An Awesome Waterproof Raft to Keep Gear Dry: Australian Poncho

Raftby Ken Jensen

You Can Build a Waterproof Raft to Keep Your Gear DRY!!!

Enjoy making one more waterproof, with less debris.

Australian Poncho Raft… 

• more waterproof than the Brush Raft

• doesn't require a gathering of brush

• does require you to have some equipment to make it 

• will float 70 pounds of gear.

The Gear Required to build the Australian Poncho Raft

2 ponchos2 rucksacks 4-ft poles or branches

rope

vines

bootlaces

Building an Australian Poncho Raft for Easy Floating

• Tuck the Poncho hoods into the Ponchos– Do this on the inner side so it is not showing and tie the

drawstrings tightly, so there is very little chance of water getting through

• Place a Poncho on the Ground and Add a Frame– Place one on the ground, inner side up and place the two

poles, centered in the poncho about 18 inches apart.• Place your “Dry” Equipment in the Poncho

– Place your packs and any other equipment you want dry between the poles.  Snap the poncho sides together.

• Snap The Poncho and Roll It Up

– Hold the snapped section of the poncho up.  With the poncho in the air, tightly roll down on the section (like you would a paper sack, or lunch bag) the full width of the poncho.

– Now twist the ends of the roll like you see a tootsie-roll or gum wrapper (pigtails) and then fold them over.  Tie them securely in place with rope.

• Place the First Poncho Bundle inside the Second One

• Now place the second down like you did the first. Need better buoyancy? Just add brush in this poncho.

• Add the bundle you made, tied side down, into the center of the second poncho.  Follow the same procedure for the second poncho that you did for rolling the first one.

• Add a Rope to Help Hang Onto the Raft

– Tie rope 12 inches in from the pigtails you have created on the second poncho and secure gear and if you have extra rope and water bottle, tie it to the raft to help with towing

– This may not be the best raft for weight carrying, but it is extremely useful for keeping most of your stuff dry.

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