The ”Field Tarp Poncho M90” Story

One of our more odd products is the Field tarp Poncho M90, it all began one hot summer day.

The Swedish summer is changeable at most and sun mix with rain in one big lovely holiday period!
During this period i had used one of the sturdy “no age discernable” Swedish Armed Forces “Knäppetältsdel” (Basically a rough rubbery plastic rhomb figure tarp thingy I used to use a lot during service) probably from the 70´s i guess.
This great but outdated piece and the sight of pictures showing other countries forces frequently in the use of flimsy type ponchos, the full out crazy idea was sparked to combine them both with a TUG twist! 😉

First i needed to get it down on paper.. what size? The ponchos I had seen was way to short and ends well before the lower legs. What features like zippers, hang loops, eyelets, hood? The Fabric? Anti IR print? Full out camo? What about the inside? etc..
And wait…wouldn’t it be great if you could make a big bag out of it and just creep into a dry environment when the outdoors is wet to change your socks or something.. a breather from the elements!?

A good set of colored pencils is a good thing to have handy here so it is not all in black and white… then let the sketching begin! My sketch is never good looking and.. well it don’t matter!

When a rough “picture” of the “project” exists it was time to try make a model using tape, a good water fast pen, and some sort of base.. in my case an inadequate poncho sample sent to us from a manufacturer. Oh boy was that one in needed of some upgrade!

Then it’s all down to start placing out all the thoughts and ideas on this “canvas” and I saw my creation evolve!
After a while I always have to take a break, perhaps putting it all away for the rest of the day.. !

It itches in your fingers to go at it more.. but “overdoing” it is a stark reality.

The magic really starts to happen when you rush back to the paper sketch you started with, and add some /withdraw some ideas when in typically murphy fashion you’re holding a sandwich you just made or an impossible situation as when feeding the hungry cat…!

There is really no telling when a “brilliant” idea strikes and you have to move ASAP to keep the thought and get it down in writing.

In my case there was more to this creation than just another tarp/poncho, I wanted it to be versatile giving the user the benefit of using it in a range of configurations and also encourage for customer usage I myself never even thought of.

When the sample was ready it was time to start checking with manufacturer what could be done to make my design a full blown product!
There will always be some setbacks and compromises, it is inevitable if not a major money making company that possibly own their own factory.. so it needs to be economic and smart solutions for it all to work out. Also, as in my case ideas could be too complicated or not overall good to make and the manufacturer points out trouble spots from their point of view.

As you understand the process is rather long… but in the end we came through with one of the coolest tarps on the market!

Below follows our product description of the unique Field Tarp Poncho M90!

It not only functions as shelter, basha, roof, floor, windproof and rainproof protection when making camp outdoor but also as a very large poncho with adjustable hood.

It is thought of as supplement to a scout recon soldier or a special operator’s pack when conducting long range recon patrols or other clandestine observation missions in need of a dry hide or when making simple lean to in a wet environment.

It comes with four sectioned YKK Zippers which enables it to be a water-resistant bivy bag to your sleeping bag or wind sack. You open and close the different sections depending on your needs.

Also you will find flat band loops and eight small metal-eyelets so you easily could fasten it in for example a tree, vehicle or a makeshift wood frame.

Wrap yourself up in it when taking a break during a forced march, sit or lie down on it to separate yourself from wet ground, creep into it and change your socks in a dry environment.

Only your imagination will set the limit of its usefulness!

The brilliant Swedish Armed Forces M90 camouflage is anti IR treated and is made in a rip stop weave and provides sufficient color cover for a full range of different nature where it works well, from the jungle to the northern part of Scandinavia.

Rip Stop weave and Anti IR printed M90 camouflage.

The Tarp/Poncho comes with a bag in same fabric for safekeeping.

Waterproof/breathable performance 5000/5000
Width: 195 cm.
Length: 285 cm.
Weight approx.: 1460 gram.

NOTE!:
Let the Tarp dry out before long time storage.

Do not long term storage the Tarp tightly in the small bag or you may damage the fabric, keep it loose.

Keep away from fires and sharp objects!

Available in the webshop!