Helikon-Tex Lightweight Poncho Black

The Helikon-Tex® Lightweight Poncho Black is a lightweight and compact, foldable rain poncho designed to provide protection from the rain during airsoft, bushcraft, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Thanks to its simplified design, this poncho offers an excellent combination of rain protection, low weight and a small pack size.

The poncho is made from 100% polyester with a ripstop weave, making the fabric more resistant to tears, wear and damage during use in the field. Weighing just 346 grams, you can easily carry it in a rucksack, kit bag, cycle bag or car.

Lightweight design with minimal pack size

When designing the Lightweight Poncho, Helikon-Tex deliberately kept the construction as simple as possible. Unnecessary components have been omitted or replaced with lighter alternatives to reduce both weight and pack volume.

For example, traditional metal eyelets have been replaced by sturdy webbing loops. This ensures the poncho remains functional, whilst reducing unnecessary weight.

Despite this lighter construction, the poncho measures a generous 209 x 145 cm when unfolded. This means it provides sufficient coverage for both the wearer and some of the equipment they are carrying.

Ripstop polyester for protection against the rain

The Helikon-Tex Lightweight Poncho is made from ripstop polyester. The fabric provides a protective outer layer against rain and is also designed to withstand the conditions you may encounter during outdoor and tactical use.

The distinctive ripstop weave reinforces the fabric and helps prevent any tear from spreading easily through the fabric.

This makes the poncho suitable for use during, for example, airsoft skirmishes, hiking trips, bushcraft activities and other situations where you are out and about for extended periods.

It also protects the kit you’re wearing

Thanks to its loose fit, the poncho can be worn not only over normal clothes, but also over a medium-sized rucksack. This means that, during a downpour, you don’t have to choose between keeping yourself dry or keeping your kit dry.

This is particularly useful during longer outdoor activities or airsoft events where you’re carrying your kit and need quick protection from sudden rain.

The hood is fitted with an adjustable drawstring, so it can be adjusted to fit more snugly around the head. This means the poncho also protects the head from rain and wind.

Adjustable side panels with press studs

There are press studs along the sides, which allow you to adjust the fit and the shape of the sleeves. This ensures the poncho fits better around the body whilst walking, whilst at the same time allowing for sufficient freedom of movement.

The design also makes the poncho more versatile than a traditional raincoat. When full freedom of movement or ventilation is important, the fit can easily be adjusted to suit the situation.

Combining two ponchos to make a shelter

The Lightweight Poncho is not intended solely as personal rain protection. Thanks to its design and fastening options, two ponchos can be joined together.

This allows you to create a larger canopy or makeshift shelter whilst out in the field. When used in conjunction with the webbing loops, it offers additional options for bushcraft, camping and longer outdoor activities.

This makes the poncho not only a practical item of clothing for protection against the rain, but also a versatile part of your outdoor kit.

Compact and easy to carry in the carry bag

Weighing just 346 grams, the Helikon-Tex Lightweight Poncho is easy to carry as a standard item in your kit.

When folded away, the poncho takes up very little space and fits easily into, for example, a side pocket of a rucksack. A compact carry bag is included, in which the poncho can be neatly stored.

That means you can keep it in your rucksack, cycle bag or car at all times until the Dutch weather decides to live up to its reputation once again.

Practical insights

The Helikon-Tex® Lightweight Poncho is particularly useful when weight and pack volume are important considerations. Instead of carrying a relatively heavy raincoat, you can pack this compact poncho in your kit as emergency or everyday rain protection.

For airsoft, the loose-fitting design is a practical advantage. The poncho can be worn over clothing and equipment, providing quick protection should it start to rain during a skirmish.

For bushcraft and camping, the option to join two ponchos together offers added functionality. This means that, as well as serving as rainwear, the poncho can also be used as part of a simple, temporary shelter.

The Black version has a neutral, tactical look and pairs easily with black and other dark-coloured kit.

