What's a Woobie and Why You Need one! U.S. Military Poncho Liner

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  • Опубликовано: 4 дек 2024

Комментарии • 642

  • @susansheldon9100
    @susansheldon9100 10 месяцев назад +20

    My dad brought one of these home with him when he returned from Vietnam in 1966. I'm snuggled under it right now. It is the softest, most comfortable, lightweight "blanket". Blanket in quotation marks because it feels like two pieces of parachute material sewn together with a very little bit of polyester fill inside. Veterans from my dad's generation (30 years service, two tours of Vietnam) call it a poncho liner. My dad, upon hearing soldiers started calling it a Woobie in the 90s:- "it's a poncho liner, goddamnit. I don't know when a$$holes started speaking baby talk, but that doesn't change what it is." He won't even say the word "woobie."

  • @cheezycatnip8352
    @cheezycatnip8352 2 года назад +23

    I am former Britsih Military, Royal Engineers, I happened to receive a woobie whilst serving in the Balkans 1992. It was a complete revelation, we had a decent Issue Poncho, but the addition of the liner brought so many other options. I still have my original, it is a lot thinner due to a massive amount of use and even now I use it on hotter evenings even at home. I have recently bought a new one in flektarn for outdoor adventures as i dont want to damage the original, it has been through so much with me over the years and gone through some rough times with this little bit of comfort. I would certainly advise anyone to invest in this amazing bit of kit. Thanks to the donations made by the US to me back all the years ago.

  • @rogerdodger
    @rogerdodger 2 года назад +81

    I still have mine when i was in the service. I found a wool blanket about the same size and had them sewn together. Great heavy blanket in the wintertime.

    • @mikepreslar8686
      @mikepreslar8686 2 года назад +6

      I do the same, the Army Surplus Wool Blanket with a Woobie makes a great, comfortable system.

    • @tboat4015
      @tboat4015 2 года назад +5

      I had a friend in 5th group who did that. He also sewed a winter poncho as the outer cover... he was always dry and warm.

    • @mortsnerd5100
      @mortsnerd5100 2 года назад

      @@mikepreslar8686 Which do you put on the outside?

    • @mikepreslar8686
      @mikepreslar8686 2 года назад +3

      @@mortsnerd5100 The Wool Blanket

  • @gregwoods1114
    @gregwoods1114 2 года назад +139

    Found mine at a goodwill. $10. What a find. They didn't know what they had.

    • @BFD378
      @BFD378 2 года назад +11

      Ii check the blanket rack every time I'm in a thrift store. No one around here gives up a poncho liner.

    • @thewatcher611
      @thewatcher611 2 года назад +7

      I always look for those. Seems like nobody wants to give up much surplus stuff anymore. I did find a desert storm era poncho at the pawn shop. Had the loops sewn on the inside of the front chest area. It was like $12 so i couldn't pass that up.

    • @ama409573
      @ama409573 2 года назад +4

      Always check Goodwill, they do show up👍

    • @WagonWheels707
      @WagonWheels707 2 года назад

      Most* of us

    • @erwin643
      @erwin643 2 года назад +6

      And not just Woobies. G.I. GORTEX Jackets, field jacket liners, etc.

  • @knifelore1647
    @knifelore1647 2 года назад +5

    The poncho, poncho liner, a wool blanket an your sleeping pad, oh an dry cloths, an you would be surprised at what type of weather you can comfortably sleep in. Training at Fort Campbell during a ice storm I sleep like a baby with mine. Thank you sir, love you vids!

  • @bethhurst6231
    @bethhurst6231 2 года назад +246

    For all the veterans chiming in, I can’t personally thank you all but let me say: to all who have served in the US military, THANK YOU!

    • @erwin643
      @erwin643 2 года назад +11

      Did a 25-year career between Regular Army/Guard/Army Reserve, with a lot of active duty here in the States during the wars. Much appreciated, BTW.
      However, your thinking does seem to be affected by the govt's Perception Management on our society. The whole "Thank a veteran for your freedom"-thing is a crock of crap. No one since Vietnam (In addition to the war itself being illegal at the international level, due to the U.S. disrupting the 1954 Geneva Agreement. South Vietnam was supposed to be allowed to vote on it's future, and the U.S. and their installed puppet kept that from happening) has actually fought for anyone's freedom in this country. Civil rights took a hit in the 1960's starting with COINTELPRO and other surveillance programs, and went into full gear on steroids after 9/11.
      You should sympathize with them for their hardships, and as people who got used by the gov't. That's about it.

    • @DanSlotea
      @DanSlotea 2 года назад +1

      You should thank the politicians, the lobbyists and the corporations. Without their greed there would be no need for.their service.

    • @GS-rw9og
      @GS-rw9og 2 года назад

      AMEN

    • @oldmech619
      @oldmech619 2 года назад +2

      @@erwin643 I know what you are talking about. I was in Laos and others near by countries. Had a good tour then extended. I was drafted

    • @effu9375
      @effu9375 2 года назад

      ❤❤❤🤙🏽🙏🏽 Thank you for your support Miss.

  • @cmt1809
    @cmt1809 2 года назад +44

    Carried a poncho liner sewn in to the poncho as my bed role for years in the 70's in the 82 airborne. A lot lighter than a sleeping bag and just as warm except in extreme cold..

