Extreme Weather Test - Snugpak Enhanced Patrol Poncho
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.พ. 2020
- Extreme Weather Test - Snugpak Enhanced Patrol Poncho
Snugpak claim that the Enhanced Patrol Poncho is one of the most effective waterproof ponchos on the market. A bold claim indeed.
If only there was some way to test this……..
Link to item (non-affiliated)
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001B8FYB...
Let’s get right into it shall we?
This right here is the Enhanced Patrol Poncho from Snugpak. As you can see, it comes in this compression sack which is vented at the bottom. Compressed, it measures in at approximately 23cm x 11cm and weighs a mere 400g so it’s lightweight and super compact. Ideal for hiking.
Cost wise the Enhanced Patrol Poncho is great value for money. Brand new these can be picked up for anywhere between £30 and £50. I've included a link below to where you can buy it…bit don't go clicking it just yet….you've got the rest of the review to watch first.
Let’s look at the poncho itself.
The Enhanced Patrol Poncho is designed for quickness and ease. If you’re out hiking and the rain starts to fall you simply grab this, throw it over your head, pull your arms through and zip it up. There is absolutely no need to take your pack off like you would have to do with a rain-jacket. Infact, as the poncho is designed to cover and protect your pack too then - in theory - it should also remove the need to carry a separate pack raincover.
The hood is fully adjustable with pull toggles on either side and a hook and loop system at the back.
One of the features that attracted me to this poncho is that it has full sleeves unlike most other ponchos. The sleeves feature generously sized thumbholes which aid the fit and these thumbholes are large enough to fit gloves underneath.
The chest has a large front pouch which is ideal for keeping a map and compass. This pouch is fastened shut using a very strong but basic hook and loop system which is a shame as I personally feel it would have benefitted from a zip fastener instead. Behind the front pouch you will also find a spacious through pocket.
It is available in two colours - Olive and Black. This poncho is the olive one obviously.
Size wise, Snugpak claim it’s one size fits all. Now I’m 5’9 and even at my modest height I can feel some tension in the sleeves when I have my thumbs through the thumbholes, particularly if I’m wearing a large pack underneath. I’m not sure how ‘one size fits all’ it would be for people who are 6’ plus.
The Enhanced Patrol Poncho is made from Paratex Dry material and is fully seamed. The waterproofing on the poncho is a PU coating and it’s outer surface is treated with durable water repellent which is intended to cause any water to bead up and roll off.
#snugpak #poncho #ewangoeshiking
Snugpak claim that the Enhanced Patrol Poncho is one of the most effective waterproof ponchos on the market. After making a gear review I decided to test this claim by wearing it up Tinto Hill during Storm Brendan. Hope you all like this video. All comments, likes and subs are seriously appreciated. 😊👍
is this your favorite?
@@BOOSTEDLASER as far as ponchos go yes.
Maybe put the belt through the pocket. That way it would still be useable
This is perhaps the best gear review I've ever seen. I've been on the fence for several months now whether to purchase this poncho, but your real life "extreme" test of this product convinced me to buy. Thanks for bearing through those high winds, driving rain and slick mud trails. I wouldn't have considered adding a belt until you actually proved it a necessity. P.S. the Snugpak Poncho Liner is also a versatile, well designed bit of kit.
Really appreciate that. Glad my video was of some help. How are you finding the poncho?
Nice review
I thread a belt thru the front hand pockets , so I can use the pockets
Dear Scottish person, I really love you for this video. Just ordered one for myself. Thank you, Sincerely An English Person :-)
Great product test. Glad you left your kilt at home for this one.
I remember seeing your video quite a while back and giving you a thumbs up. Now that I'm looking at it a second time I already ordered the poncho.
Well, I've stumbled across your channel looking for a Snugpak review. Great video, you certainly put the poncho through its paces. I think base on recommendation it's the purchase for me. I've subscribed too. Well done.
Excellent test and video. Thank you. Greetings from South Carolina!
I appreciate that. Thank you. 😊
Best review I’ve ever seen in my life. You went to the next level. I am currently looking for a poncho because I am going to Iceland in September and I think I found perfect poncho. Thank you so much for this review. You are hero
I’m preparing for the WHW next year so thought I should check out my current jacket for suitability… I’ve no idea if it leaked as I sweated so much.. thanks for the extreme test, Ewan. I think this is the way to go.
