Does anybody have experience with both the Kifaru product and other more typical poncho liners? I've been looking at these and can't help wonder if the Kifaru Woobie is worth the significant difference in price. Kifaru's reputation for quality has my interest, just looking for "justification" for the purchase. Also wondering if the Woobie would work well as an "under liner" for use with a hammock. Any advice will be appreciated.
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Kifaru Woobie / poncho liner
- Thread starter Stickman
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- Dec 13, 2005
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He may come along to correct me, but I could swear I remember seeing K_Estela speak very highly of them. I believe they are reported to have a substantial increase in warmth/utility. For my position right now, I'm more in-line with spending $20 on a regular poncho liner (which I'm actually going to order for my Christmas present this year!).
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2008
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I've got a Kifaru woobie. It is definitely warmer than a standard poncho liner. I'd say it is about as bulky but lighter in weight. There is a stuff sack built into one corner -- useful if, like me, you have a knack for misplacing them.
Is it worth the extra money though?
I can't say for sure. Now that I have one, I can't see going back to a standard liner. Some guys here manage to make their own woobies or outdoor quilts. As much as I like the Kifaru (made in USA), when my current one is worn out, I'll probably try my hand at sewing my own version.
Is it worth the extra money though?
I can't say for sure. Now that I have one, I can't see going back to a standard liner. Some guys here manage to make their own woobies or outdoor quilts. As much as I like the Kifaru (made in USA), when my current one is worn out, I'll probably try my hand at sewing my own version.
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2006
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- 1,649
I have pretty extensive experience with both versions of a poncho liner.
I've been active duty for about 5 years, 4 of them spent in an infantry battalion. The issue poncho liner will keep you warmer than nothing, is heavy for its warmth and packs pretty big.
The Kifaru will keep you considerably warmer than nothing, I've been comfortable down to about 45f with just the woobie. now the woobie a gore-tex bivvy sack and sleeping pad of some sort is comfortable down to about 30 or so, and the woobie can pack up pretty darn small, what I've seen is it will compress as far as you can get it to.
I have been verry happy with the purchase.
I've been active duty for about 5 years, 4 of them spent in an infantry battalion. The issue poncho liner will keep you warmer than nothing, is heavy for its warmth and packs pretty big.
The Kifaru will keep you considerably warmer than nothing, I've been comfortable down to about 45f with just the woobie. now the woobie a gore-tex bivvy sack and sleeping pad of some sort is comfortable down to about 30 or so, and the woobie can pack up pretty darn small, what I've seen is it will compress as far as you can get it to.
I have been verry happy with the purchase.
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2001
- Messages
- 2,101
I do have a woobie by Kifaru and a Wiggy's woodland camo poncho liner. The woobie is really "slick" that is, it's outer shell is a thin nylon that is surprisingly strong and lightweight compared to the previously mentioned "stiffer" Wiggy's. The Woobie drapes really well and the warmth is surprising. For me, the warmth seems to come on instantly. It packs down easily to the size of a 2 liter bottle and then compresses even more lengthwise if you push down on it.
Is it better than the Wiggy's? Yes when it comes to weight and comfort factor. Price is a bit steep but compared to an Integral Designs poncho liner, it is actually less. You don't get the zipper or the head hole on the Woobie the way you do on the ID model, but then again, in summer weather, I just use it as a blanket anyway. It can tuck easily under a sleeping pad to trap more heat in and still wrap around your body. Paired with a closed foam pad, it is really warm.
Overall, it is a personal choice if the woobie is right for you. I get outdoors a lot with my job at the WLC and it is justifiable. For others, $120+ for a blanket might be ridiculous. Like I said, it is a personal choice. I wanted the best night's sleep possible and I went with the woobie.
Is it better than the Wiggy's? Yes when it comes to weight and comfort factor. Price is a bit steep but compared to an Integral Designs poncho liner, it is actually less. You don't get the zipper or the head hole on the Woobie the way you do on the ID model, but then again, in summer weather, I just use it as a blanket anyway. It can tuck easily under a sleeping pad to trap more heat in and still wrap around your body. Paired with a closed foam pad, it is really warm.
Overall, it is a personal choice if the woobie is right for you. I get outdoors a lot with my job at the WLC and it is justifiable. For others, $120+ for a blanket might be ridiculous. Like I said, it is a personal choice. I wanted the best night's sleep possible and I went with the woobie.
Now I believe I'm squarely down to the trigger pull part of the decision.