[maple_leaf_eh]

Poncho vs rainsuit. I found the former left a waterlogged dripline on my shins. The latter at least had sleeves and measure of watertight sides/bottoms. The 50's oilcloth ones were and are dynamite! There was another style I saw once, but can't describe.

- The 70s US issue rubberized rainsuit was great for breaking the wind on blustery days. But it was waterproof, and heated up inside. Sean Maloney's book on the Brigade in Germany mentions how badly the field clothing was, and how many guys bought/stole US rainsuits, liners and pants just to stay dry.
- The 70s Canadian issue plasticized nylon rainsuit was the opposite. Many guys complain that it let in as much water as it kept out. The QM issued white spray cans of silicone waterproofing to try to get around the porosity. I recall the hood buttoned on.
- The 80s Canadian issue rainsuit was better on all accounts, but suffered from the bad rep' of its predecessor. IIRC, the hood was permanently attached.
- The latest issue Goretex rainsuit is one of the best things the Army ever adopted (from the Air Force).
- I had a fantastic Arid CADPAT rainsuit in Afghanistan that was a fabric and vinyl coating. The QM lady (a civilian contractor) didn't recognize it, but thought it was a very early style that had been reissued roto after roto.