I like the fact a poncho is quick on and covers pack as well . Thanks for this convincing video I plan to get one for the WHW 👍
Thanks for this video mate. So many reviews of gear just involve someone holding it up whilst reading off a spec sheet, so it's great to see someone actually getting out there and suffering in the name of science. Glass of whisky well deserved!
Standing and applauding, great review you went the extra mile in this review.
Thank you for the kind words Bill. Much appreciated.
Great review, very honest, very helpful and practical post..Well done Ewan!
Thank you for the kind words Tim. I really appreciate it.
Just bought one based on the review - well done
Thanks for the review, Ewan. I'm not climbing Tinto Hill any time soon, especially in storm conditions, but as a super fat person, this poncho is really roomy. Usually, one-size-fits-all is nowhere close. This is great, though, and means that I don't have to worry about fluctuations in size.
Bought one of these after watching your review. That’s a proper hard core test mate. Good advice re the belt to stop it bellowing out 👍
I appreciate that. Hope you like it. 😊👍
Ewan, a really comprehensive review and a proper 'lightning' test with your mate Brendan :-) The belt did quite a job in calming things down, though as you say where do your hands go. Cool that it kept you and the pack dry.
Thanks Gerry. Yeah I was really impressed with how dry I was when I got back to the car. Had it not been for the belt issue it definitely would've been a 10/10. Thanks for watching and commenting mate 😊👍
Great test review- it sold me! I also purchased the liner because extra warmth is almost always needed in the northeastern US. Great tip about the belt strap. Your video was both informative and entertaining! :-)
Awesome. Really appreciate that. How did you get on with the liner? Thanks for watching and commenting.
Well done. Great demonstration. I have two that stay in my different packs depending on the duration of the hikes.
Best wishes from New Mexico.
Many thanks Jeff. Best wishes to you too.
Two thumbs up! This is how you test gear and because of your review I am purchasing one tonight. I have the Snugpak Jungle XL blanket and love it. Thanks for the great review.
Sorry for the late reply Doug. That's awesome. How did you get on with it?
Thank you for making this video! It was just the sort of road test I was looking for! I've been trying to decide on rain gear for a variety of use cases and weight budgets. This clears up quite a few of my outstanding questions! I also appreciate the bit featuring muddy realities. I'm trying to figure out footwear as well. I favor barefoot style shoes, and it has not been easy convincing myself of certain practical realities... 😊
You're more than welcome. Glad to have been of help. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment Sierra. 👍
you cracked it mate, great video, properly tested, lovely weather, this is the way all reviews should be done in really bad conditions, subscribed, nice one.
Never trust the Met Office, we are still waiting for the snowstorms predicted from January to May, and the heat wave as we sit and shiver at home lol.
the best gear review I've ever watched
Thanks Sarah. That's really kind of you to say so.
Great job. That pretty much tells the whole story about the poncho .
Because of your vid I just purchased my own poncho. Greetings fae Glesga m8
What an excellent test , very funny and informative also , great vid , be well my friend .
Thanks Bob. Really appreciate that. 👍
All the best, Ewan
Nice review, I want one, a neat trick with a poncho is while you’re wearing it you can take your pack off swing the pack around to the front of you and then access your pack underneath the poncho and not get your gear wet in your pack, thanks for sharing, cheers
Thank you 😊
That trick wouldn't work with this poncho sadly because of the sleeves. Great tip for other ponchos though.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Really appreciate it. 😊👍
You deserve a million views for the extreme testing you did ! Great video
Haha I appreciate that. Thank you 😊
Jusy 999,998 views to go.
Glad you put in that safety disclaimer. As a SAR member I appreciate that
When i saw the poncho billowing up it reminded me that when i was at Ogwen in North Wales, someone had been coming down wearing a hooded rain cover poncho and been blown over by the wind which had done exactly that, and slightly injured. Luckily it was on the lower less steep section. I have seen people using umbrellas pulled over in sudden gusts, So it is a well timed warning of safety first to have some method to prevent this. Great video. Safe and happy trails to you and the SAR team.
