11 Best Rain Poncho Of 2023

Are you writing your packing list for your next trip and just realized that you needed to find the best rain poncho to stay dry?

A lot of people plan their trips based on what season it is or what the weather will be like at their destinations. There are even online tools to help you know what the weather is likely to be in the cities that you are planning to visit,

But even with the best planning, you might find yourself stuck in an unexpected downpour wishing that you had packed something to protect you from the rain.

This article will discuss these points to help you find the prime poncho for your next trip:

  • The Top 11 Ponchos
  • What Is A Poncho And Why Do You Need One?
  • Rain Ponchos vs Rain Jackets 
  • The Different Types of Ponchos
  • 5 Benefits Of Using A Poncho
  • 5 Things To Look For In A Good Poncho

DISCLOSURE

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

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Best Rain Ponchos: The Top 11 Below!

  1. Best Choice For Women: Charles River Apparel Women’s Pack-N-Go Poncho

The Charles River Apparel Women’s Pack-N-Go Poncho is an excellent choice for women looking to get the best rain poncho. 

It is constructed specifically for women and will provide a better fit as a result. It is also made from waterproof materials.

Pros:

  • Full front zipper
  • Adjustable hood
  • Side snaps 
  • Pockets
  • Storage bag

Cons:

  • Only available in 1 color
  • Only one size
  • Sleeves may be too long for petite women
  1. Best Choice For Men: Charles River Men’s Pacific Rain Poncho

If you are looking for the best mens poncho, look no further than the Charles River Men’s Pacific Rain Poncho.

This poncho is made from polyurethane and is 100% waterproof even in heavy downpours. The material is thick and durable and it is a very high quality poncho at a very affordable price.

Pros:

  • Adjustable hood 
  • Side snaps 
  • Storage bag
  • Affordable price
  • Available in 6 colors

Cons:

  • Might not be big enough for tall people (check out #4 if you are a tall person)
  • No zipper
  • No pockets
  • Only one size
  1. Best Choice For Kids: SaphiRose Lightweight Kids Rain Poncho

If you are looking for a poncho that will fit your kids well, the SaphiRose Lightweight Kids Rain Poncho is an excellent choice. 

With the different size and pattern options, you are sure to be able to find one that fits your kid well and that they will love wearing.

This poncho is made from waterproof materials and will keep your kid dry if they are caught in the rain.

Tip: Size up if you want the poncho to cover your kid’s legs below the knee.

Pros:

  • Storage bag
  • Affordable price
  • Comes in 4 different sizes
  • Available in 17 colors

Cons:

  • The neck opening may be a little small for some people
  • No side snaps
  • No zipper
  • No pockets
  1. Best Choice For Tall People: Galeton Repel Rainwear XL Poncho

If you have had trouble finding the perfect poncho in the past because you are tall, then check out the Galeton Repel Rainwear XL Poncho.

Suitable for people who are 5’10” or taller, this poncho will provide the coverage that you need with it’s generous dimensions.

Pros:

  • Adjustable hood 
  • Side snaps 
  • Storage bag
  • Affordable price
  • Lots of room for you and your backpack

Cons:

  • No zipper
  • No pockets
  • Only one size
  • Only available in 1 color
  1. Best Choice For Hiking: Terra Hiker Waterproof Rain Poncho

If you are looking for the best hiking poncho, the Terra Hiker Waterproof Rain Poncho is going to blow you away.

This is the best waterproof poncho for hiking because it is made from waterproof materials. It also has sealed seams to ensure that water cannot leak through any gaps.

This is a great lightweight rain poncho for backpacking as it only weighs 11 oz (310 g). 

This is the best rain poncho for hiking because it is very portable and you know that it is going to keep you dry.

Pros:

  • Adjustable hood 
  • Velcro fastening for cuffs
  • Storage bag
  • Affordable price
  • Eyelets on the hem to use as a mat or sunscreen
  • Available in 4 colors

Cons:

  • No zipper
  • No pockets
  • Only one size
  1. Best Choice For Camping: The Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho

Waterproof, lightweight, multi-functional! These are just some of the features of The Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho that make it our top choice for the best camping poncho!

Weighing in at just 8 oz (230 g), this poncho lives up to its reputation as the best ultralight poncho. It is extremely lightweight and doesn’t take up much space. 

If you are an avid camper, you will know the importance of finding the best tarp. This poncho tarp does a great job at easily converting from a poncho to a shelter that is big enough for at least 2 people. 

