In a rush? After in depth analysis, we’ve concluded that the perfect poncho for backpacking is the Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho.
Despite how goofy they may look, ponchos are nonetheless nice climbing equipment. I as soon as thought in any other case, however getting caught in a thunderstorm whereas climbing – with none waterproof gear – rapidly modified my thoughts.
Since then, my trusty poncho has earned a everlasting place in my packing checklist. It’s light-weight, sturdy, and might cowl most of my physique and backpack. What’s to not love?
Here are the perfect backpacking ponchos in the marketplace right now:
Still confused? Compare the entire high Backpacking Ponchos.
Best Rain Ponchos For Backpacking: Our Top Picks
Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho
Weight: 8.1 oz | Packed Size: 3 x 5.25 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 57 x 104 in | Material: 15D Ultra-Sil Nano cloth
Some ponchos are waterproof, some are light-weight, and a few others are top quality. This one is all three.
Let’s begin with the burden. Packed, this poncho solely weighs 8 oz., which is fairly good. The packed dimension is 3’ x 5.25 inches, so even probably the most economical hikers can discover a method to suit it of their backpack.
Of course, it goes with out point out that it’s 100% waterproof. That’s due to its 5D Ultra-Sil Nano cloth, which is each mild and sturdy.
However, for me, probably the most superb function of this poncho is definitely its versatility. Sure, it’s a hooded rain poncho – and a rattling good one at that. But it will possibly additionally function a two-person shelter (57’’ x 104’’). This offers you loads of choices and means that you can pack extra effectively should you’re a seasoned hiker.
Pros:
- Completely waterproof due to its15D Ultra-Sil Nano cloth
- Lightweight – it weighs solely 8 oz. when packed
- Can simply be transformed right into a two-person shelter (epic for emergencies)
- Great air flow so you possibly can keep away from sweating like a turkey in November
Cons:
- It’s a bit dear in comparison with another choices on this checklist
- If you’re not carrying a backpack, it may be fairly large
Best for: individuals who need the general greatest poncho for tenting within the rain and backpacking.
Terra Hiker Waterproof Rain Poncho
Weight: 10.4 oz | Packed Size: 8.66 x 3 x 2 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 43 x 55 in | Material: 210T excessive density polyester
If you want climbing long-distances, listen. This Terra Hiker rain poncho is massive sufficient to cowl 60 to 80 L backpacks and your physique, so it’s excellent for extra severe backpackers.
It is available in 4 colours (inexperienced, blue, black, orange) and two sizes. The bigger ones include a built-in pocket, so that you’ll have much more secure cupboard space.
The primary advantage of this poncho is its sturdiness. Unlike these low cost plastic ponchos, it will hold you dry even throughout extended moist situations – suppose hours and hours of heavy rain. This makes it a wonderful piece of rain gear for all hikers and backpackers on the market.
Pros:
- Made out of 100% waterproof materials – excellent for climbing throughout lengthy thunderstorms
- Built-in pocket permits for extra waterproof storage choices
- Price – it’s an excellent reasonably priced possibility for price-conscious clients
- Large sufficient to cowl 60 – 80 L backpacks
Cons:
- Not nice in windy situations
- Not probably the most breathable of ponchos
Best for: backpackers on a finances who desire a easy, but sturdy rain poncho.
Charles River Apparel Pacific Rain Poncho
Weight: 16 oz | Packed Size: 11.7 x 9.3 x 1.6 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 52 x 80 in | Material: Polyurethane
If you’re in search of an reasonably priced poncho that can present nice rain safety, look no additional than this magnificence.
Made from New Englander polyurethane, this unhealthy boy is 100% waterproof. People have examined it in raging thunderstorms of assorted sorts and got here away dry as a bone.
Since it’s fairly huge – 52’’ x 80’’ – the one method you gained’t be sufficiently lined is should you’re a participant within the NBA. On high of that, it comes with adjustable sleeves so that you might be much more protected against the weather.
Pros:
- Price – it’s actually reasonably priced for a poncho of this high quality
- Incredibly sturdy – it’s going to hold you dry even in a torrential downpour
- It measures 52’’ x 80’’, so it’s fairly huge and can cowl you adequately
- Comes with sleeves so it’s going to hold you much more protected against the rain
Cons:
- Out of the field, the plastic sort of smells. But, it goes away utterly should you depart it to air out for a number of hours
- Can be a bit troublesome to fold it again into the pouch
Best for: backpackers in search of an reasonably priced, but high quality rain poncho.
