two into the same category because bushcrafting is about returning to nature, while the tacticool community only uses it as concealment in conflict. There are people that will completely lose their mind if you we do not differentiate the two, and ironically they're the same people that are not citizens of a free nation, and enjoy the woods as a hobby. Vs those that attain skills for genuine survival so the hobbiest is free to walk their manicured trails, in their $500 boots made from eco friendly materials that were harvested from animals that died of natural causes. God forbid there's overlap between the skills of real men, and those pretending to be men.
I own and use the MSS. I had no idea the my poncho was made to integrate with it. Though, I think there's some massive buttons on my MSS that have always gone unused, and the poncho makes perfect sense. Pretty kewl, I would have never known.
Nice calm rant. I'd say a lot of what you said is correct. This idea of "bugging out" rather than staying and hunkering down has gone a little bit too far. I've got two "woobies" and two ponchos and they're for staying.
Then there's the ultralight hiking crowd who drill holes in their toothbrush handles to reduce weight. I can only assume carrying a Skeletool would compress their spine from its unimaginable heaviness. Maybe if they started making fixed blades or self defense pistols out of Dyneema they'd hike with one but the additional weight would slow them down by 00.23 seconds per 200 miles so that probably wouldn't be tolerated.
@@DL-ij7tf Nice shot D L-
Hey, thanks for the compliment, Thomas! You know, the stigma around milsurp has always intrigued me. I hear and read all the time comments like "it's made by the lowest bidder" or "it's overpriced cheaply made", "it's trash that gets ruined so easy" and so on. Sometimes I'll respond, sometimes I won't. The gear simply speaks for itself. Sure, some of it is heavy, but, we get it cheap. I'm not taking a pack (for example) that I paid 500$ into the wilds of cutovers, thickets, thorn patches, swamps, rivers, mudholes, and sandpits. Why? Because those are the places where gear gets ruined. Why would I go into such places? It's those places that make it harder to be found. It's places like that where milsurp shines. It's rugged and made for that sort of stuff. Don't get me wrong, the gear has its limits, but I'm not crying the blues about a rip in a super expensive pack or bag.
The more experience you have with your gear the more confidence you'll have in your gear. How long has the ALICE pack been on the scene now? I'd have zero issues taking that lady anywhere. Knowing that your gear is good to go (one less thing to worry about) will allow you to more confidently build on other bushcraft/survival skills that will keep you alive.
Great video. Thanks for explaining the woobie to an Australian. I couldn't figure out the hype myself.
I wonder, how does that hammock go in wet weather? Will it collect water if not properly tarped off? I currently use a net hammock for that reason but would like one of these with the bug net. I am just worried they collect water in the wet weather.
You definitely need a tarp over the hammock. This one won't collect water (like a basin) but it will get wet and stay wet until dried.
How did you figure out where the placements of the loops and the buttons?
Pure eyeball, the correct way!
They are awesome 🤘
Indeed they are, Toni!
Great mods, Currie. 👍
Pssst....Curry :)
@@robertsbushcraft I wasn't sure. Lol. 😁
I love my issued one, good for cold nights in the field or normal camping trips, wouldn’t consider it junk tho. Rah
No, this is certainly not junk :D
I've never heard a poncho liner called a woobie. We always called it a poncho liner. They say it came from an obscure Terri Garr film in 1983. I was a marine in 1983. I saw the movie. It sucked. Terri Garr was beautiful. Don't remember Woobie. I think it's a term for civilians that collect surplus as a hobby. I use my USMC poncho liner for camping (it has a zipper) and I use my army poncho liner as a blanket in my house (Its quite a big bigger than the USMC). Both are made by Winston Salem Industies for the Blind or something like that. The Real McCoy. Genuine Surplus. Lots of imitations out there. I will accept no substitutes. Made in the USA. Just like me.
Right on! All of mine are manufactured by Winston Salem Industries for the Blind.
Outstanding
Many thanks, Billy!
How do you deal with condensation while using liner with poncho? even without breathing under there, coming morning you start feeling damp and cold-ish... not really comfortable... after that all day is an uphill battle. For survival- sure. For comfortable sleep so that you can function next day... sleeping bag plus ponchi as a tent for wind seems to be the way. poncho liner only to keep warm if standing still for awhile and getting cold.. And as a backup/additional layer to sleeping bag. Or am i missing something and there is a way to not get damp in this system?
I think the 1st time I heard "woobie" was Mr.Mom in the 80s
A likely source!
The term “woobie” came from the 1983 film, “Mr. Mom”
nice video, there are a few places selling army poncho liners with zippers . one that I know of is Army Navy Outdoors .
