Been done. (multiple times) Never took.

 

Military Poncho with a poncho liner....it was first, and is still almost unbeatable.

I have some mods I would do, like make the poncho bigger, but no need to change the core idea.

I would set it up with zippers, instead of tie off strings and a few other little adds to set it up as a better bivy shelter. Maybe do a Dave Canterbury style poncho, or combine the two designs somehow.

Adding some light weight fiber glass poles, pre sewn into the edges that link together would be a plus as well. Also add built in strapping, so that it can be rolled up and carried as a sling when it is too hot to wear.

A whole new design is not needed though.

 

This is not a bad design either.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6va...yL0QWseyX92vWZ3ClXgaDRaf7XmZoE2dNTVgMSQieQ4MnTbv3oldWoaADMFP72Wgo_eNv8wGU7n6o7w

 

"armless" hooded coat? Just no. The color is also a bad idea, gets dirty and depressing very fast. The idea could work, would be nice to be able to combine two or three "coats" for a family tent. Then again we already have ponchos that are used as tarps.
After watching the video... its made of breathable material... lined with mylar... ok...
FerFAL

 

Not to mention that color could make people mistake you for a Klansman :rofl:

 

İ've seen a European military surplus jacket (for snipers) turn into a sleeping bag. The bottom section folds up into the jacket.

 

http://www.combatreform.org/ECOTATSYSTEMS/ecotattmp.htm

I have and have used one of these as a bivy.

As for the one official commenting that the tyvek shelter wasn't adequate. It is better than nothing. Getting inside something that keeps the wind and rain off you is a first step towards shelter. It is better than sitting/laying in the wind/rain with nothing but the clothes on your back.

I do think a poncho design like the ecotat would be better than a sleeveless design though.

 

The Gatgewood Cape by Six Moon Designs has been around for years. It's a combination poncho, pack cover and tent, all in one.

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/raingear/GatewoodCape.html

 

In the woods you are way better off with lots of thinner layer's. It is really hard to wash and dry large thick stuff by hand.

 

These kind of ideas pop up every couple years. Never yet seen one that stayed.