I'm 6'2" and have just recently bought my second Typhoon poncho.
Hiking traits.
I dislike thick/bulky gortex jackets for reasons I won't get into. The next best thing for me is a lightweight tape sealed seam topshell. Drawback to the tape sealed seam is that any prolonged hiking means shoulder wear (backpack straps). This annihilates the seal on the shoulder area which is no problem...until it buckets down.
Poncho highlights
The poncho has a Velcro flap covering a vertical zipper at the neck area which can be opened for ventilation. A horizontal zipper is also placed at the back hump area to encase excess material if you are not using a backpack. The hood has a soft but efficient two inch deep visor. There's also an elastic cord in the hood to pull it tight around your face.
Cons
In high altitude windy elevations, the poncho can be hard to put on at first. After practice it's not a problem.
Mess around with the rear zipper too much and it might be the first to go. It does have a very short redundant weather flap over the zipper, but after many (many) miles I ended up sealing the zipper in the open position with silicone. Not a problem as I always use a backpack.
At high altitude the wind can grab the poncho like a kite. If on precarious trails, tie a cord around your waist unless you want to mimic Mary Poppins.
Pros
You do not get worn shoulder seams as with regular tops/jackets
I never got sweaty in my last poncho, it has such great ventilation. Then when it gets too cold, I just tie a cord around my waist to keep the heat in.
On a minute's notice I can don the poncho without removing my backpack first.
It covers the entire backpack and near full body length. Arm length may be just a tad short for some, but it's been no problem for me.
Hood cover/visor is just right for the job
Tired of walking in the rain? Sit down on a rock when it buckets down and the poncho will cover you from head to floor, you can even pop your head inside...it's like a mobile tent.
Most of the cons are found at high altitude, which can be fixed. My personal view of this item is that it's now part of my must have kit.