Official issue getting harder and harder to find. The ones on that site look like aftermarket ponchos.
@@robertsbushcraft I saw the very same ones on outdoor reviews , if yo go to sportsman guide you will see the difference. sorry I meant outdoor gear review
@@jamesparker6383 I think this is official issue bit.ly/3JfnuM0
Not a fan of sleeping in a bag, i like blankets.
Nothing works better than a down quilt, for any weather above freezing. I just hate how now matter what you do, there's always debris inside my sleeping bags.
I'm more of a bag sleeper.
I heard the term "woobie" came from..."without it you woobie cold"
To me it sounds like a way to call someone a crybaby or something.
Good job!
Hey thanks, Multi-Tool School!
Short answer, NO! Poncho liners are invaluable in the field!
Right on!
For the Light Infantry it's a God send. Never, ever called it a woobie.
A God send, indeed!
When I was in the Marine Corps, if it’s warm enough, I tend to bring just the poncho & liner to save space. And yes, we’ve always referred to it as poncho liner. It wasn’t until I joined the army much later that I heard it referred to as a woobie. I still feel weird calling it that.
The Army must be responsible for the outbreak of the woobie term! Ooh-rah and thank you for your service, devil dog!
Thank you very much for the video. I have a question: I am having trouble finding a genuine US military poncho, even on sites like amazon, Ebay, and Sportsmansguide. Are you aware of any non-military ponchos that the poncho liner will mate with like it does with the US military poncho?
Exactly how many poncho liners work better?
Not sure I'm following the question
Nice
Thanks, Roy!
It was and still is a poncho liner. Woobie sounds like it has Brit or Aussie heritage.
Poncho liner, indeed!
7:15 was it on the inside otherwise?
Outside means bottom in this case. If reversed, it would be inside of the sag.
Wearing a gun
Subbed
AMERICA.
@@robertsbushcraft came to same this as well. Based and subscribed.
Said nobody laying under one
Semper Fi
Right on.
Why can't I ever find a video of how to actually use it as a poncho liner! I guess my tailor is guna have to cut a hole in it
If your tailor does not shed a tear while cutting that hole you need a new tailor.
@@robertsbushcraft the tailor charged me more than the surplus store did for the actual Woobie
Honestly!? I think the term "Woobie" came from the movie : Mr Mom. With Michael Keaton and Terri Garr. IMHO.
I hadn't heard that one!
@@robertsbushcraft I don't know if that's how. But... thats the only time I ever heard the term, " Woobie". The youngest kid had a blanket, he couldn't sleep without it, and in the movie it was called his " Woobie". Movie came out in 1983.
OMG. The pace of this video is ridiculously slow.
I'm older and slower. That, and I enjoy the scenery.
No, it's a woobie and a woobie cover...
LOL, it's poncho liner and poncho over here in this corner!
It is NOT a poncho liner. You are misinformed. I was in in the 80s as well. Secret squirrel attached to LRRP units. Sir, it is.. Liner, Poncho 1 ea x 1, 2. Or how many you were issued. Nice slow moving video. Easy for.us old dogs to keep up.
Army pogues call it a “woobie”.
That they do!
fifty bucks for a one and a half pound polyester blanket? pass
It's an epic blanket 😎
So by you calling the woobie junk i bet the one you got is a rothco also the og woobie are extremely functional . I used them for 39 years
You may want to watch once more, my opinion is pretty clearly made. The ones that I have are official issue.
@@robertsbushcraft ok Rodger that I will give it another go your title made me mad lol
@@warlantactical no worries my friend, I think you'll find that we're on the same page about this piece of gear :)
Trying oh so hard here.
But is it a piece of junk or not?
I lasted 15 seconds on this….
Do you think the liner is junk?
Bro, that intro sound is awful... Good content overall though
The poncho liner was woven by God himself.
It truly is an awesome piece of gear!
shorten the intro plz im already getting board 5 seconds in...
Nah, I like the intro :D It's a beautiful place we have here and I wish I had time enough to film every square inch of it!
An under quilt is not meant to be tight against your body. If you don’t know, it’s the airspace that’s keeps you warm. Don’t make videos putting out inaccurate info.
It's nowhere near tight and is completely adjustable to conditions and comfort.
@@robertsbushcraft ok, well that was your words
@@robertsbushcraft 10:20 “…you can see this underquilt fits very nice on me, very snug…”
@@FD_Boss and I go on to say there's plenty of room to stuff more debris, etc. The point of it is to show the liner can be used in such a way, not an exact tutorial on underquilt deployment. That changes for each person, conditions, and comfort.