Remember the old ponchos?

[ipscgraz]

Good evening

I was cleaning up and I came across an issue poncho I kept after mustering out in 1973. I was lucky and was issued a brand new one and it didn't see a lot of use.

I figured it would be good for camping so I kept it.

Before I try to unroll it and see what shape it is in, do these things "dry out" and crack or do they stay flexible after a long time? It has been out of the sunlight since '73.

 

[boomer49]

1973! You've got a piece of (probably fragile) history there. I can't offer any advice ... other than to go slowly and wait for real advice.

At around the same time, my dad gave me an almost-new Post Office of Canada letter-carrier's poncho/cape ... premium black rubberized cotton with several metal buckles and (the best part) lined with the softest and finest and lightest and most primo wool possible.

Never leaked, and never clammy ...

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

I would imagine that after some time, particularly the 39 years its been sitting, the material would stiffen and become brittle.

 

[Steve1987]

I have a USMC frogskin camo poncho from 1942 that is still pliable so I think yours stands a chance! Just be careful unrolling, I know powders can be used with these for long term storage and it might be worth checking out some preservation techniques.

-Steve

 

[Andurp]

Buddy of mine has one of these, his dad took it with him when he got out back in the mid 70's, or something.

It's fine and he uses it sometimes.

 

[eos]

That kind was used for years after 1973. Should be OK.

 

[bearhunter]

Biggest problem with those is they smell so bad. Even if they don't leak.

 

[eos]

Biggest problem with those is they smell so bad. Even if they don't leak.

The later, lighter ones reeked like dog crap if folded up wet. Smell just would not go away.

 

[Rule 303]

I still have my issued one.Just loved marching in the rain with the hoodie arrangement snugged under my chin, and Lee Enfield shoulder slung, barrel facing down.

The odd game of pocket pool might occur.

 

[bellero]

Just try to unroll it slowly and see what happen.

 

[ipscgraz]

Well, I pulled the straps and unrolled it. No problem at all. Like it had been rolled up for a winter, not half a lifetime.

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[Andy]

I remember sweating so much in those that I was as wet as if I had just stood in the rain. I also remember dipping them in buckets of a "water-proofing" chemical that probably explains my cognitive deficits.

 

[Colin]

Man that brings back memories, mostly wet and cold ones.