Loved the review.
Subscribed 😎👌
THANKS FOR THE TEST. I WILL BUY ONE. SURE.
Enjoyed . I love extreme weather . It makes man feel powerful and mighty IMO
I know what you mean. Once the lightning comes though it becomes a bit too extreme though. 😂
I bought one because of this video.
Hi I've just bought this poncho Oct 2022 but not tried it out in the elements yet and only just viewed your excellent poduct test.
The poncho quality appears very good the body dimension are generous, plenty of room for my Osprey Exos 58 backpack beneath.
I'm a slim 6ft tall man and yes I agree the arm length could do to be a couple of inches longer, I anticipate the cuffs of my clothing could get wet as a result. It's a wee bit restrictive across my back when my hands and thumbs are in the alloted places, but not uncomfortably so. Snugpak ought to improve on this aspect.
I will definately take an adjustable belt out with me to help in high winds, thanks for that advice.
As it's very quick and easy to slip one's arms in and out of the sleeves, I had thought to try to counter the short poncho arm length by walking with my arms inside the poncho body and i consider there is enough space beneath to allow my arm swing when using my dual walking poles under the poncho, but not of couse if I have an addition belt round the waist to counter the wind uplift.
The velcro front pouch flap seems overly grippy to me and difficult to open especially I suspect with cold wet hands.
With only a smaller daysack on, one coukd sit down on the genourous length back tail portion of the poncho with knees and feet tucked away and wait out a passing shower or eat one's pack up.
I'm with you, I like it so far and look forward to taking it out on all my hikes and camps and not having to stop and put on a cagoul or pack cover when the rain periodically starts and stops. I paid £45 Inc p&p and hope it will compliment my existing rain gear and save me paying out a fortune for a more expensive cagoul. Regards Philip.
This was a great review!
Definitely going to fashion a belt to carry now with mine. I'd run it through the pocket though so I could still use. Great review tempted to purchase the insulation lining. But you seemed warm enough in your fleece.
"I'd run it through the pocket though so I could still use."
Awesome tip! 👍
That forecast section was actually quite funny 😄
Thanks Jacek. Appreciate that.
Great review!
I really like Snugpak stuff. I have the original Sleeka and the Vapour Active Soft Shell Jacket, and I am planning to purchase the Tac 3 and this poncho you just reviewed plus the liner. I wish they would start making gaiters out of this Paratex Dry.
I've heard good things about the liner. You'll need to let me know how you get on with it.
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.
I've had one of these as my main go to rain cover for a while now and it has never failed, both on trail and around town. One thing I do often carry is a piece of shock cord, which makes a good tie down if facing heavy winds. A cap also makes a great addition to enhance visibility under the hood. Nice review, cheers Ewan 👍🙂
Thanks Mike. I appreciate that. It's always good to hear other peoples experiences with the same gear. 👍
I liked this video very much.
I appreciate the kind words. Thank you 🙂
Awesome Ewan. I’m gonna get one for my Monkey Bike. Cheers Dean, (Monkey Bike Adventures). You have a great presenting style by the way. I have subscribed and look forward to seeing more of your videos.
That’s a big storm! I’m also very interested in your shoes and pants’s brand and model now.
👍 Good vid!
😊 Thank you!
I appreciate that. Many thanks 🙂
Thanks mate✌️
Not a problem. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
A good test of the poncho my suggestion is could you feed the belt you had through the through pocket so giving you access to the pocket , the downside of that is the rain water could track along the belt and pool in the through pocket. I'm new to your channel & enjoying you videos.
I appreciate the kind words mate. A few people have suggested the pocket trick to me now. No idea why I didn't think about it at the time.
Did you ever complete the west highland way? Love the channel and reviews.
Now that is what you call a test of a poncho good on you son👍👍🥃✅
Don’t use a belt. I use Velcro inside the bottom on the poncho… you guys can work it out. Poncho all the way for me. Loved the videos
Friggin perfict review bud.way ta cover the product.thanks 😊
An excellent review as I plan to purchase the poncho. I've already bought the liner as it's great wrap over after scuba diving when the dive is finished. After an hour in the water I'm usually a wee bit chilly. Sometimes out with others it can be used to donate to a more frozen member of the dive group.... my wife. Most of the time it's dry..ish(Scotland west coast??!!), but occasionally(lol) wet. I liked the idea of the belt, simple and effective, though I don't plan to be on the hill for hours on it. I prefer a warm mess room and bunk on the hard boat.
