Unissued Swiss Rain Poncho

Unissued Swiss Rain Poncho

The Swiss are masters of economy in design. Built with numerous features and applications in mind, these ponchos represent the bleeding edge of 1970s tech. Originally designed as NBC capes, these can function as handy rain ponchos. Constructed out of only the finest plastic, these boys also double as urban concealment devices. Camouflaged as a lumpen trashbag,  these are large enough to obscure an infantryman and his rifle.

This Swiss military poncho was originally designed as NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protective gear, a barrier layer meant to keep contamination off a soldier's uniform, but its simple plastic construction makes it just as functional as an everyday rain poncho. It's a good example of the kind of dual-purpose thinking Swiss military design is known for: one piece of gear covering two very different jobs.

Large enough to fully cover a person and a rifle underneath it, and nondescript enough to pass for an ordinary plastic tarp or trash bag at a glance, which has made it a favorite for anyone who wants low-cost, low-profile rain protection over a full kit rather than just a body.

The Short & Sweet:

• Genuine Swiss military poncho, originally NBC protective gear
• Lightweight plastic construction
• Large enough to cover a person and rifle together
• Doubles as functional rain protection
• Unissued condition