Its features and functions make this not just the best camping poncho but also a contender for the best backpacking poncho.

Pros:

  • Adjustable hood 
  • Side snaps
  • Storage bag
  • Guy attachment points
  • Available in 2 colors

Cons:

  • No zipper
  • No pockets
  • More expensive
  • Only one size
  1. Best Choice For Disney: Disney 2-Pack Family Rain Ponchos

Planning your trip to Disney World and on the lookout for the best rain poncho for Disney? The Disney 2-Pack Family Rain Ponchos are everything that you are looking for.

Made by Disney but a lot cheaper than the ponchos that you would find at Disney World, 

With adult and youth sizes, you and your whole family are going to be covered for any unexpected rain showers. You will be able to continue your Disney adventures as other people are scrambling to try to find something to keep them dry. 

Now that you are equipped with the top ponchos for Disney World, you can put aside any worries about the rain and just enjoy the anticipation of your upcoming trip!

Pros:

  • Comes in packs of 2
  • Side snaps
  • Officially licensed Disney design 
  • Available in 2 sizes

Cons:

  • The hood is not adjustable
  • No zip
  • No pockets
  • No storage bag
  1. Best Choice For Festivals: Splashmacs Unisex Lightweight Rain Poncho

Festivals can be an amazing experience and you can help ensure that it is an even better experience by getting the Splashmacs Unisex Lightweight Rain Poncho before your next one.

It is available in several bright colors that are fun and will add to the festival vibe.

This versatile poncho can also be opened up flat and spread out as a groundsheet so that you and your friends have a dry spot to sit on.

Pros:

  • Adjustable hood
  • Side snaps
  • Storage bag
  • Opens up flat
  • Machine washable
  • Available in 6 colors

Cons:

  • No zip
  • No pockets
  • Only one size
  1. Best Choice For Hunting: Arcturus Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Rain Poncho with Adjustable Hood

If you go hunting, you will know the importance of ensuring that you have the best rain poncho for hunting. The Arcturus Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Rain Poncho with Adjustable Hood will have you covered for your next hunting trip.

With its large hood and extra-long length, this poncho will provide all the coverage you could need while hunting.

This is also the best outdoor poncho with the many functions that it can serve. Besides being your best hunting poncho, it can also be used as a shelter and groundsheet. 

Tip: Choose the orange color option to increase your visibility with fellow hunters.

Pros:

  • Adjustable hood
  • Side snaps
  • Storage bag
  • Opens up flat
  • Steel grommets in each corner
  • Machine washable
  • Available in 7 colors

Cons:

  • No zip
  • No pockets
  • Only one size
  1. Best Choice For Military Survival: Mil-Tec Ripstop Wet Weather Poncho 

The best military poncho that you will find is the Mil-Tec Ripstop Wet Weather Poncho

With its military design and extremely high-quality waterproof materials, this poncho is the best waterproof poncho. It is going to keep you dry even in the worst weather.

It is the best survival poncho because it can also be combined with other ponchos to make a shelter for you and your traveling companions. Apart from that, it could also serve as a cover for your sleeping bag.

Tip: Get this leading poncho liner to add extra insulation to keep you warm.

Pros:

  • Adjustable hood
  • Side snaps
  • Storage bag
  • Multi-functional
  • Very durable
  • Available in 7 colors

Cons:

  • No zip
  • No pockets
  • More expensive
  • Only one size
  1. Best Choice For Emergencies: Hagon PRO Disposable Rain Poncho

Last but not least on our list is the Hagon PRO Disposable Rain Poncho, the best emergency poncho.

Sometimes, you just want to have some handy disposable rain ponchos to toss in your bag for emergencies so that you can go about your travels or even your daily life without any worries.

If you are not a fan of disposable ponchos, you can have more peace of mind knowing that these ponchos are made from 100% biodegradable polyethylene.

Thicker than other disposable ponchos, you will have sufficient protection from any sudden downpours that you may encounter. 

These emergency ponchos are also available in a kid’s size.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Comes in a pack of five
  • Available in 3 colors

Cons:

  • The hood is not adjustable
  • No zip
  • No pockets
  • No side snaps

What Is A Poncho And Why Do You Need One?

The Cambridge dictionary defines a poncho as “a piece of clothing made of a single piece of material, with a hole in the middle through which you put your head.

While this definition explains what a poncho is, it doesn’t explain why you need one.

So why do you need a poncho?

