NVA poncho information

[cpt1992]

I have read that NVA regulars were issued ponchos and I am wondering if
anybody has any information on their construction or details to determine
an issued one? I myself have only seen plastic ground sheets. Anybody have one
in their collection they could show?
Any help , as always, is appreciated!

[express06snail]

Slightly different to those Type 65 Chicom supplied and issued, these are Viet made with detachable hood, comes in 3 colors: khaki, khaki green, and jungle green.



























Chicom Type

[603dasc]

This is really nice - thanks for posting and sharing the information via your great photos. I've never seen an issue one before - I have what may be a locally made poncho but it came from an estate so I have no info. Looks like I've got something else to try to find - and I thought I was about done. (still looking for a jungle made rifle grenade pouch tho)

[express06snail]

I updating some photos, the previous one taken from my crappy phone was not clear enough

[603dasc]

If I might ask, what is the length of the poncho (neck to hem). Thank you!

[cpt1992]

Thanks for the information. It looks pretty heavy weight so I am guessing
it was worn mostly up North like the rain jacket.
Good information!

[express06snail]

If I might ask, what is the length of the poncho (neck to hem). Thank you!

I just did a quick measurement its 103cm approx 41 inches. Same as Chicom issued has 3 size (1 is biggest, 2 ,3). NVA issued has 4 size (1, 2, 3, 4), 4 is smallest.

[express06snail]

Thanks for the information. It looks pretty heavy weight so I am guessing
it was worn mostly up North like the rain jacket.
Good information!

Actually there's not much rain in the North, those poncho only issued to one who passed Quang Binh province, ie when they are about entering into the famous route 559 (the US refer to it as the Hochiminh trail), other Viet name for this 559 Route is Truong Son (which is the name of the long mountain running along North to South VN). There is a part of the Viet poet mention about this 559 Route: "Trường Sơn Đông Nắng Tây Mưa, ai chưa đến đó như chưa rõ mình" (which is mean Truong Son mountain east side is hot and humid, but western side is raining non stop in all seasons all day and night, one not been there yet, your strength will not be tested)