Mil-Tec Ripstop Wet Weather Poncho
Weight: 21.2 oz | Packed Size: 10.2 x 7.3 x 4.6 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 82.6 x 59 in | Material: Polyester
Want to really feel like an Army Ranger tenting within the woods? Then this army poncho is true up your alley.
Its olive colour means that you can mix in with most forest environment, permitting you to take pleasure in watching the wildlife whereas being unobserved.
Next, its feather-light weight (1.4 lbs. packed) means it’s supreme for hikers and backpackers. That’s with out considering that with some stakes and a twine it will possibly function a good emergency shelter.
Unfortunately, it’s not 100% waterproof and would possibly finally leak, so should you’re incessantly climbing in wet areas you would possibly wish to give this one a move.
Pros:
- Its olive colour will assist you mix in together with your environment
- Can double as an emergency shelter
- Pretty lengthy – it’s going to virtually attain your boots
- Extra-large – it will possibly cowl each you and a small-to-medium backpack
- Excellent alternative for anybody in search of a light-weight poncho
Cons:
- Not 100% waterproof
- Only is available in one dimension – is likely to be too massive for petite people
Best for: informal hikers and campers who desire a good and easy poncho.
JTENG Rain Poncho
Weight: 25.6 oz | Packed Size: 13.5 x 8.7 x 4.4 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 59 x 55 in | Material: Polyester
Do you simply love the look of camouflage ponchos?
Then this poncho is for you! (stated in my greatest infomercial voice)
But critically although, this not-so-little (56’’ x 55’’) hooded poncho is an all-around strong alternative for anyone who desires a easy, but reasonably priced multipurpose poncho. It’s excellent for individuals who wish to go searching, fishing, or hen watching as it’s going to hold you dry but additionally assist you mix in together with your environment.
Unfortunately, it’s not made out of the sturdiest supplies, so it’s greatest suited to occasional use in hotter areas.
Pros:
- Camo is nice for individuals who need some protection from predators
- Can be used as a blanket or a tent, too
- Pretty massive – 56’’ x 55’’ – so it will possibly cowl most individuals
- Ideal for hunters, fishermen, or hen watchers
Cons:
- The supplies are low cost and low high quality
Best for: informal campers and hikers who solely sometimes want rain ponchos.
FROGG TOGG Men’s Waterproof Breathable Poncho
Weight: 9 oz | Packed Size: 9.3 x 7.3 x 2.4 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 2 in | Material: Polypro
If you’re actually apprehensive about your packed weight, this unisex rain poncho from Frogg Toggs is value trying out.
First off, it’s large. With a size of 36 inches and 44 inches of width, you and your backpack might be effectively protected against heavy rain.
At ~8 oz. of packed weight, it’s additionally extremely light-weight. It can also simply be folded and packed into your pocket. That implies that even the ultralight backpackers can take it with them with out worrying about dimension and weight.
On the draw back, it’s not the very best high quality product on the market. Plus, as a result of it’s so huge, it will possibly drag on the bottom should you’re shorter aspect.
To summarize: this shouldn’t be your first decide for a top quality, well-made poncho. However, should you want a backup that doesn’t weigh a ton and might slot in your pocket, you possibly can’t go incorrect with this one.
Pros:
- Huge – until you’re freakishly tall, it’s large enough to cowl you and your backpack
- Lightweight at round 8 ounces of packed weight
- Its breathable materials assure you gained’t get sticky or sweaty
- Affordable – can match any backpacker’s finances
- Adjustable hood and aspect snaps let you modify the poncho to your liking
Cons:
- Not probably the most sturdy product on the market
Best for: hikers in search of a very good backup poncho in case of sudden thunderstorms.
Check Price at Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Best Backpacking Ponchos Compared
How To Choose The Best Backpacking Poncho: A Quick & Easy Guide
Phew! Who knew there have been so many selections with regards to backpacking ponchos, am I proper?
Now, even after studying the critiques above you would possibly nonetheless want extra info with a purpose to make an knowledgeable alternative.
Don’t fear, I’ve you lined. Let’s first rapidly go over why ponchos rock.
The Many Benefits Of Rain Ponchos
On the primary look, ponchos don’t look so spectacular. I imply, you possibly can simply use a rain jacket, proper?
