UK MOD Basha Shelter

Having used the USGI poncho for years, I have routinely found it lacking as a shelter. The USGI poncho was designed as a garment, but can function as a shelter with the hood tied off.

With the military now issuing Goretex garments, the USGI poncho probably hasn't been worn as a garment since shortly after the Vietnam War. The Marine Corps has recently acknowledged this, and the new USMC Reversible Field Tarp (coyote brown on one side with woodland MARPAT on the other, with no hood) was put into circulation.

Since I have not been able to get my hands on one of these new USMC Reversible Field Tarps, I have been using the UK Ministry of Defense (MOD) Army Basha Shelter. I have one in woodland and one in desert, using the MOD's DPM camouflage pattern.

The Basha is lightweight, well made, and makes an excellent shelter. It has integrated handles for use as a stretcher, and heavy duty grommets and loops for tie-downs.

If you still find yourself using a USGI poncho as a field shelter, consider upgrading to the UK MOD Basha.You can find Bashas for a reasonable price online, namely through eBay.