A recent trip where I forgot my umbrella had me using my polycro ground sheet as a rain shawl. I draped it around my neck and criss-crossed it in front, trying to leave as much covering my shoulders as I could. My backpack waist belt held it in place. My sternum strap went beneath the plastic. My camera hangs from the sternum strap and the plastic kept it dry.

I can't say it was the most effective, but it did help a great deal. My torso stayed dry. My camera stayed dry. It was warmer wearing it than without. It was raining as a fine spray and not heavy rain.

Anyway, it was a back-up plan I always kept in the back of my mind and finally had an opportunity to try it and it worked. YMMV.

I'm glad it worked, Piper. I've thought about using one for that, as well, as tarp, in a pinch. I saw a video somewhere where a guy sewed a tube tent out of Polycro. It didn't look too durable, but you couldn't beat the price, for a SUL tent.

I have been using my polycryo ground cloth as a rain skirt since I got it last year.
I just wrap it around twice and tie a knot at my hip.

It works great and seems to hold up against brambles.