Ah. The M-4 Poncho-a veritable me casa tu casa for six months of the year twice. I went through two monsoons because I stayed an extra year. This device caused me to lose untold pounds like those plastic sweatpants and matching tops As Seen On TV©. Remember them? Sweat those pounds off. Being inside this during a torrential downpour was no panacea for staying dry when it was 88 degrees out.

This was a reissue of a used one but was perfectly functional. I got it May 21st, 1970. It’s born on date was 19 April 1966  as stamped on the front side. It must have been in the bottom of my duffel bag when I returned. I’ve taken it up to 8.500 feet hunting in Wyoming and it kept me dry there, too. In the freezing cold, you can light a propane torch between your feet and make a miniature hot house. Combine three and make a tent with a floor.

They doubled as a stretcher in a pinch.