    • @ProjectSerpo90
      @ProjectSerpo90 2 года назад +2

      Do you know what the temperature rating is on a standard USGI Woobie/Poncho liner? I just got one as a bundle w/ poncho and its warm as hell but im curious down to what temp they’re effective

    • @oldmech619
      @oldmech619 2 года назад +2

      I couldn’t get my hands one in Nam.

    • @bethhurst6231
      @bethhurst6231 2 года назад +2

      Thank you for your service, sir!

    • @Minuteman_Expeditions-wo2cp
      @Minuteman_Expeditions-wo2cp 2 года назад +4

      @@ProjectSerpo90 I used a poncho, poncho liner and isomat one January night during combat training in a North Carolina swamp. I froze, got no sleep and never looked at a poncho liner for the rest of my four years active duty. Fast forward to present day... I found a like new US Army surplus multicam poncho liner with a built in zipper, from the manufacturer, to make it into a rectangular sleeping bag! I live in Florida now and it's not near as cold as North Carolina, so I'm looking forward to trying it out soon.

    • @lloyd4011
      @lloyd4011 11 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@Minuteman_Expeditions-wo2cpI certainly wouldn't chance one of these if I was going anywhere temperate during winter. I have one, and often wondered when anyone would use one of these in the field!

  • @edbecka233
    @edbecka233 10 месяцев назад +4

    I had my wife slit my PL in the center and sew velcro onto both edges. That way I could actually wear the poncho and liner together, or use them as a bedroll without a pneumonia hole in the small of my back! My CO had a heavy poncho cut into a field jacket and a PL sewn into it as a liner, by a Korean tailor while he was in the Nam. Best field jacket I ever saw.

  • @Rpg39_
    @Rpg39_ 2 года назад +9

    I slept on a very thin German folding sleeping mat with 2 woobies, under a poncho lean-to shelter, near a small fire in 19F snowy weather. I was very cold and it was not a good night of sleep. You will definitely need something better than just a woobie for cold weather. However, the woobie is still great to stuff inside a sleeping bag to beef up its insulation. You can probably convert a 3 season bag into a 4 season simply by adding a woobie.

  • @99Racker
    @99Racker 2 года назад +71

    My first PL was aquired while in the Marine Corps in the 60s. Actually, depending upon the weather, in cold times, we used the poncho, liner AND a GI wool blanket. If you did not have duty during the night, you could get up to go to the head and air out the bed roll for a few minutes. Another issue is one size poncho and PL (only the tan Artic ponchos and liners were slightly bigger and they were treated like gold). "Pack light, freeze at night" was a frequent expression. After I got married, my wife got used to being warm at night. That meant me and placing a PL over her blankets. There are plenty of liners in our house. If you are tall, when using this bed roll, you are SOL as one end is not warm. You are right, we called them LINER or PL. I have also suggested professional ball teams make these in team color blankets for sale at games. Buy several. Keep one in every vehicle, Go bag (with GI poncho), and several around each house and camp site. They make great gifts. For the ladies, you can use Rit dye on the previous army pattern PLs in their favorite colors. Thanks for the video.

  • @jerryg2073
    @jerryg2073 2 года назад +20

    I have several. One in each of the get-home bags I gave to my family members. I sent my original 70's woobie to my son when he was in Iraq in 2007. Made sure he gave it back!

  • @2manyhobbies76
    @2manyhobbies76 2 года назад +7

    "And you have your pack back there, and nobody knows the difference"...😄 Is that Don? Nope, just the hunchback of Notre Dame! Great rundown of how versatile the woobie is.

  • @mangellotti57
    @mangellotti57 2 года назад +2

    My Woobie was my summer sleeping bag. In the winter when I used my actual sleeping bag my woobie was my pillow.

  • @Ghatbkk
    @Ghatbkk 2 года назад +29

    One of the great pieces of military issue gear, and one that I have had at least one of since 1978. All the Vietnam vets I knew called it a poncho liner, first heard the "woobie" nickname post-Grenada from Batt-boys.

    • @Maryland_Kulak
      @Maryland_Kulak 2 года назад +4

      I think Woobie came from that kid’s blanket in Mr Mom movie. My generation (X) called them poncho liners. Millennial Soldiers called them woobies.

    • @rogerharris3951
      @rogerharris3951 2 года назад +4

      @@Maryland_Kulak "Millennial Soldiers call them woobies". Awww ... that's so cute! 😉Precious little snowflakes that they are.

    • @Ghatbkk
      @Ghatbkk 2 года назад

      @@rogerharris3951 Try saying that to a Batt-boy who is a millennial.

  • @billwatson3527
    @billwatson3527 2 года назад +7

    I was in USMC and in Nam in 1970. It may have just been my company but we called them our Snoopy Blanket. At night you were hard to see when wrapped up in one. When not in base camp we were always on the move so the only shelter I had was a poncho and poncho liner. Never did tie it into the poncho, used the poncho as a shelter and the liner as a blanket. One thing nobody ever mentions is you can be soaked and the poncho liner can be soaked and you wrap up in it and it will make you warmer. If you don't move your body heat will dry it out in no time. Still have and use the one from Nam ( 50 years + ) as a sleeping bag liner.

