Setting up the Polish Army Poncho/Tent

**VagabondKnight** · 11-09-2011, 03:42 AM

They show up on ebay now and then.That's where I got my set.

**Seeker** · 09-16-2012, 11:19 AM

resurrecting an older thread...

Sportsman's Guide has them. seem to be 2 sizes, but i'm not sure how that can be and have them still button together. Unless it's just the location of the one button you use to make the rain poncho (higher up, thus making the bottom cape edge shorter.)

Anyone out there use one of these for rain gear on a routine basis?

**Sgt. Mac** · 09-16-2012, 01:35 PM

Use mine as rain gear, seems to work better as a canvas outer layer for winter

**mjh** · 09-16-2012, 03:32 PM

I've the russian army surplus ponchos, photo of mine in the winter camping section thread about 90 degree day and setting up tents....they go together pretty well to make a mini lavuu/bell type tent good for one, two in a pinch or if your in the russian army...tried the norweigan surplus ponchos but needed more than two for what I wanted...the norweigan ponchos were heavier fabric but hard to buy two in the same deal that were both in good or better shape...

**sporterizin** · 01-07-2013, 12:21 AM

Well this looks to be my first post on this great Forum. I had picked up a couple of Polish halfs but no center pole. So my question is for either nolightweight or Sgt Mac; What is the hight of the center support pole? I could guesstimate, but if either of you know the answer off hand, I will be able to fashion one myself that is as close to the correct hight. Thanks in advance.

Regards
sporterizin

**saryat** · 01-07-2013, 02:11 AM

This is a very old model of 1977 do not use it already for a long time in the Polish army

**tim martin** · 01-16-2013, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by sporterizin

Well this looks to be my first post on this great Forum. I had picked up a couple of Polish halfs but no center pole. So my question is for either nolightweight or Sgt Mac; What is the hight of the center support pole? I could guesstimate, but if either of you know the answer off hand, I will be able to fashion one myself that is as close to the correct hight. Thanks in advance.

Regards
sporterizin

i have the same problem. i tried to set it up and figure out how tall to make the poles,but couldnt quite get it right.i think it takes three of them to make a full circle so that you have a door

**tim martin** · 01-16-2013, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by Jennifer

Ah so its a Plasch Palatka.

I did a GIS and pulled these pics:
1 poncho

Supposedly just 1, flying diamond maybe?

2 ponchos

Figs 3 and 4 show lay outs for 4+ ponchos

Good stuff. very versatile!

i dont think that this is the right instructions for this poncho, the directions show it as square,and the poncho is not. (just an observation)

**mjh** · 01-16-2013, 03:14 PM

For a pole I use a swiss surplus pole set, I think I am using maybe 5 or six full sections and one short section. I got four sets from one of the on line retailers. With the russian poncho you only need two ponchos to make a round connical shelter, three ponchos makes a very differen shelter, kind of like a whelen lean to and you need two poles. I know I've got a third poncho I tried it with. The height/length of your center pole may effect your ability to make a closed shelter.

**MtnManJoe** · 01-16-2013, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by Sgt. Mac

Exactly, heres mine

So, Mac - When it is set up "TeePee" style like this, What is the actual "usable" footprint you end up with - ie: with the pole in the middle, is there really enough room for a 6+ footer to lay out their sleep system, and have room for their other gear etc?