I've heard the liner is super warm and snug. Haven't had the chance to try it yet.
@@EwanGoesHiking I've ordered the poncho as you believe it's a good piece of kit. In addition I like the warmth of the liner. I'm wrapped in it now as May 2020 slips past in cold evenings. Thanks again for yer excellent review, sold it.
Agree with you on all points esp the arm length. I'm 6foot and the sleeve length is too short to be comfortable to use the thumb loops and will ride up your arms exposing clothing beneath to the rain.
Snupak just need to make the sleeves longer and it would be a great around, one size fits all, bit of wet weather gear.
A o yes the velcro on the front pocket is too graby, meaning it's too much hassel to use for regular easy access.
Well I'm sold. What better place to test items than the Scottish Highlands. Well maybe Ireland😉
Will use this on a motorcycle, hiking, will get a compression strap. The wind on a bike can be comparable to the storm at times. Would you recommend a pant to go along with the poncho?
That moment you realized that it wasn't a camera flash✌🤣
Great review! Gorgeous weather 😂
Yup..cracking Scottish weather as always.
great video
Much appreciated Brian.
I appreciate it. Hopefully you didn’t get sick.
I have one in Coyote tan. Love it but I wish they’d make cinch drawcord at the bottom to keep it from blowing around when it’s windy.. I used it in heavy rain and high wind and it was blowing around so much that I still got wet..
You gave tgat a good test
Thaks for a great review. I carry a poncho / tarp for emergency, the rationale being that it is more multi-funtional than a pure poncho or pure tarp. One of the reasons I have stayed away from a poncho as my normal rainwear when hiking is that I do not want to fly like a kite on mountain ridges. If I am going to use a belt to stop the flapping and kite effect I think I may as well wear a traditional waterprrof jacket. I accept one plus for the poncho is that it covers the pack as well as the person.
Thanks Alan. Yeah it definitely comes down to personal preference. I do prefer it on a wet day to a rainjacket but when it's really windy it is a nightmare.
@@EwanGoesHiking I started wearing my poncho in China where Iived for a while. It was really good I in the hot rainy season for thundery downpours. So I really like them. But I now hike in the Peak District, England mainly and often very windy.
The problem with draw chord hoods is you draw them in to keep the wind out & you can't see out. Best thing is to put a cap under it which also keeps some rain off you.
Used to see Tinto Hill from my Parents House in Wishaw, which is quite a fair distance from it, big auld Hill, nice going up that in Summer or Winter when snow on the ground, dunno about the Gaelic references, being this far south in Scotland. Looks a good product and light, when I know its going to rain, I take army gortex trousers and jacket, bought them 20 years ago and still going strong.
Classic video here. I discovered it 2 years ago and i'm back to ask if you're still satisfied with this item?
Thanks for this test, really fair, keep the good job goin' on
Nice video, has helped me make a decision on what poncho to get. A thought on the belt/pocket issue, why not just secure it inside the thru-pocket?
I honestly didn't think of that. Currently face-palming myself 😂
Try putting the belt in the hand pockets works well.
Looks like ideal, it's a nightmare trying to cycle with a normal poncho as it becomes a parachute
Thank you for actually testing the product. I am annoyed when people make an initial impressions video for a product that is supposed to be tested in real field conditions. Now, I think I want that poncho for myself.
Thank you. Appreciate that. It is a great poncho. I've had it out a few times now in rotten weather and it still hasn't let me down.
Ewan Goes Hiking worn mine three times , the first two during showers and yesterday during a downpour and within twenty minutes I got absolutely soaked through
It is suitable for showers but it in let me down big time
Shower proof yes , waterproof No
Maybe the wind was preventing it penetrating in your trial
@@stevenmiller3784 Sad to hear that. Perhaps there was a manufacturing flaw in yours...or I maybe just got lucky with mine.
