How To Use A Woobie

woobie blanket

The Woobie: Blanket, Poncho Liner, and So Much More

contributed by Melissa Lucas, senior staff author

What is a War machine Woobie?

Where it got its name is a bit of a mystery, but 1 thing's for sure – the U.S. Military Woobie "blanket," or armed services issued poncho liner, is a favorite among soldiers.

The war machine poncho has evolved significantly since it was outset used in the 1800's. Initially made of muslin with a rubber coating, the military began making their ponchos out of nylon in the 1940's. Starting during the Vietnam War, the moisture weather condition poncho liner was added to the list of standard issue gear. The liner, which became affectionately known as the Woobie at some indicate, is made of two layers of nylon surrounding a polyester filling, with gromets that tin be used to attach it to a poncho.

Although the troops deployed in Vietnam wore green fatigues, the poncho liners were made of the distinctive three-color camo pattern, since they were created from leftover parachute material from WWII. Even subsequently those one-time parachutes were long gone, the camo pattern remained the hallmark of armed forces poncho liners, or Woobies.

What Soldiers Say About the Woobie

Because of its near cult-similar following, a quick search of the cyberspace for "Woobie" will yield plenty of quotes from armed services men and women describing their devotion to this deployment staple. Here are a few of our favorites.

"As for people who do not know about the Woobie…I experience sorry for them considering they are missing out on one of the bully pleasures in life."

"Information technology's the singularly greatest slice of TA50 always issued. I volition (and have) taken the statement of charges several times over the years for my Woobie."

"My Woobie and field jacket liner were the ii virtually valuable pieces of TA-fifty ever. When I ETSed, I brought new ones to turn in. I had to keep mine."

"All they have to exercise is wrap me in my Woobie blanket and wrap a PT belt around me and I'k 10 feet alpine and bulletproof!"

"I left my first married woman, simply I kept my Woobie!"

Creative Uses for the Woobie

In the Field

Necessity is the mother of invention, right? And perchance this is the reason the Woobie has gained such a loyal fanbase – it'south and so much more than a poncho liner. As described by soldiers who used them in the field, hither are some creative uses for a Woobie.

Blanket. Embrace up anytime and stay toasty.

Tablecloth. Drape it over a few crates and y'all have yourself a lovely "table" covering.

Cushion. Fold information technology up and sit on down.

Pillow. See in a higher place but remainder your caput instead.

Half of a tent. Two Woobies secured together forth one border help create the perfect makeshift pup tent.

Hammock. Run paracord through the grommets and wrap them around a tree well-nigh each end. Voila, a comfy spot off the ground, perfect for a quick snooze or even a total night's rest.

Deport sack. Toss your gear on meridian, cinch upwardly the edges, and throw information technology over your shoulder for a unproblematic conduct sack.

Privacy curtain. Fully unfolded and hanging, this makes a great "privacy" screen for annihilation from showers, to changing clothes, to dividing up a larger tent.

Shade maker. Block the sun from any angle by spreading it out and placing it between yourself and the harsh rays.

Hole filler. Need to fill up a pigsty? No problem. Stuff it with a scrunched upwardly Woobie.

Sleeping bag. Secure two Woobies together and slide correct in like y'all would whatsoever other sleeping purse.

At Home

Many soldiers have admitted to forking over the money to take their Woobie home upon returning from deployment. Here are a few of the means they are using their Woobies, stateside.

Dog bed. A Woobie blanket seems to exist a K9 favorite, perhaps due to its smooth texture and ability to retain warmth. Many Veterans say they gave their Woobie up to their pup, or at least purchased another for them.

Role of an emergency kit. With all of those possible uses for the Woobie listed above, is in that location any reason it shouldn't be mandatory for every machine to carry one in its emergency kit?

Woobie hoodie. What is a Woobie hoodie, you lot enquire? Information technology'southward exactly what it sounds like. A hoodie made out of Woobie material. Actually, for years soldiers were having their Woobies refashioned into outerwear upon their render home. Woobie Us ran with the thought and began to manufacture Woobie outerwear. The hoodie is their most pop item in the line.

Favorite Blanket. In reality, most soldiers who go on their Woobie end up simply using information technology as y'all would whatever other much-loved blanket. On the couch, on the bed, for picnics in the backyard, or to sit on during outdoor events similar concerts or little league games.

Where to purchase a Woobie Blanket

If you don't have a Woobie blanket to call your own, don't you think information technology'south time to fix that? Hither are a few spots to purchase yours!

Woobie USA

Medals of America

Amazon