I thought this poncho - pack cover combination looked really interesting and had some nice features. Not to mention, it's dirt cheap. It's 190T nylon, and I don't know how quality that is or anything about durability, weight, water resistance or any other factor. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I'm tempted to try it. After all, if it's a total failure, I'm out less than $12. I'm wavering though, because I'm saving up for a decent sleeping bag.

EDIT: I forgot to add the link the first time.

is there a link or a pic you can share?

Oops, sorry about that. I edited my original post to add the link.

This 8x10 "sun shade" is intriguing too. It's nylon, has gromets, and is less than a pound, but the ad doesn't say whether or not it's PU or sil treated. If not, I guess the price is about right. If so, it'd be a steal.

They list another product of a similar size which is specified to be waterproof and it costs more than double, so this one is unlikely to have any waterproofing.

It looks like tons of cheap knock-offs (which isn't always bad, those little $8.99 cookers that are like the MSR Pocket Rocket work well believe it or not). Has anyone actually ordered from the site?

I assume you mean this one? I'd overlooked that before because of it's considerably higher price. After all, I could sew together two of those 5x7 Walmart tarps, seam seal, and have a 10x7 for about $20 plus tax. But, I didn't realize that came with poles, stakes, line, and storage bags, definitely a good deal. The description says it comes in at 1.5kg (a little over three pounds), but again, that's with all the accessories. If I were to get that and throw all the extras in with my car camping/beach kit and just use the tarp itself with three or four lightweight stakes and line and/or trekking poles, I bet the weight would be pretty respectable. And, that's without having to do any sewing and seam sealing.

I bought a flashlight for my oldest son from them, one of those single 18650 cell dealies (or three AAAs) with an incredibly bright LED. I've had it for probably half a year now and I've been more than happy with it. I feel like I robbed them.

Of course, an LED flashlight is way different than nylon and polyester camping gear.

I'd actually ordered from them years before that, but it's been so long, I don't even remember what I bought.

If money is a concern, I'd opt for using a black trash bag inside my pack to keep the gear dry. Then focus on a good rainjacket, which can double as a layer for unexpected chilly nights.

I've actually got a good rain coat, but I've read good things about other brands/models of poncho/pack covers. No matter, I'm going to save my pennies for a sleeping bag anyway.