Who is the Helikon-Tex Lightweight Poncho suitable for?

The Helikon-Tex® Lightweight Poncho Black is ideal for airsoft players, bushcraft enthusiasts, hikers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts who want to carry compact and lightweight protection against the rain.

This model is particularly useful if you want to carry as little extra weight as possible, whilst still being prepared for changing weather conditions.

Thanks to its generous dimensions and multifunctional design, the poncho is also suitable for users who wish to provide partial protection for the equipment they are carrying or who wish to use the poncho as part of a simple shelter.

Key features

• Genuine Helikon-Tex® product
• Lightweight Poncho
• Lightweight rain poncho
• Protection from the rain
• Made from 100% polyester
• Durable ripstop weave
• Ripstop helps prevent tears from spreading further
• Suitable for daily use in demanding conditions
• Simplified, lightweight construction
• Replacing metal eyelets with webbing loops
• Compact and foldable
• Includes a carry bag
• Relaxed fit
• Suitable for wearing over clothing
• Suitable for wearing over a medium-sized rucksack
• Hood with adjustable drawstring
• Press studs along the sides
• Adjustable sleeve design
• Two ponchos can be joined together
• Can be used to create a makeshift canopy or shelter
• Suitable for airsoft, bushcraft, hiking and camping
• Weight: 346 grams
• Dimensions: 209 x 145 cm
• Colour: Black

Specificaties

• Note: Helikon-Tex®
• Model: Lightweight Poncho
• Product type: Rain poncho
• Colour: Black
• Main material: 100% polyester
• Fabric: Ripstop
• Dimensions: 209 x 145 cm
• Weight: 346 g
• Hood: Yes
• Adjustable hood: Yes, with drawstring
• Adjustable sides: Yes, with press studs
• Attachment points: Webbing loops
• Carry bag included: Yes
• Fits over a rucksack: Yes, up to medium size
• Can be attached to a second poncho: Yes
• Shelterfunctie: Ja
• Features: Lightweight, compact and rainproof
• Uses: Airsoft, bushcraft, hiking, camping and outdoor activities

Common mistakes

• Don’t expect a close-fitting raincoat. The Lightweight Poncho is deliberately designed with a loose fit, so that it can be worn over clothes and a medium-sized rucksack.
• Don’t forget that the webbing loops are deliberately used in place of heavier metal eyelets. This is part of the lightweight design of this model.
• Do not fold the poncho away whilst it is still wet for long periods after use. Allow it to dry thoroughly first before storing it in the carry bag provided for any length of time.
• When using it as a makeshift shelter, take the conditions and attachment points into account. The poncho was originally designed as lightweight rain protection.
• To create a larger canopy, two Lightweight Ponchos can be joined together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Helikon-Tex Lightweight Poncho waterproof?
The poncho’s outer layer is designed to protect the wearer from getting wet in the rain. It is made from ripstop polyester, which is both lightweight and resistant to damage.

Can I wear the poncho over my rucksack?
Yes. The loose fit means you can wear the poncho over your clothes and a medium-sized rucksack.

How much does the Lightweight Poncho weigh?
The poncho weighs just 346 grams, making it easy to carry as standard in a rucksack or other kit.

How big is the poncho?
When unfolded, the Helikon-Tex Lightweight Poncho measures 209 x 145 cm.

Does it come with a carry bag?
Yes. The poncho comes with a compact carry bag, so it’s easy to store and take with you.

Can I use the poncho as a shelter?
The poncho has attachment points, and two ponchos can be joined together to create a larger canopy or makeshift shelter.

What is the advantage of ripstop fabric?
The ripstop weave strengthens the fabric and helps prevent any tear from spreading easily through the material.

Opt for compact rain protection without any unnecessary weight with the Helikon-Tex® Lightweight Poncho Black, a versatile and lightweight poncho for airsoft, bushcraft and outdoor activities.