Well, you possibly can, however ponchos do include a number of distinct benefits:
- They’re ethereal and have nice air flow so that you’ll sweat loads much less
- They’re a lot, less expensive than most rain jackets
- Most of them are massive sufficient to cowl each you and your backpack
- They can double as a tarp tent or a fast shelter
- They are extraordinarily light-weight, permitting you to pack extra requirements
And that’s only for starters. Also, in contrast to umbrellas, they don’t break within the wind, so that you’ll be protected against the rain it doesn’t matter what.
Now that we’ve lined that, what are among the issues you must look out for when selecting a poncho?
Materials
Obviously, the very first thing you might want to take a look at is the fabric the poncho is produced from. This is what’s going to finally resolve whether or not or not you’ll be drenched in rainwater or dry as a bone.
The most typical poncho supplies are:
- PVC
- PU nylon
- Cuben fiber
- Sil-poly
- Polyester
Now, I don’t wish to bore you with the technical particulars behind every materials. It’s ample to say that the PVC ponchos are the most affordable (and appear and feel like trash luggage), whereas the cuben fiber ponchos are the costliest ones (however they’ll final you for years to come back).
PU nylon is an efficient center floor between these two extremes and is a strong alternative should you’re budget-conscious.
Ultimately, you possibly can often inform the standard of the poncho by its value, which leads me to…
Price
Backpacking ponchos, surprisingly sufficient, range loads of their costs. Some of them value only some bucks, whereas others retail for tons of of {dollars}.
It is likely to be tempting to go for the most affordable possibility proper out of the bat – I imply, who spends some huge cash on a poncho, proper? In my humble (however often appropriate) opinion, that’s fairly shortsighted.
A high quality, well-made poncho will final you for years to come back, whereas a less expensive possibility will often tear itself on the primary department you encounter climbing. Not to say the truth that they often leak water after a couple of minutes, which defeats the entire function of shopping for a water-resistant poncho.
When unsure, I all the time opt-out for a pricier, however larger high quality possibility. Usually, they final me for no less than a number of years, which makes the value distinction negligible.
Size & Weight
Usually, ponchos are available in a one-size-fits-all bundle, however not all the time (we listed examples above). You must be conscious that the majority ponchos cowl your leg as much as your knees, however depart the shins and toes unprotected. Therefore should you hike in wet areas, you should definitely pack rain boots and sturdy pants.
Also, don’t purchase ponchos which might be too huge to your wants. If you simply go on brief hikes with a small backpack, shopping for an extra-large poncho will make it drag on the bottom and can in all probability tear. Always depend the scale of your backpack when deciding on the best poncho for you.
Extra options
Some ponchos include further options that give them an edge in opposition to their competitors.
Here’s a shortlist of a few of these options:
- Storage bag
- Hood
- Extra pockets
- Zippers & drawstrings
Additionally, some ponchos can be utilized as a tarp or a fast & straightforward shelter, thus including to their versatility.
How To Take Care Of Your Rain Poncho
Now it could suck should you purchased a shiny new (and costly!) poncho… just for it to collapse in mere months resulting from lack of correct upkeep.
Trust me – it occurs extra typically than you’d suppose. Luckily, you possibly can hold your poncho in tip-top situation should you simply observe a number of easy guidelines:
- Let it dry. Resist the urge to stuff it proper again into your backpack as quickly as you’re taking it off. Instead, cling it in a well-ventilated space and let it dry off first. That will stop the buildup of mildew which might destroy your poncho cloth.
- Follow the label directions. While it’d look like frequent sense, don’t underestimate the significance of this step. After all, who is aware of the product than the producer?
Wash it. After studying the directions, wash your poncho (safely). Some ponchos might be washed in a washer – others can solely be cleaned by washing them by hand. It often is determined by the poncho materials – so select fastidiously!
Our Verdict
So – there you will have it.
I hoped I’ve proven you the sheer awesomeness of the poncho, and why each hiker and camper shouldn’t depart their home with out one.
When it involves the perfect backpacking poncho, though there are a lot of nice selections, I’ve to go together with Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho.
Not solely is it utterly waterproof (due to its to-notch design and high quality supplies), it will possibly additionally function shelter. On high of that, it has nice air flow and is actually light-weight (8 oz.).
If you’re in search of an affordable poncho that appears (and performs) like a trash bag, this ain’t it, chief. But if you’d like a top quality poncho that can serve you effectively for years to come back, I extremely counsel you take a look at this gem.
Also Read: Camping in a Thunderstorm (How To Stay Safe)