REVIEW: Hazard4 Poncho Villa

Now we have been waiting for the crappy weather and now have every reason to wear rain gear, as it doesn't seem to stop pouring. In the battle against the bad weather, we have chosen a poncho. "Phew, a poncho," you say. "That's so old-fashioned." No, not this one. The Poncho Villa from Hazard4 is actually not the old plastic raincoat, but a modern softshell, available in Germany at Toolshop. We stood in the rain with it for you.

A little man stands in the rain ... And he's doing quite well with the Poncho Villa. From a distance, the poncho looks very classic. Here is the Coyote version, it is also available in Black.Upon closer inspection, you will notice that the Poncho Villa is a softshell. This is particularly evident in the elaborate hood, which has a good visor (left) and adjustable velcro at the back (top right). Also in the neck area (bottom right) it has all the features you would expect from a high-quality outdoor jacket.

Looking at the front, you can see the large front pocket, from which the poncho emerges (but we'll explain that later). A nod to current trends is the velcro on the front pocket and on the right and left "sleeves", where you can attach plenty of patches. On the sleeve you can also see: Poncho Villa could be a bit larger or the wearer a bit smaller. From 1.80 meters downwards, the rain protection works much better.

The Poncho Villa feels relatively heavy because it is made of softshell fabric. It weighs just over a kilo, so it's not suitable for lightweight backpackers. Inside, it is darker than the outside, and the necessary seams are taped like a hardshell. Which is nice. But the packaging says: "Water repellent and breathable". It repels rain well, but doesn't like it when the wet fabric rubs against it, then "breathable" is the way for the water to go inside. Poncho Villa is very nicely sewn, you should check the snap fasteners (bottom right) for a secure fit. There are eyelets at the corners (top right) so the poncho can be used as a tarp. We wouldn't recommend that …

What's very amusing and clever is the way the Poncho Villa is folded: Here you can see it in its two natural states. Worn (left) and packed (right). The zipper in the middle is common to both states. The only difference is that it is turned inside out on the left and right. So, Poncho Villa is its own means of transport and also a puzzle to figure out how to pack it back together.

CONCLUSION: Hazard4 has ventured into a classic piece of equipment and created Poncho Villa. The name plays on the name of the Mexican bandit and guerrilla leader Pancho Villa. However, the poncho has little to do with him, but "Villa" is a hint from the manufacturer that Poncho Villa is a rain protection for city dwellers. It is not just a newly designed poncho, but above all a softshell as a raincoat. The result is stylish and cool and is comfortable to wear. But it is not an item for the field, where the good old poncho is better suited. If you like to stand out in urban settings and want a super fashionable poncho, you will be happy and "tacticool" with Poncho Villa.

You can get the Poncho Villa from Hazard4 directly from Toolshop for 179.90 Euro (excluding shipping).