    • @crabtrap
      @crabtrap 10 месяцев назад

      its even warmer if you find a Rock-Ape to cuddle with

    • @fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied
      @fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied 5 месяцев назад +1

      Wow. Thank yoo for those incredible story.

    • @shadow_grey_fox6338
      @shadow_grey_fox6338 Месяц назад

      What you're talking about is the function of wool. Nothing is better if you understand its quirks. (Active spinner and ex army.

    • @PaEMT_FF9
      @PaEMT_FF9 4 дня назад

      Thank You for your service and history lesson.

  • @markpoore3260
    @markpoore3260 2 года назад +6

    I like my woobie I take 2 good 5 by 7 reusable space blankets and two poncho liners and put them together to make a sleeping bag I’ve used it with clothes on down to about 35°

  • @alanwilliams5836
    @alanwilliams5836 2 года назад +14

    I have the very first woobie I was issued in the Army back in 1976. I have several more as well. One goes in every kit bag we have in the family... Wouldn't leave home without one! Thanks for the vid Sootch!

  • @RubiconV
    @RubiconV 2 года назад +18

    I’ve had one in my car since 1998 when I got out of the Army. Also never called it anything but a poncho liner.

    • @shanevision
      @shanevision 2 года назад

      Active Army 91-98, always knew it a a poncho liner as well.

  • @VictoryOrValhalla14
    @VictoryOrValhalla14 2 года назад +6

    Nobody used these as a survival item, it’s a comfort piece of kit. Nobody used ponchos either, ponchos funnel water right into your boots, we used wet weather gear(jacket and pants). A poncho was used to cover rucks or make a hasty shelter. If your smart you either modify it or take it to a tailor and have them mod it with a zipper so it now becomes a light weight sleeping bag. This with a bivi sack(has been issued the last 30 years) will serve you much better than a poncho.

  • @stgwaffles
    @stgwaffles 2 года назад +12

    I switched out my poncho for a thermal reflective tarp which they issued medics. Way warmer and that combo has been a life saver when I didn’t have my whole kit with me.

    • @bethhurst6231
      @bethhurst6231 2 года назад +4

      Thank you for your service, sir!

    • @Maryland_Kulak
      @Maryland_Kulak 2 года назад +5

      I switched out my poncho liner for a five star hotel room when I became a field grade officer.

  • @EricDaMAJ
    @EricDaMAJ 2 года назад +34

    I was in the Army from ‘86 to ‘14 and I only heard it called a “woobie” til the last year of my career. Even so, I can understand why. Troops basically used it like a field bathrobe/comforter since way before I came in. Many still do. One thing that’s really awesome is that if it gets wet it dries out really quick in warm weather or by a heater or fire.
    I have a BDU pattern one and some civilian variants. I have a Polish version that can actually be used with a military poncho as it has a hood. It’s also water resistant on its own. I have a civilian version robust enough to be used as a hammock and has a bag that allows it to be used as a pillow.

    • @W7Mike5150
      @W7Mike5150 2 года назад +1

      I (only) heard it called that lol. Albeit I was an infantry guy.
      Hooah dude 😎

    • @mattjack3983
      @mattjack3983 Год назад +1

      @@W7Mike5150 When did you enlist? I was also 11B, and enlisted in '99. I never heard the term "woobie" until years after I had been out of the Army.

    • @W7Mike5150
      @W7Mike5150 Год назад

      @@mattjack3983 Bro, weird my dude. 2000-2004 Fort HOOD. We always referred to them as woobs. Coulda been a command experience thing? Idk

  • @wesbrown3831
    @wesbrown3831 2 года назад +6

    Omg!!!! I miss mine...thanks for reminding me. 7th Inf Light 4/21...Whoooaaa

  • @arthurvandelay7677
    @arthurvandelay7677 2 года назад +33

    The nickname is from the movie (Mr. Mom). I entered service in 1978, and served in the 2/325th airborne infantry from 1979-1983. Since many times all we had in the field was what we could put in the rucksack we'd be jumping in, the bulky sleeping bag was left behind. We were fiercely devoted to our poncho liners, but I never heard it called a woobie while I was among the guys using it the most. Mr. Mom came out in 1983, and it was after that time later in my career that I first heard someone call it a "woobie". I immediately made the connection, since the poncho liner is as indispensable to a field soldier as a security blanket is to a toddler.

    • @bethhurst6231
      @bethhurst6231 2 года назад

      Thank you for your service, sir!

    • @ryanfirst9761
      @ryanfirst9761 2 года назад +1

      Yeah, I know what you’re saying. Was in 1/508 then 3/505. The poncho liner and poncho were all we used even in January and February which isn’t warm at Bragg. Some of us bought Goretex sleeping bag covers and sewed the liner inside which worked well.

    • @John.Doe-OG
      @John.Doe-OG 2 года назад +1

      They never issued us a poncho liner, Desert Storm era.

    • @ssazerac
      @ssazerac 2 года назад +2

      I understand that you little guys start out with your woobies and you think they're great... and they are, they are terrific. But pretty soon, a woobie isn't enough. You're out on the street trying to score an electric blanket, or maybe a quilt. And the next thing you know, you're strung out on bedspreads Ken.

    • @maldodanny
      @maldodanny 2 года назад

      White Falcon brother here. AATW!

