I have been doing some hiking in the local forest preserves and state parks.

I got a little nervous a couple of times when it might rain and I could melt. So far, I have not melted. But it made me a bit nervous.

So I decided to get one of my ponchos out of my car kit and put it in my day pack, just in case.

As you might guess, this simple transfer of a piece of gear from my car kit to my day pack did not quite work out as I had planned.

I figured it would be a good idea to try the poncho on, just to make sure it was OK. I take it out and put it on, and hear a faint tearing sound as maybe a 3 foot rip opens up in the PVC. So, it goes into the recycling bin, and out comes the other poncho. Turns out its in a little better shape but a snap is broken, so it went into the recycling bin as well.

I probably have not used them in 15 years, now that I think of it. I guess sitting in a car all those years caused the PVC to deteriorate. I suppose if I had to, I could have used either one with the application of some duct tape.

Just another reminder that now and then it is a good idea to try out your gear and make sure it is still functional.

I am headed out again this weekend. I am going to get a couple cheap ones, just in case. One for the car and one for the day pack. I figure I am unlikely to use them a whole lot, seeing as I didn't use either one of these for 15 years or more. I am dithering on whether to get a more substantial one, like a USGI poncho. They are pretty heavy and relatively expensive and for the limited (or no) use I would get from it, it seems like a waste of money and weight.