Review: VOITED Trooper Outdoor Poncho-Blanket

A water repellent, packable and wearable blanket that adds warmth and versatility to campers, van-lifers and cold water dippers.

Imagine stepping out of your warm tent to brew your morning coffee and being able to keep that cosy feeling of being wrapped up. Introducing the VOITED Trooper Outdoor Poncho-Blanket. This multi-use wearable blanket is ideal for hanging at the campsite, changing under or just generally getting cosy. Plus, it’s made from 100% recycled ‘Repreve Our Ocean’ fabric, so you can snuggle up feeling good about the eco credentials of your water repellent poncho blanket.

VOITED Trooper Outdoor Poncho-Blanket: The stats

Features of the VOITED Trooper Outdoor Poncho-Blanket

Insulation

Made with hollow fibers, the poncho is impressively lightweight and compressible for its size. The DuPont Sorano high-loft insulation is partially plant-based and is designed to retain its loft wash after wash. So far I have only used the poncho blanket in temperatures over 13°C but the comfort rating is designed for temperatures down to 11°C.

Outer fabric

I love the outer fabric of the poncho blanket. It is listed as water-repellent and I am so impressed by how water beads off the outer shell. The outer material is constructed with a Bionic Finish Eco Fluorine Free water-repellent coating which offers an HH (Hydrostatic Head) rating of 13,000mm. It certainly keeps me dry with the unpredictable showers after my cold water dips.
I usually wear the poncho blanket for sitting and chilling so I can’t say I feel like I’ve fully tested the breathability capabilities of the material personally but it is rated at 5,000mm. Which should keep you comfortable during active pursuits.

The recycled materials used to create the poncho jacket really do make it feel like a feel good purchase. The recycled polyester is sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles from areas near coastlines and the feel of the materials is as soft and durable as anything else I have used. I really like this.

Hood

The hood is a good size, even comfortably covering my head when I have my hair up in a bun (something a lot of hoods aren’t big enough for!). There are two adjustable toggles to tighten the hood if you like a more snug fit and there is also a popper button to fasten the neck opening. The hood is lined with the same soft material on the inner of the poncho blanket and this keeps it warm and cosy when the wind picks up.

Kangaroo pocket

There are two options when it comes to the pockets on this product. Firstly the kangaroo pocket is one of the most generous sized pockets I have ever had on a wearable product. I’m not sure what items I could put in here that would ever fill it, it is that large! It has a handy zip on this pocket which I really like as I don’t lose any of my small belongings (keys, phone ect) when I take the poncho off. The only thing that I think would improve this pocket is a larger attachment on the zip; cold fingers and small zips aren’t the best combination for me personally.
The second pocket option: behind the zipped kangaroo pocket there is an open pocket. More of a hand-warmer style pocket (which is exactly what I use it for). Again, it is very generously sized.

Packability

The packability of this blanket is fantastic. The poncho blanket comes with a stuff sack to store it in and there are 4 compression straps on the bag to really help you make the most of this feature. When packed down the blanket is only a little larger than my Nalgene bottle. I find it easy to throw this blanket in my bag for most trips without worrying that it is too bulky.

VOITED Trooper Outdoor Poncho-Blanket review

This is my first wearable blanket that I have had and at first I was sceptical because I thought it was going to be bulky and possibly unnecessary. Generally I use the blanket for cool evenings (and mornings!) at campsites and for those days when I fancy an extra warm hug after a cold dip. So far I’m really pleased with its versatility and it’s becoming one of my staples to throw in my kit bag.

Versatility and its uses

I have been using the poncho jacket for many uses so far, including sitting on it as a blanket, wearing it as a warm layer around camp and changing after a cold water dip.

I have been treating this poncho as more of a picnic blanket on a few occasions as it has been nice to have a warm layer between myself and the cold rocks. If you sit on the outer shell it can be a bit slippy if you’re not sat flat.

Initially I wasn’t sure how I would feel using it to change in after my swims as the sides are only fastened by poppers and this didn’t feel very private. However, I find it very roomy to change in and I actually have had no issues with privacy or accidentally flashing anyone! Huge win for all involved there. My only issue with using it to change is once the inner material is wet, it does take a bit of time to dry. A slight downside for someone like me who wants to change after a swim.

As a warm layer to add to my camping wardrobe it has been PERFECT. It is cosy and oversized which I love for lounging around the campsite. The kangaroo pocket is great for safely keeping my torch and phone easily accessible and safe in the zip pocket and the hand warmer pocket is comfy for hiding my hands from the chilly air whilst sat round the campfire.

Materials

As someone who tries to shop more consciously in terms of what I buy and how it’s manufactured, the eco credentials of this poncho jacket are fantastic. It’s really great to have something that is made from 100% recycled materials.

The robust materials also mean I don’t have to think twice when I throw it over a rock as a blanket to sit on and it easily wipes clean with a wet cloth between washes.

I feel confident wearing it when the skies are looking particularly bleak as I know I’ll stay dry and cosy inside my poncho. The water beading off the outer material is super satisfying to watch and works very efficiently.

Pros of the VOITED Trooper Outdoor Poncho-Blanket

I love the packability of the VOITED Trooper Outdoor Poncho Blanket. Adding warmth to your outdoor kit shouldn’t mean adding bulk to your kit bag and I really like that about this blanket. The stuff sack does a fantastic job of compressing the blanket down and I really appreciate being able to bring along a nice big, warm layer without worrying about what I need to take out of my kit bag to have room for it.

Cons of the VOITED Trooper Outdoor Poncho-Blanket

I’m really disappointed with the oversight of the size of the zipper pull tag for the kangaroo pouch. A very small downside but as an item that is designed for when you’re feeling the cold, the size of this zip pull really removes the functionality of this pocket for me.

Verdict

Listed as an ‘Outdoor Premium Poncho-Blanket’ but does it hit the mark?

I think the VOITED Trooper Outdoor Poncho-Blanket is definitely hitting the mark as a versatile poncho blanket. I’m continuing to find uses for it and it’s a great bit of kit to have in your car or camping kit ready to take on outdoor adventures where you need an extra bit of warmth.

The functionality and conscious choices of the materials make this feel like a robust and well thought out design. However, the inner material is lacking something for me which takes away slightly from the ‘premium’ feel.

The Trooper is a fantastic choice for campers and van-lifers where packing space is a premium but compromising on cosy warmth is not an option.

Overall I am really impressed with this Poncho Blanket, its packability and its eco credentials. It is a welcome addition to my camping kit bag and I look forward to many more cosy nights around the campsite.

Currently priced at £114 I think this is possibly a little expensive for me for an item that I mostly use for lazing around the campsite in and compared to other blanket ponchos on the market. However, this poncho does come with the VOITED guarantee which includes free repair or replacement. I think this is a great plus to buying this item and should mean that it is an item for life, hopefully.

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Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.

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