Description

A classic well loved piece of kit of US origin, the woobie is basically a poncho liner is a piece of field gear originating in the United States military that can be attached to a standard issue poncho to provide additional warmth, as well as being usable as a blanket, sleeping bag or protective cover.

It consists of quilted nylon with a polyester filling to act as insulation.

The poncho liner consists of two layers of quilted nylon encasing a polyester batting. There are tie-cords on the corners and side that could be tied through matching grommets on rain ponchos.

Measures 160 cm × 210 cm (62 in × 82 in).

The intent was to field an item which was lighter and faster drying than the standard-issue Army Wool Blanket, which had essentially been rendered obsolete in the wet and tropical environment of Vietnam.

Held in high regard by US forces as as a useful piece of equipment; light and packable yet reasonably warm.

Even when soaking wet, the poncho liner can be wrapped around a soldier to trap body heat.

Many soldiers go to great lengths to find ways to keep their poncho liners as long as possible, even when they leave the service often upcycling or custom tailoring them into smoking jackets, hoodies, blanket coats or robes.

The “woobie” is still one of the more popular and common military surplus items purchased.