Surplus Brit Army bashas seem to finally be getting cheaper over here.

The weight is right, and since (from bad experience) I'm a long-time devotee of being as inconspicuous in the woods as possible, I find them interesting but... I can't help but recall that I have a Brit Army surplus DPM rain jacket that is apparently nylon waterproofed with rather heavy PVC, and the last time I pulled it out to use it, during Isabel, I found to my dismay that the plasticizer has apparently leeched out of the PVC, making the inside an unwearably sticky mess. Flexible PVC is known for doing this as it ages- as owners of heavy, waterproof gear, even up to inflatable watercraft, know well. The plasticizer won't wash off, and no cleaning products I've tried affect it at all- looks like I'll have to chuck it.

I have no desire to repeat this with another piece of equipment, so- anyone know for sure what the basha is waterproofed wtih? Anyone have experience with one getting sticky, or know for sure that they won't? Thanks in advance.

i got this fellow: http://raymears.com/shop_item_desc.cfm?id=81&itemType=Sleeping%20Out it's made of coated nylon. No pvc whats so ever in this one, not sure about the british issue one.

I got an Australian hootchie from www.combatclothing.com.au that doesn't seem to have any PVC on it. It's held up well for a couple of years now but if I had the choice to make again I don't know that I'd buy another one. I got it for the extra size but in reality it's not that much bigger than a GI poncho. The gain is only about 10" in length and 6" width. Anything the hootchie or basha can do a poncho will do nearly as well but you can't wear the hootchie in the rain. I think, for my money, I'd recommend the poncho.

Ed

Thanks to both of you for responding, but I do really want to focus on the question with regard to the Brit basha, not the Australian version at the moment. For one thing, it looks like the Australian version is going for about three times as much. :-)

I have a USGI camo poncho, and an older green one. Decent piece of equipment, but using any poncho for a tarp has drawbacks that prevent me from considering it in less than an emergency- once pitched in the rain, anytime you have to move, to get water, relieve yourself, whatever- you get to choose between soaking yourself or your campsite/gear. IMHO, it's worth the extra couple of pounds to have a dedicated shelter. Emergency bivouacs are, of course, another matter.

I use the old British army issue canvas poncho for shelter and to sleep on top of it (as a sheet for an “A” frame basha). Works fine even though the buttons do not support the weight when lying on it. So I had to use my imagination and some twine to fix it…

I've seen the new issue one. Under closer inspection seems pretty goochie. Its lighter, no hood (which is a good thing), more attachment points, makes less noise and comes in DPM.

If you regard tents just as extra weight I would advice you to buy something like this. Having spent numerous nights under it I would not want to go back using a tent.

The poncho protects you from the rain, the sleeping bag provides the warmth and a roll matt provides the comfort.

Reinhardt

The basha is made from different material to those old issue jackets (new ones are breathable!!). I never had one go mushy and I've never heard of it - but anythings possible (my wife's goretex jacket once de-laminated because of her hair spray <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />).
However, if you want the best of both British and Aussie bashas try this:

http://www.sass-kit.fsbusiness.co.uk/catalogue16/images/Foul_Weather/basha.jpg

Comes from Paul Lewis at SASS Supplies in the UK.

Web site : http://www.sass-kit.fsbusiness.co.uk/

It comes with free bottle of Seam Sealant with sponge applicator, and spare DPM Nylon patching material.

The corners are strengthened with Cordura panels and have loops and plastic 'D' rings. Ideal kit for short-term OPs and bashas.

A) 9 long nylon webbing loops (one in centre of Hootchie) to go over branches if necessary.
B) Eyelets in each corner, and middle of shorter side, for Bivvi Poles.
C) Large size. Approx 280cm x 180cm.
D) Made from high quality, lightweight, DPM nylon with a polyurethane coated underside and flurocarbon proofed topside for outstanding waterproof quality.

SASS AUSSIE HOOTCHIE BASHA.....£45.00 (£15 cheaper than Ray Mears version!!).