Ewan Goes Hiking I hope so I contacted snugpak but I was unable to find my receipt , my internal seams tuned white with water ingress and basically when I held it up it must had weighed two pounds at least , absolutely soaked through the map pocket had an inch of water inside also . Really angry as I own three jackets made by snugpak which are warm and comfortable , so purchased the poncho on reputation . I appreciate no receipt no help , but please be careful and test this poncho before relying on it
Irn Bru.....gives away where you're from, aye!
Gotta get me one of these poncho's! Awesome gear
Dunno how "tall" I am in feetje, but I'm 1.68 m....so probably will be a tent lol. Should be a wee elastic band or cord in bottom rim....
Did your arms get wet from perspiration? The idea of a poncho I always thought was to allow a lot of air in (up sleeves)?? Thanks. Pretty good video for a Scot! 🤓
Great product test! I love real world scenarios to see how well something will do. 💪 Glad the lighting didn't get you! 😯 Subscribed to follow your adventures (#206). I hope our channels grow together. 🔥
Appreciate that. Subbed back :)
Rain off .... agreed. Great. But is it even a poncho? What about setting up a shelter with it? And does it get clammy in hot wet conditions?
Have you tried a tarp clip to stop it blowing in the wind. I use one on mine I pull the back and front at the bottom roughly centre together attach a tarp clip to keep together you get two baggy leg holes with plenty of room but it helps to stop it blowing up in the wind
good video
Much appreciated Mike. Thank you. 👍
A light weight rain suit, with pants, rubber boots, AND enhanced poncho would be nice.
looks like a great bit of kit, but being 6'3, Im not gonna fit..oh well. great review, certainly a good test, tho the lightning bit close! ATB WJ
Thank you. Yeah it definitely isn't 'one size fits all'. Shame as it is an awesome piece of kit. Glad I didn't get to test whether it was lightning proof though. 😂⚡ All the best to you too mate and thanks as always for watching 😊👍
You need waterproof trousers as well plus you need to tie the waistbut but still it blows up everywhere ok for non windy rainy days but makes a good windbreaker or shelter for a short break on your travels
Good review, pity not big enough for a six footer, the belt would easily go through the pocket and clip inside freeing up the pouch and handwarmer pocket.
You're totally right. The belt through the pocket trick is how I wear it now. (Genuinely embarrassed I didn't think of it at the time)
Lmfao the new part was too funny👍🏼👍🏼
I HAVE TWO. THANKS. SINCE PUEBLA MEXICO. BYE.
I'm sold. Getting it in black, though.
Good poncho but needs a belt-like system as blows about like crazy in the wind plus the arms are too short. I just purchased a one-wind poncho with a fastening system BUT the sleeves are even shorter.. Thanks for sharing.
Now I wanna plan a trip to the Picts' homeland.
From your comment on the arm length, I'm not sure it suit me, but need to try one one first. As for the belt strap, maybe an alternative would be placing an eyelet on the bottom hem dead centre front and another dead centre rear so you could use a short length of cord to tie them together between your legs (or use a snap clip). Seems I recall seeing such a setup on US military ponchos...
The arm length would be fine for taller people as long as they weren't concerned about using the thumb loops to be honest. My buddy is 6'3 and when he tried it the other day that's how he wore it.
The eyelet thing seems like a good idea. I'd be worried about puncturing the material though as it's paratex. Hopefully Snugpak do something about it with the next version of it that they release.
Thanks for the view and comment. Much appreciated 😊👍
I was thinking the same, much like the para smocks only they have a flap.
Day one of the Cape wrath trail and we got drenched, the jacket I wore had never seen rain before and it failed big time.
I'm convinced this is the way to go now 👍
HELLO. THANKS. GOOD VÍDEO. VERY NICE PONCHO. I HAVE THREE OFICIALES THEM. BECAUSE I WAS IN THE ARMY IN MY CONTRY. BYE.
Thank you very much. :)
You’ll never find a better place to test proof and poncho than the west coast of Scotland 🏴 actually pretty every square inch of Scotland 🏴 will do the job. I know, I live there haha 😛
Great video . Really....this instead of a rain jacket?