  • @chadalcock7275
    @chadalcock7275 2 года назад +2

    I joined the Army in '95 and have always called it a woobie. The field jacket liner and woobie are the 2 best pieces of equipment.

  • @petegotowko3957
    @petegotowko3957 2 года назад +3

    Got my first poncho liner in December of 1969 at Ranger Joe's in Ft. Benning, GA as part of the gear I got for Ranger School. I was in class 8-70 January, February, and March. The Poncho liner was a life saver and one of the best items of outdoor gear I have ever owned. I used it 8 years while in the Army and in Viet Nam. I still have it in my closet at home. My daughters loved it when they were younger and at home. I still use it for napping. I have now owned the liner for 53 years ,so it has proven durability'

    • @99Racker
      @99Racker 2 года назад

      Like you, I still have the PL the Marine Corps issued in Vietnam (class of `68). When I got married a couple years later, my wife fell in love with it. I just came across it in my truck. She has a clean thing and it is almost white with the edges of the VN pattern still visible. I would classify it a summer weight now. I have bought many "additions" to my first one in camo, OD green and one in black. They are in vehicles, ready packs, two on our bed and two on the shelf for guests. They make great gifts. I know the joy they bring for over 50 years. Thanks for the reminder.

    • @petegotowko3957
      @petegotowko3957 2 года назад

      @@99Racker My friend bought himself one and me another pancho liner on line as I told him how great it was. He served as a aircraft mechanic and never had a need for one. He's used his while hunting.

  • @daveperala4723
    @daveperala4723 2 года назад +1

    Loved my "Woobie".
    Had one in the trunk of my car and the saddle bag of my bike.

  • @coax31
    @coax31 2 года назад +4

    We use to fold up our shelter halves and packs and cover them with the poncho and camouflage the poncho for patrol.

  • @AllanSitte
    @AllanSitte 2 года назад +1

    Retired Vet here - Love my woobies!
    I have 5 of them of various patterns/colors.
    One of them I was issued while I was still active. Still works great and doesn't have any rips or broken seams... yet.
    They are very light, yet warming.
    I use one at work (I work in a cool data center) regularly. Co-workers have "borrowed" it when I was not in the office. They of course ended up getting their own.
    Once you use one, you will want one. I cannot recommend having your own woobie enough!

  • @LSwick-ss6nm
    @LSwick-ss6nm 2 года назад +5

    I still have two from my active duty days.
    Not only are they comfortable, they are lightweight and extremely versatile.

  • @johnwalczak935
    @johnwalczak935 2 года назад +8

    I was in the service from 84-88 never heard it called that. One of the best pieces of equipment we had. We put it in a cargo pocket

    • @bethhurst6231
      @bethhurst6231 2 года назад +4

      Thank you for your service, sir!

    • @NOTHOTlanta
      @NOTHOTlanta 2 года назад +1

      John, I was in exactly the same years. Ft. Stewart GA then Baumholder Germany (11B).

  • @friendofcoal
    @friendofcoal 2 года назад +4

    Sew one to the inside on the military rain jacket for a built-in liner. We would either get a woobie or wool blanket and have the tailor shop sew it into the jacket. The wool blanket was a little warmer. The tailor would usually sew in an inner pocket with the poncho liner material. They were called "Hawk" or Graf" jackets. I sure do miss mine.

    • @ronbo39339
      @ronbo39339 2 года назад

      Just make it into a jacket & use as removable liner.

    • @friendofcoal
      @friendofcoal 2 года назад +1

      @@ronbo39339 The rain jackets were a little oversized, so even with a liner sewn in there was plenty of room, comfort & breathability/ventilation. Your idea would be like using the M65 liner inside the rain jacket. The Hawk jackets w/ liner were actually worn over the M65 without the liner in the jacket. (In the extreme cold you could put the M65 liner into the M65 jacket.) Or, the Hawk jackets could be worn as a regular coat. They were ideal for temps from 25-50 degrees F, especially when it was raining or very damp conditions. Outstanding for European fall/winter/spring weather.

  • @kellierichardson7223
    @kellierichardson7223 2 года назад +11

    Love my woobie's! I have 3 from Desert Storm and my dad still has his from Vietnam. I use them backpacking and camping, and have one in my bug out bag.

  • @MrHappy4870
    @MrHappy4870 2 года назад +16

    Another legend is that the Woobie was named because it looked like a children's/infant's blanket wrapped around a soldier, especially when walking around with it slung over the soldier. A "woobie" was slang for a child's blanket in the 1960s.

    • @sidneezingara1976
      @sidneezingara1976 2 года назад

      First I ever heard of it: ruclips.net/video/t2-NFhEI-DM/видео.html

    • @GAUROCH2
      @GAUROCH2 Год назад

      I am not american or expert on history, but if previously the wool blanket was affectionally "woolie" why not calling the synthetic versions be called "woobie"?

  • @philh2793
    @philh2793 2 года назад +3

    Still have mine that I used in IRAQ/SAUDI/KUWAIt in '91and love it! Never called it a "woobie" and probably never will.....

  • @TheTyrial86
    @TheTyrial86 2 года назад +1

    People love these so much. That you can get clothes in poncho liner materials. I have one in a sweat shirt style and it is a pretty good layer.

  • @trapperscout2046
    @trapperscout2046 2 года назад +7

    I can confirm that Army guys love these.

