(8) Original Used USGI M81 Woodland Camo Ripstop Nylon Ponchos, 1980's to 2000's

Description

Up for grabs are eight (8) original United States
Government issued lightweight coated nylon ripstop "M-81 Woodland" camouflage ponchos in generally very good used condition.
The lightweight woodland camo poncho was the official replacement for all previous ponchos, such as the Olive Drab heavyweight coated nylon twill ponchos used throughout the Vietnam War. In the later part of the Vietnam War, GIs had routinely complained about several inadequacies found with the OD (Olive Drab Green) heavyweight ponchos then in service. First, they were too heavy and bulky, and although effective, many GIs found they took too long to dry out. Additionally, complaints were made about how shiny the outside material was, especially when wet and the lack of a disruptive camouflage pattern. Near the end of the Vietnam War, several limited production and prototype ponchos were produced. Including some in a newer lighter weight coated nylon fabric. The new material cut the weight of the standard issue poncho down by half. It also boasted quicker drying materials, that also resisted the pooling of water droplets on its surface which cut down on the shine. Some of these ponchos were produced in olive drab green, but four-color ERDL camouflage, and tiger stripe camouflages were also trialed. Although quantities of some of these other ponchos were produced, and issued, it appears none were truly standardized. The OD Lightweight poncho was used by Special Forces during the tail end of the war, and even after the war with some even being produced after the war. The ERDL ones saw limited use, but seemed to have dissappeared before the war ended, and the tiger stripe never left the experimental prototype stage. When the BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) launched in 1981 along with the new Woodland camouflage pattern (commonly referred to as M-81 Woodland), a number of items were produced in the new pattern including the new poncho, and poncho liner.
The poncho was a very well received piece of gear- a trusty and flexible piece of equipment that was well liked by US troops. Naturally, it was an easy to don piece of inclement weather gear, that could cover the majority of a soldier and his gear. The poncho is generally better suited to hotter climates than traditional rain suits, and also could be easily stuffed down into a very small and compact size. Additionally, weighing less than 2 lbs, it was certainly not an overly heavy item to carry. It has two unique sides - one coated, and the other simply treated materal. The camo is present on both sides, the inside features a number of glue sealed seals along a number of the seams to prevent any water bleedthrough. The poncho had a number of features that made it a very flexible. It came with a hood that could easily be donned over many types of existing headgear. A locking cinch cord could be pulled tight in order to better protect the face and head, this area could be essentially closed allowing the poncho to better function as a tarpe or ground cloth. The poncho also featured two cloth tabs with a rope near the centerline of the body, this can be used to better tighten the poncho around the body when donned, so it was less baggy. The metal snaps on the sides can be used to create arm holes, or even to attach the poncho to other ponchos. The edges of the poncho feature brass grommets which can be used to secure the poncho using ropes and stakes in a variety of configurations, as well as for mating it with a poncho liner - which can greater increase the utility of the poncho. The poncho can even function as a makeshift sleeping bag when mated with the poncho liner (the instructions on both items detail how this is done).
As previously mentioned, the poncho sports the venerable M81 Woodland camouflage pattern which served all US forces from 1981 to around the early 2010s. Even now, it still serves in a limited sense within the US military, but has seen service with a variety of countries both as US military surplus, and as various copies. While an older pattern, it has proven itself to be a simple but effective one.
These ponchos are all in very good to excellent usable condition. I think it is safe say, I don't think any of these ponchos have any significant  problems that would severely dampen their utility. However, it is important to note that these are all used military surplus and therefore do show various signs of wear and tear. You can expect all of these ponchos to have functional hoods, all snaps and grommets present and functional, all cord lock systems present, and all original waterproof seals to be present. However, for the most part all of the midline rope pulls are absent. It is my understanding that these were often intentionally removed as GI's often felt they were in the way, or simply didn't use them. Most of these ponchos do show signs of use, and therefore show minor color fading, faded stamp labels, some dirt, stains or mild odor. Some of the ponchos feature field repairs - some are professional patch jobs, others appear to have duct tape repairs. I was not able to locate many holes or rips, But it is important to note that I do think I located one or two rips no greater than an inch or two on a couple. I was not able to locate any large holes, but I did notice a few small pin holes such as the one pictured. I also noticed some wear along the edges of some of the ponchos, however I do not think this will dramatically affect their function. In summary, I believe all ponchos for sale are in very good to excellent functional shape, but may have minor cosmetic wear or small defect. Please see pictures for examples.
Item shipped with USPS priority mail. This item is being sold as is - what you see is what you will receive. This item is kept in a smoke free home. Please feel free to utilize the contact feature to message me if you have any questions, or require additional photos or measurements. I would greatly appreciate payment within 48 hours of a bid ending or purchase. If you have an issue or are unable to pay immediately and require more time, I'll work with you but please let me know. If I don't receive payment or hear anything from you within 7 days, I will cancel your order, relist the item and block you from making future purchases from me. Please don't make me do this. Please let me know if you intend to purchase multiple items from me, and will likely want combined shipping. Happy bidding!