How to Make a Trash Bag Poncho

Last Updated: December 26, 2022

Sometimes you need protection from rain, but don't have a raincoat. But in a pinch, if you have a standard kitchen-sized garbage bag, you can create protection from the elements.

Steps

1
Find a trash bag. Preferably, a large thick one. It should be enough to cover your torso.^{[1]
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2
Use your hands, a knife, or scissors to create a hole in the center middle seam for your head.^{[2]
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3
Poke your head through to see if you did it right. If done correctly, you should be just able to put your head through.
4
Withdraw your head, and make two arm holes on either side of the bottom seam.^{[3]
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5
You can wear this poncho either with your head completely through the hole, or with it just around your face to protect your head.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I make arm sleeves?

C Grace

Community Answer

Use a couple of smaller trash bags. Cut wrist holes in the bottoms and tape the main openings to the big trash bag.
Question

Can I make a hood?

Community Answer

When cutting the head hole, make a cut that goes from the seam toward the neck, curve in a horseshoe shape back to the neck, and you have a flap for a hood.
Question

Can I make the hood separate?

Community Answer

You could make the hood separate, but then your trash bag poncho would not be as watertight. If it is not made as one single piece, water can possibly get in.

Warnings

Keep plastic away from heat or fire- burning plastic is highly toxic.

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Do not leave plastic bags with infants or toddlers, they pose the risk of suffocation.

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