Poncho liner

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A poncho liner is a piece of field gear originating in the United States military intended to provide warmth in mild temperatures used as an expedient sleeping bag when attached to the standard issue poncho by means of integral lengths of material which are looped through the poncho's eyelets.

[edit] Construction

The poncho liner consists of two layers of quilted nylon encasing a polyester loft filling. Most examples are a variation of Olive Green on one side and camouflage on the other, either ERDL pattern in earlier examples or the later Woodland pattern, as well as the Universal Camouflage Pattern most recently. Commercial copies include features like thinsulate batting, a zippered edge and come in a greater range of colors

[edit] Opinions amongst the troops

Troops generally hold the poncho liner in high regard, as a very useful piece of equipment, light and packable yet reasonably warm. Some military personnel refer to the poncho liner as a "woobie" showing the same attachment an infant has for its blanket. The poncho liner found wide acceptance amongst US troops in Vietnam, providing just enough warmth for cool tropical nights but light and small. It is especially popular today in the age of 100-pound rucks and bulky modular sleeping bags.