Hi Atoz,

The poncho is used for more than just standing around in keeping the rain off. The poncho is also used as ground sheet, a rain shelter, a sleeping bag cover, a rain water collector etc. Its a very versitile piece of kit. The British Army also issues MVP (Goretex) jackets, overtrousers (prefer the German army ones myself), hats, gloves, socks, gaiters, Bivi bags etc.

I would much prefer to use Goretex rather than any of the other synthetic impermeable alternatives despite the limitations of Goretex.

There are even full Goretex tents available for high altitude cold weather mountaineering.