  • @just_another_Joe
    @just_another_Joe 2 года назад +3

    I’ve always called mine a poncho liner since my days in the Marine Corps. I have about a dozen of them and they are such a great, versatile utility blanket.

  • @maxgotts5895
    @maxgotts5895 Год назад +1

    I haven't been in the military or anything, but I got a woobie for xmas a few years ago, and it's the best thing in the world. I take it with me everywhere (I have an acronym when I pack, ABTW, "always bring the woobie"), from the England to Panama. Always useful, always loved. Everyone looks at goes "eh?" and laughs at me, but then they get cold, and I say "here, borrow my woobie for a few hours" and they are immediately converted. This thing is the warmiest, snuggliest blanket I have ever found and will ever find. I fucking love it. Spread the word!

  • @dennisseverns4014
    @dennisseverns4014 2 года назад +8

    Have five of them, all woodland camo.
    Always have at least two with me when I hike or camp, most times that is all I use as a sleep system in the summer. Use a modular sleep system in the winter when truck camping, but still carry the poncho liners. Always one on my bed at home. The poncho and poncho liner fit in the older butt packs worn on the LCE.
    Never heard it called a woobie till after I got out of the Army.

    • @mato1875
      @mato1875 2 года назад +1

      🇺🇸

    • @mato1875
      @mato1875 2 года назад +1

      They make a coat now that does turn into a sleep system

  • @VLSG
    @VLSG 2 года назад +1

    i love my woobie. the og one i was issued i always take with me on backpacking trips, can never go without it

  • @0utrider43A
    @0utrider43A 2 года назад +3

    The poncho liner is the best issue item. Mine was modified with a full length zipper to use as a summer bivy. Still travel with it to this day.

    • @frenchfryfarmer436
      @frenchfryfarmer436 2 года назад

      Me too. I used a 110" nylon coil zipper. I LOVE mine

  • @oldmanriver1057
    @oldmanriver1057 2 года назад +3

    For cold wet weather Wool is great!

  • @susanjohnson9255
    @susanjohnson9255 2 года назад +4

    I appreciate your channel. You give good everyday wisdom and products. As a senior woman, I say thank you for the discounts information.

    • @nmr6988
      @nmr6988 2 года назад +1

      👍❤️👍

  • @gmorrison1962
    @gmorrison1962 2 года назад +4

    I've had a woobie in a vacuum seal bag in my bug out bag for about 6 years now. The vacuum seal bag flattens it out really nice. I wish I had room for the actual Poncho but my pack which is very well-equipped is about 26 lbs., heavier than I would like but I will definitely not starve, freeze or die of thirst trying to get home.

    • @willek1335
      @willek1335 2 года назад

      How long could you survive without resupply in your environment in your bob?

  • @allienoneya4257
    @allienoneya4257 2 года назад +1

    I love my woombie. My mom made me a blanket that’s heavy cable knit, huge , 6 feet long and 4 foot wide and do very heavy, I have to take to the laundry mat and use their largest machine. I know this is about a military poncho / blanket but at home my woombie is my comfort, it’s my warm memory maker Me and the grandkids cuddle up and it’s like heaven. . Heat goes out, I’m staying warm forever.

  • @johncarnes2688
    @johncarnes2688 2 года назад +1

    I was in Army Jan 1992 till July 2022. I had a zipper sewn on a poncho liner either 1994 or 1995 to make it function like a sleeping bag. Thing still works great after all these years. Most of time I took it to the field & left sleeping bag to save weight & space. *** CAUTION there are a lot of fake & rips off that are not as good as the original.

  • @renaissancemarinetv3536
    @renaissancemarinetv3536 2 года назад +8

    if you think a poncho liner is good (i NEVER heard it called woobie in the Marines) you should try the field jacket liner and (hard to find) trousers liner. same material but more effective.

    • @ericluther1872
      @ericluther1872 2 года назад +1

      I agree with your idea of field jacket and trouser liners light in weight and easier to keep warm.

    • @randysretired2020
      @randysretired2020 2 года назад

      I have a field jacket liner. I use it all the time when it’s cold enough. Same with my poncho liner. My wife steals the covers, so the poncho liner is all mine. 😂

    • @collie1311
      @collie1311 2 года назад +1

      I still use my field jacket liner I have had the same one for 20 years

  • @militustoica
    @militustoica 2 года назад +8

    I saw the notification for this video and moved towards my phone only to realize it was on top of my oldest woobie from 2008 before everyone got UCP or OCP pattern ones. Just that Vietnam era OD.
    Take a while to feel warm in if it’s bitterly cold, but they get very warm within half an hour and nothing else is better for when it’s raining. If you are roughing it on dirt or rocks, at least you can cushion your head and keep your body warm. But combined with a good field cot? I used to get amazing sleep that way back when I was still in the Army.

    • @kensnyder9372
      @kensnyder9372 2 года назад +1

      Oh man you are right , what a great sleep and rest all your ack's and pains were gone when you got up . Still got my army cot wool blanket poncho from when i was in the army in the early sixties . Used mine when i was on some job in the middle of no were and hunting . People don't know how good that combation works , if they did they would never buy a $500 mattress ...lol....

  • @84Actionjack
    @84Actionjack 2 года назад +2

    Never heard the term 'woobie' but I used to run with a riki roll and leave the sleeping bag behind. Brings back memories.

