Ive been using the Hilltrek poncho for 2 years now and Im very pleased with it. Previously I had used the NATO pattern ponchos, they were all second hand and I found that, with the use I gave them, they generally needed to be replaced after about 12 months.
The weight of both is about 1 kg, the width of the NATO version is 59 (1.5m) against Hilltreks 54 (1.372m) and the length of NATO one is 80 (2.04m) whilst Hiltreks length is 93, being 3 (75mm) longer at the back.
NATO ponchos have eyelets to enable them to be set up as a basha, (Ive had these fail even under light tension) whereas the Hilltrek has webbing loops securely attached, the whole of the loop is covered and this very neat arrangement means they do not catch on vegetation.
In practice Ive found the extra length of the Hilltrek keeps me drier in heavy rain, the shoulders have a double layer of Ventile and Ive never experienced water penetration. The great thing about the Ventile fabric is its total silence that is very useful if youre looking out for wildlife. In very heavy rain Ive got within about 20 m of a herd of deer whilst wearing the Hilltrek.
The only criticism I would have of the Hilltrek poncho is the use of pop-it fasteners to close the sides, on mine one of these has become detached from the fabric, they seem a bit small for the job they do. NATO ponchos use gypsy press studs which are robust and enable 2 ponchos to be linked to make a 2-person pup tent.
Overall I think the Hilltrek is worth the money, its very well made and will outlast ex military ones many times over.
Just my pennyworth, Ive no connection with Hilltrek.
