The Ultralight Swagman

I just came across this interesting new poncho which doubles as a swag, the Helikon Swagman Roll Poncho. It would be lighter than the traditional wool blanket which (obviously) can be configured in much the same way (as I explained here). It weighs 1.64 pounds (743 grams). It is lined with Climashield Apex insulation. US$124 (May 2021)

It can also be configured as a blanket. 

Or a sleeping bag.

Obviously you can cover it with a waterproof poncho such as Coghlans Emergency Poncho as I recommended here: If you could only carry two things in the bush what would they be? When you wrapped yourself up in it (or other space-type blanket) as a swag of a night this would make it both warmer and more waterproof. Could be very handy to have in your day or hunting pack.

If you wanted to make yourself a simple (5′ x 7′ – 150 x 210 cm) lightweight waterproof blanket (no zips or hood) like this insulated eg with 2.5 oz/yd2 Climashield Apex (2.33 yds = US$ 16.31 – 9.72 oz – 277 grans) and covered with .93 oz/yd2 membrabe silpoly ( 4.66 yds =US$34.95- 4,33 oz – 124 grams) Total US$51.26, it would weigh 400 grams.

I would probably go for the 3 oz/yd2 Primaloft Gold insulation at US$11.50/yd (an extra $10 and 50 grams) as it is a superior insulation. PS You could shave a little more weight (63 grams) off it by making only one side waterproof and lining the other side with .66 oz/yd2 nylon taffeta (US7.95/yd) bringing you to a total (Climashield) of 337 grams or (Primaloft) 387 grams. Of course if you needed neither side waterproof you could save another 63 grams, so 274/324 respectively.

I wonder how warm such a ‘quilt would be if you made one 30″ ‘side’ with a heavier weight of insulation say 6 oz/yd2 Primaloft (at US$19.75/yd) It would add a furthr 161 grams (to 485 grams) to the top side of the ‘quilt’ – enough (alone) I suspect for a sub zero night if you are clothed. I may make one just to try it out!

This would be a very handy blanket for extra warmth in your sleeping bag, hammock or around your campfire and would be an excellent first sewing project involving only simple straight sewing. You could add a few velcro tabs to help keep it closed in the various configurations.

Further thoughts. Maybe use Thinsulate Insulation which is apparently ‘the best’ available here and maybe add a layer of SOL Escape Lite Bivvy material (<155 grams) inside the cover to reflect back 70% of your body heat. This should get it very close to an R = 4.

See Also:

Pocket Poncho Tent

Humping Your Bluey

Johnny Cakes

Holeless Poncho Shelter

Pitching the Poncho

Raincoat Shelter

Raincoat Swag

Lifesystems Thermal Jacket

Also of Interest:

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/how-to-light-a-fire-in-the-wet/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/rope-dont-leave-home-without-it/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/finding-your-way/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/the-lie-of-the-land/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/the-importance-of-a-roof/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/carry-a-knife/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/if-you-could-only-carry-two-things-in-the-bush-what-would-they-be/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/ultralight-poncho-tent/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/the-pocket-poncho-tent/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/naismiths-rule/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/weather-lore/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/walking-the-line/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/follow-your-nose/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/how-long-till-sundown/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/man-is-the-measure-of-all-things-pythagoras-some-handy-estimation-tricks/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/how-to-avoid-being-wet-cold-while-camping/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/fire-on-the-snow/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/river-crossings/

http://www.theultralighthiker.com/an-open-shelter/

Some other useful posts (in no particular order):

Improvised Bow Saw: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/improvised-bow-saw/

Finding Your Way: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/finding-your-way/

Foot Care: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/foot-care/

Carry a Knife: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/carry-a-knife/

How to Light A Fire In the Wet: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/how-to-light-a-fire-in-the-wet/

Insects can ruin a camping trip: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/insects-can-ruin-a-camping-trip/

River Crossings: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/river-crossings/

How to avoid being wet & cold while camping. http://www.theultralighthiker.com/how-to-avoid-being-wet-cold-while-camping/

An Open Shelter: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/an-open-shelter/

Catching Your Breath – Walking Uphill: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/catching-your-breath-walking-uphill/

Cookset Woes: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/cookset-woes/

Ultralight Pack: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/ultralight-pack/

The Egg-Ring Ultralight Wood Burner Stove: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/the-egg-ring-ultralight-wood-burner-stove/

A Soft Pillow and a Warm Bed Under the Stars: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/a-soft-pillow-and-a-warm-bed-under-the-stars/

Tent Stakes and Tricks: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/tent-stakes-and-tricks/

The Importance of a Roof: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/the-importance-of-a-roof/

Rope – Don’t leave home without it: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/rope-dont-leave-home-without-it/

We can choose to do anything: Free Will/Determinism: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/free-willdeterminism/

Inflatable Insulated Clothing: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/inflatable-insulated-clothing/

If you could only carry two things in the bush, what would they be? http://www.theultralighthiker.com/if-you-could-only-carry-two-things-in-the-bush-what-would-they-be/

Hole-less Poncho/Shelter/Hammock Tarp: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/hole-less-ponchoshelter/

Pitching the Poncho: Warning: This may save your life: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/pitching-the-poncho-warning-this-may-save-your-life/

Why you should get your feet wet when hiking. http://www.theultralighthiker.com/why-you-should-get-your-feet-wet-when-hiking/

Ultralight Personal Hygiene: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/ultralight-personal-hygiene/

Get Lost. Get Found: Best Plb/Epirb: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/get-lost-get-found-plbepirb/

You Will Not Live Forever: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/you-will-not-live-forever/

How to Treat a Gunshot Wound: Part 2: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/how-to-treat-a-gunshot-wound-part-2/

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