  • @JoeMac1983
    @JoeMac1983 2 года назад +3

    Been sleeping with my surplus poncho liner on my couch for 6 months. I'd sleep with my wife but my 3 year old son keeps claiming my side of the bed every night at midnight like clockwork. Not gonna transplant in the middle of the night. I love the poncho liner. Perfect temperature regulation.

  • @michaellicavoli3921
    @michaellicavoli3921 2 года назад +5

    Have one folded on my bed. The poodle uses it at night for a sleeping pad. I worked around the Army for twenty years, and never heard it referred to as a woobie.

  • @therenaissancehousewife2230
    @therenaissancehousewife2230 2 года назад +1

    My brother is stationed in Germany, he just got me a woobie for Christmas! It's the warmest thing ever, and SO lightweight.

  • @Tim_R4444
    @Tim_R4444 2 года назад +1

    Bought a fleece liner for mine for colder weather but yeah easily the best thing ever

  • @dalevodden1359
    @dalevodden1359 2 года назад +1

    Nice thing about those will be AKA pantry liners is that when you attach it to the poncho now you got a waterproof blanket that's what they were made for to attach to your military poncho by tying it onto the eight grommets that are on the poncho liner head eight tie down to be tied to the 8 gromit on the poncho which makes it a blanket a waterproof blanket and it'll keep your butt warm God bless

  • @dvdbluraydude3038
    @dvdbluraydude3038 2 года назад +2

    Went in the Marine Corps infantry in 1996 and it was called a Woobie then. I remember an instructor at SOI East talking about your “Woobie” being your best piece of equipment.

  • @Hurdle11C
    @Hurdle11C 2 года назад +1

    Love my woobie. Been out 18 years and still use it pretty regularly.

  • @dougbotimer8005
    @dougbotimer8005 2 года назад +5

    Used one while in service inside the old duck feather mountain sleeping bag to sleep snuggly in single digit temps. Mine is ERDL camo, Vietnam era, and still going strong, with a few runs and picks.

    • @bethhurst6231
      @bethhurst6231 2 года назад +1

      Thank you for your service, sir!

  • @rfailing1
    @rfailing1 11 месяцев назад

    JUST got my first wobbie and I'm feeling so happy and secure now.
    Thanks for teaching me how to use it. I feel warmer already!
    US Army Vet here....

  • @airdrop1670
    @airdrop1670 2 года назад +1

    One of the best ideas I've seen was from a trouper that was stationed in Germany , he took a poncho lined it with a space blanket and wool blanket that he wore on guard duty in cool wet weather .

    • @larrygibson9273
      @larrygibson9273 2 года назад +2

      I had my poncho liner (woobie) and had it sewn into the poncho when I was stationed in Germany '86-'89. Wish I still had it. I worked in top of Mountain, and lived at bottom, so we got 20 below, and 10' snow each winter. Worked great going from a warm guard shack to outside for patrol.

  • @jameshanna8762
    @jameshanna8762 2 года назад +28

    23 years in the infantry (1982-2005) and it was always a 'woobie' as far back as I can remember. Typically, only line unit personnel had such names for their equipment, as the REMFs never saw their gear, except for inspections, much less used it enough to have nicknames for items. Lots of Army personnel never called it that, but the vast majority of combat arms personnel used the name consistently. We loved self deprecating terms for our dirty miserable careers, for example, all comfort items like the 'woobie' are classed as 'snivel gear'. People like to make fun of the grunts, but no one loved making fun of us more than we did.

    • @frenchfryfarmer436
      @frenchfryfarmer436 2 года назад +2

      I was in in 1985-89. I was a REMF ...FOR SURE! . Didn't get a woobie. I got to go the "field" once for NCO School. ;)

    • @recon20671
      @recon20671 2 года назад +2

      Be all you can be.
      Semper Fi

    • @maldodanny
      @maldodanny 2 года назад +5

      Nobody wants to be a grunt but everybody wants a CIB.

    • @ajizum82
      @ajizum82 2 года назад +4

      God bless you cold war era fucks

    • @Endlesspathable
      @Endlesspathable 2 года назад

      75-89. Poncho liner, but I was always jungle ops trained.

  • @CodyDadman
    @CodyDadman 2 года назад +30

    Check out the swagman roll by Helikon-Tex. Its basically a upgraded woobie that is fully functional as a poncho liner, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, hammock underquilt, blanket. Fits up perfectly with a USGI poncho. Durable as can be. Best piece of kit i own right now.

    • @micahwest5347
      @micahwest5347 2 года назад

      @Mills Rickman 5 PLs.

    • @CodyDadman
      @CodyDadman 2 года назад +3

      @Mills Rickman its expensive. I got mine for roughly $115. They go from anywhere to 115-180 depending on where and when you get it. I got mine straight from helikon-tex. Worth its weight in gold though.

    • @jeepnicc
      @jeepnicc 2 года назад +1

      I'll back the Swagman roll too. It IS expensive, but if you can shell out the coin, it's nice. Quite a bit more versatile than than the woobie, and in my humble opinion, warmer too. Don't get me wrong, I love my USGI poncho liners, but if the poo hit the fan and I had to pick one, it would be the swag...