For thru hiking, I'm looking for a light weight rain jacket which serves as a windbreaker shell as well (I would then just have a base layer polyester top + micro fleece + lightweight synthetic puffy jacket to layer up underneath the rain jacket shell.as and when needed).
But breathability of the rain jacket is the issue though which is why pit vents seem to be essential. But so many products are sooooooooo expensive.
Could this poncho be the alternative? I also warm weather hike so windy but warm conditions might make the poncho impractical due to humidity.
Heeeeeeeeelp!!!
I'll be honest, breathability may be an issue in warm weather as it is sorely missing pit vents.
Lol great vid but I'll keep my lavvu poncho. It might be heavier but it's also a lean to if things go south.
I don't blame you. We all have to stick with what works for us. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment Bill 👍
I agree with u / snug pack products well worth it and quality.thanks a video 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙
Totally agree mate and thank you for the kind words.
@@EwanGoesHiking your welcome friend🤙🤙🤙
absolute boss
Amazing video. Thanks for the effort! Can a mobile phone be kept in the reach through pocket?
You could yes though it would be more secure in the velcro-fastening pouch at the front. It'd probably be better protected kept in a pocket underneath the poncho though.
All the best,
Ewan
@@EwanGoesHiking Thx so much 👍🏻✌️🤝🏻
this poncho was for me rubbish in a urban rain storm it left me drenched .
I recently purchased a vaxiuja poncho, it cost me £16.99 but I haven’t been able to find any reviews for it. I haven’t tested it yet. Hope it’s ok 😐
I wish the best features of the Snug Pack, Helkion Tex and Hazard 4 were all combined to make the best poncho in the world. I like the Helkion Swagman Roll, the lower buckle is simple and genius for securing the lower portion and trim it so it doesn't get in the way, but it's meant for extremely skinny people with small heads. The Hazard 4 Poncho Villa is Tactical as heck and is a brilliant design that allows better vision, but when it first came out, IT WASN'T WATERPROOF and bulky for storage.
I haven't seen the Helkion but I agree with you about the Hazard being too bulky. Was it really not waterproof on releases? That's crazy!
All the best,
Ewan
looks great for staying absolutely dry. I think it would be perfect for cold wet weather hiking. BUT, i do warm weather wet hiking and i bet that poncho would turn into a sauna. not enough ventilation.
Youre completely right. It could do with some under-arm ventilation for sure.
Surely it's far better ventilated than a jacket?
I have mil-tec rain poncho without sleeves so ventilating could be better but i didnt tried it yet
Good review. I'm 5'5 so I'm skeptical on it not being a full on dress for me.. is there adjustable length options or recommendations on how to shorten it up so I wouldn't trip on it?
At 5'5 it would be somewhat long if you weren't wearing a pack. I can't really think of a viable way to shorten it to be honest. Sorry.
Excellent review. For accuracy, could you please state your wrist to wrist length across the chest, arms out wide (obviously) so we can get a better idea of the fit ......My measurement is 58 Inches which is more important than height.
Thanks I have subscribed.
I’ve been looking at ways to reduce the weight of my kit but living in the UK it needs to be waterproof. Thanks for the review but I have a question. This won’t be breathable like gortex my only experience of a poncho many years ago was I was wetter on the inside but that was made of rubber so that has stopped me buying one of these. Did you nothing moisture from sweat etc building up?
Thanks for braving the wind and the rain so that we could see how the gear holds up. Definitely not a fair weather review. 😂
Get on with it!
XD
If all you want is a waterproof, then I guess this will do, but it isn’t a multi purpose item like a genuine military or military style poncho… ie you can’t make various single poncho shelters with it, stud it to other ponchos to make larger or fully enclosed like a tent shelter. On a fairish night fold it longways, put a sleeping bag or poncho liner inside and stud together to make a waterproof cover.
I’ve been on the open high ground, where I’ve been the highest object, it’s been raining or hailing hard and the thunder and lightning has come directly or very close over me. As soon as I’ve seen it coming and it’s too far to escape it, I just squatted down in my surplus British Army 58 pattern poncho until it got close then laid as flat as I could down to the ground in a hollow until it’s past me, heading off into the distance.
Surplus and some military style ponchos also have a waist tie cord to reduce flappage. I always carry a poncho I can make into a shelter as well.