Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down
When it comes to venturing into the great outdoors, there’s nothing worse than the chill that seeps into your bones, making you feel like a ice-lolly in the making. Enter the Thermarest 'Honcho Poncho Down'. Designed to keep you toasty whether you’re scaling Scafell Pike or lounging at a lakeside campsite. Let’s dive in and see if it delivers.
The Thermarest 'Honcho Poncho Down' isn’t just any poncho; it’s the Bentley of ponchos.
Anorak zipper, three panel fitted hood and refined snap layout reduce excess fabric and make this poncho more jacket-like than a traditional poncho.
Constructed of GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified 100% recycled polyester with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, and filled with 650-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, it promises insulation that stays dry 60 times longer than untreated down. For those who don’t speak technical, that’s essentially a guarantee you won’t turn into a soggy mess at the first hint of drizzle.
The down filling ensures you’re snug as a bug in a rug, even when temperatures take a nosedive, and as I’m one of those ‘always cold’ people it doesn’t need to be arctic for me to pop it on.
Recently I was on a long drive overnight, when I started to feel tired so I pulled off the motorway and parked up. I popped on the poncho, lay down and had a truly cosy kip even though the temperature outside was cold.
I wondered if the material would make me sweaty and retain the moisture, but no, I woke up perfectly dry and totally toasty.
Popping it on and off, even in a small space like my car, is really easy thanks to its roomy fit, and neck zipper. There is a three panel fitted hood, and snap fasteners along each side - which when popped together turn the poncho into more of a jacket.
If you completely open the fasteners you can use it as a blanket - it's like a Transformer, but for camping.
The handy kangaroo pocket is wonderful for keeping your hands warm or stashing snacks (because who doesn't need easy access to emergency chocolate?), and you also have a huge zipped front pocket too (which doubles as the stuff sack).
It’s lightweight and packable, weighing in at just 0.53Kg, so great for backpacking, and it squishes down into its own built-in compact stuff sack - perfect for when space is at a premium.
Any Drawbacks?
It’s definitely not the cheapest option out there, but then again, quality rarely is. If money is an issue take a look at Thermarest’s more affordable Honcho Poncho.
Is Down ethical?
Thermarest is committed to using ethically sourced materials, and the down used in the Honcho Poncho Down is RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified, meaning the birds aren’t plucked alive or force-fed.
Our Verdict
It’s truly amazing, and perfect for those cold, clear nights when the stars are out and the temperature is dropping. If you want to stay out just a little bit longer, enjoying the crackle of the campfire and the rustle of the wind in the trees, then enjoy the ultimate in cosy warmth of the Thermarest Honcho Poncho Down.
Colours available - OuterSpace Blue, Dark Olive & Burgundy
Price: from £199.95 from a variety of outlets
more at » https://cascadedesigns.com/en-eu/products/honcho-poncho-down