    • @erwin643
      @erwin643 2 года назад +2

      Wouldn't doubt it. Their utility uniforms are awesome: A cross between the old Jungle Fatigue and modern velcro'd utilities that can be worn sleeves-up. Very sharp looking.

    • @basilwatson1
      @basilwatson1 2 года назад

      I have one , and a wooble ... and thats right the woobie isnt for cold weather ... I have a duck down hammock liner , a swagman and a woobie ,, ALL fit under a poncho ( in my case a plash planka )

  • @alpinealpine2793
    @alpinealpine2793 7 месяцев назад

    Bought 3 surplus Dutch ones and had them sewn onto a woolen blanket. Best camping blanket ever.

  • @glad2be52
    @glad2be52 2 года назад

    Bought one for all kids & grandkids for Christmas gifts! My granddaughter is in army and was super excited to have an extra one.

  • @joeylandry4933
    @joeylandry4933 2 года назад +1

    I was on active duty in the army’s 5th Infantry division at Fort Polk and later in West Germany guarding nukes and everyone I talked to called them poncho liners. I think I first heard the woobie term with the national guard in the 90’s? Regardless of what you called it, I loved it. Our M113 had a broken heater in Germany 🇩🇪 and I would’ve froze to death in that ice box without the extra protection of my poncho liner; which I still have almost 40 years later.

  • @TR-Mead
    @TR-Mead 2 года назад +2

    Pro tip from a paratrooper: they make pants out of those, and a jacket too(we called it the smoking jacket). Super light weight and non-restrictive. Good thing about the pants (pants liner actually) is that they have buttons down both sides so you don't have to take your boots and pants off to put them on or take them off. Just pull your pants down, slip them in between your legs, and button up the sides. Super convenient and saves so much time and hassle. So warm too. Side note: they make (or made) kits so you could turn your woobie into a sleeping bag. It was a big zipper and you would take it to a sew shop and they would sew all the openings with the zipper, and viola, you now have a sleeping bag. Side side note: in the 82nd, these were only ever called Woobies, by grunts anyway. Maybe the others called them something else but on your clothing record it was listed as a Poncho Liner. We used to get them for 5 bucks or so at the military surplus stores off post in Fayettenam or Spring Lake in really good condition.

  • @PorkyPrepper
    @PorkyPrepper 2 года назад +1

    I kept the basic black GI sleeping bag and a poncho liner in my flight bag. The two together are great when your sleeping in or under your airplane.

  • @aarond1622
    @aarond1622 2 года назад +2

    Been looking to buy a woobie myself lately. This video is a great help.

  • @bahamaslive
    @bahamaslive 2 года назад +3

    You had me at "woobie" although I don't think we had nicknamed them yet back in the early 80's ;) I've actually still got one (in excellent condition) from the 80's that I couldn't bear to leave behind when I was checking out of CLNC.

  • @jdminn4
    @jdminn4 2 года назад +1

    Love mine. Had it for years. These past years, been mostly winter kit in car and deer camp backup.

  • @dennisbellinger333
    @dennisbellinger333 2 года назад

    I had one in Vietnam. Purcased a new one at a surplus store in the 80's that i still use every night. Have bought them for my grandchildren and great grands. The kids liked the texture and feel of the material. Said they felt cozy to wrap up in.

  • @disgruntled_veteran
    @disgruntled_veteran 2 года назад +3

    I have two from when I was in the service. One in my truck and one in my bug out bag. I bought a third a few years ago for my get home bag from a friend of mine I served with who didn't use his any more.

    • @RJM60
      @RJM60 2 года назад

      I think its one of the best items I (and also my son) feels we were both ever issued...

  • @shawnio
    @shawnio 2 года назад +1

    I tried a surplus military poncho and we went fishing in the rain, by the end of the day I thought I was gonna die from the condensation, I had a thick shirt on and it wicked all of it off until I reached equilibrium, when I got home I was literally a cooked ham, steam and all

  • @richardmendoza738
    @richardmendoza738 2 года назад

    Hell, I have my dad's woo in from 90 91. It's been floating around grandma's house for 30 years. When she passed I took it along with some old wool blankets, and it is still incredibly warm.

  • @ronaldhowdeshell8628
    @ronaldhowdeshell8628 2 года назад +14

    I was in Germany in the 80's and never called it a woobie until the last couple of years. I bought one on eBay and sleep with it on my bed.

  • @jeffr7752
    @jeffr7752 2 года назад

    I've had my poncho liner since 1989 when I was in the ARMY and it's on my bed right now. In addition to my poly underwear from the PX, this is the most useful purchase I've ever made.

  • @williamhorn1061
    @williamhorn1061 2 года назад +1

    I was in the army from 1980 to 1990. Was never issued a poncho liner and thought people were messing with me when they talked about it.

  • @bobsmoot2392
    @bobsmoot2392 2 года назад

    Great video on my old Infantry friend, the poncho liner. I'm old school. Wife and I use them most as a light, breathable in house blanket. Excellent TV blanket.

  • @bamacopeland4372
    @bamacopeland4372 28 дней назад

    Woobie. That one word brings me so much joy.

  • @manuellabor2759
    @manuellabor2759 2 года назад +6

    Desert Storm it was still called a Poncho Liner in the Army. The name change definitely happened after that.

  • @tjmatthews7474
    @tjmatthews7474 2 года назад +1

    I've heard of people adding a "grabber style" reflective blanket and putting it between the poncho and woobie when setting it up for sleep. Helps retain more body heat.

  • @olafpapandreou8009
    @olafpapandreou8009 2 года назад

    I have several of them and use it as a blanket in bed, throughout the year. Only when it's really really cold I use a swiss military sheep wool blanket. Best way to sleep at home and outdoor in normal conditions.

  • @richiemattes5333
    @richiemattes5333 2 года назад

    US Marine Vet, 1984-1988. We simply called it our Poncho Liner. And I slept with mine in the barracks all the time instead of making my rack. Just a quick tidy in the a.m and you were good to go.

  • @Phalanx443
    @Phalanx443 2 года назад +1

    Every deployment and every exercise my woobie was always packed at the top my go-bag. There were times, as new gear came out, I'd find myself with multiple woobies! What a joy it was to have one in practically every bag!! :)~

  • @robertsbushcraft
    @robertsbushcraft 2 года назад +1

    Woobie is a thing of beauty!

  • @choprjock
    @choprjock 2 года назад +2

    I still have my PL that I got in Vietnam, in 1967. Used it for 45 years until the stitching came loose. Hope to have it restitched and put back into use. Very versatile piece of equipment. Never heard it called a woobie.

  • @tc556guy
    @tc556guy 2 года назад +2

    I never found the poncho liner to be particularly warm. They're better than nothing, but that's about it. You can combine a poncho, a poncho liner and a casually blanket for a ranger taco. Problem is that it's fairly heavy in comparison to other options
    There were some after market non military products that look similar but
    included a thinsulate layers that were a little warmer than the issued poncho liner

  • @ericjohnson8001
    @ericjohnson8001 2 года назад +1

    Grew up with 4-5 of these my dad got in 26 yrs in usmc. Mgsgt. Love em to this day and couldn't understand why every family didn't have several-- I just thought everybody had em.

  • @davidhoppes118
    @davidhoppes118 2 года назад

    My father is a marine and he kept his woobie and I loved that thing.

  • @mattmonasmith6054
    @mattmonasmith6054 5 месяцев назад

    Still have
    my PONCHO LINER 34 years after getting out of the corps. Still one of the happiest days of my life.

  • @aprilk141
    @aprilk141 Год назад

    After 'testing' my woobie and poncho out, I am impressed. I did get a knock off woobie which has a hood sewn in. It's a nice feature for colder climates.

  • @thewatcher611
    @thewatcher611 2 года назад +1

    Very warm for the weight. I just got a 3 in 1 blanket from 5 star Gear off of LA Police Gear's site. It fits perfectly into my real military poncho. Ties and snaps are on it. It also zips like a sleeping bag. Real heavy duty zipper on it. I'll still get a genuine mil liner, because the 3 in 1 is slightly bulkier due to all the hardware. Thanks for the discounts SOOTCH!!!

  • @scottlehman9738
    @scottlehman9738 2 года назад +1

    That is a great piece of gear. A must have item.

  • @mikethefireman6696
    @mikethefireman6696 2 года назад +2

    Throw in a second GI poncho and you have an included shelter system. Combined with the PL, snaps and along with some 550 cord and you're good to go. Have several PL's in my bags and vehicles just for that purpose. Light weight and can be the difference between a miserable experience in an emergency situation or what will get you through it. 21yr veteran and never heard it called a woobie until the last couple years from the younger enlisted...lol

  • @madjackblack5892
    @madjackblack5892 2 года назад

    Back when the Earth was young I had an old underwater dem bag with an attached bladder. Used the bag to carry stuff - including my poncho & liner - and inflated the bladder for a pillow. Worked pretty well. And when in a mech unit we had liners and wool blankets. Living large.

  • @ltkerr4688
    @ltkerr4688 2 года назад +2

    Don, this was a great description. Thanks! Chris mentioned in his survival series that Morgan Carter used his Woobie while Going Home. I like that these are made in USA. Take care.

  • @DOCSAFETUBE
    @DOCSAFETUBE 2 года назад +2

    I just got my 16th one about a week ago.. can't have enough

  • @butgod2480
    @butgod2480 2 года назад

    Army 1971-1974. The coolest claim I have for my Field Jacket (liner and all), is that my last name was in every issued jacket worldwide --- inside tag read "Coat, Man's Field" or some variation. Good and helpful video. Good memories despite the fact my tour was not the Hollywood glamor model.

  • @ryanfirst9761
    @ryanfirst9761 2 года назад +2

    Another way, which I’ve seen, is to sew Velcro around 2 sides, folded onto itself, and you have a LW sleeping bag. You can also see it into a waterproof sleeping bag cover which works better.

    • @larryfisher7056
      @larryfisher7056 2 года назад

      I got a 100 inch zipper at the fabric store and sewed it in across on end and up the side. I use it as a blanket usually but with a foot box zipped up partially but can zip it up all the way into a light weight sleeping bag.

  • @marcjohnson4385
    @marcjohnson4385 2 года назад +1

    We got a zipper put in the liner so you could wear it under the poncho lasted longer cheap to get done. Sill have mine still use it.

  • @davidpavely4539
    @davidpavely4539 2 года назад +1

    I still prefer wool.wool blanket, wool socks, etc...wool is awesome