A poncho is going to be able to give you protection from the rain and wind when you are outdoors. A poncho is also large enough to protect your backpack from the elements.

Despite offering so much protection, ponchos can be folded up when you don’t need to use them and they don’t take up too much space in your bag.

Rain Ponchos vs Rain Jackets

A lot of people may be more familiar with rain jackets so you may be wondering what is the difference between a rain jacket and a rain poncho?

Both rain ponchos and rain jackets offer protection from the rain and there are pros and cons to using each. Here are some points for comparison between rain ponchos and rain jackets:

Coverage

Rain jackets are more insulated and fitted compared to rain ponchos. 

Rain ponchos can cover your lower body while most rain jackets stop at around hip level and you would need additional gear to protect your lower body.

Rain ponchos are also usually big enough to cover your backpack while rain jackets are generally only able to cover you.

Durability

Rain jackets tend to be more durable than rain ponchos due to the materials they are made of and the number of layers they usually have.

As rain ponchos are made from more lightweight materials, they can get torn if they get caught on branches or sharp objects.

Price

Rain ponchos are substantially cheaper than rain jackets so if you are on a tight budget, a rain poncho is going to be an absolute lifesaver. 

Even a durable rain poncho or a military-type rain poncho will be an affordable option for most people.

Functionality

Rain ponchos have a lot of additional functionality compared to rain jackets. 

Rain ponchos can be used as a tarp tent, a ground mat, and any number of other uses due to their shape and size.

 The Different Types of Ponchos

Rain Ponchos

As the name implies, rain ponchos provide protection from the rain. 

Rain ponchos are made from waterproof or water-resistant materials. They can keep you and your backpack dry in a downpour. 

Rain ponchos are often used by people who are going hiking or camping or anyone who is going to be in an outdoor environment for an extended period. 

Traditional Ponchos

Traditional ponchos have been used by people in many South American cultures for a long time. There are many different styles and patterns which are unique to each locality. 

They are made from different materials such as sheep, llama, or alpaca wool, and silk threads. 

Fashion Ponchos

Fashion ponchos have a similar design to rain ponchos and traditional ponchos. They are made to look stylish and keep you warm.

These ponchos are generally not waterproof and are usually made out of materials like wool and yarn. 

5 Benefits Of Using A Poncho

Affordable

Compared to a rain jacket, rain ponchos are a very affordable option. 

While there is a wide range of prices for rain ponchos, you can find a good quality rain poncho to meet your needs that is both easy on your wallet and cheap to maintain.

Protection 

Rain ponchos can protect you from rain and wind. 

Ponchos can generally protect you from your head until around your knees. This means that you may not need to invest in additional rain pants to keep you dry.

Due to the way they are constructed, rain ponchos can also cover your backpack and gear.

Ventilation

Size

Rain ponchos are very lightweight and don’t take up a lot of space in your bag. 

They can be folded up and often come with a carry bag to keep them tucked away in a corner of your backpack.

Versatility

Your rain poncho can serve many other functions aside from being worn. 

It can serve as a tarp, a groundsheet, an extra carry bag, or even waterproof dressing for injuries.

5 Things To Look For In A Good Poncho

Material

When shopping for a high quality rain poncho, the first thing to consider is the material that the poncho is made of.

It is important to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant to ensure that you are buying the poncho that is most suitable for you.

Water-resistant 

Ponchos made from water-resistant materials will have a durable water repellant finish called DWR that will cause water to drip off the poncho. By itself, this is not enough to keep water out indefinitely.

Water-resistant materials allow more air in and will make the poncho more breathable. 

If you are looking for the best rain poncho for hot weather, you should get one that is made from a water-resistant material.

Waterproof 

Ponchos made from waterproof materials will have a coating of DWR as well as a layer of impenetrable membrane that will not allow any water to get absorbed. 

While this will keep you drier, it will also reduce the breathability of the poncho and you might find yourself feeling hot under the poncho.

If you know that you are going to be outside in heavy rain for long periods, it is best to get a rain poncho that is made from waterproof materials.

Hood

Some rain ponchos come with peaked hoods that offer better protection from the rain as they can prevent the rain from blowing into your face.

Adjustable hoods will ensure that the hood is more secure and won’t be easily blown down when you are facing the wind.

Zips

Some ponchos come with zips down the front which make them easier to put on and take off. Most zips are also waterproof so they won’t be a weak point and let water in.

Snaps & Cords

Snaps on the neck opening and the sides of the rain poncho can help to secure the poncho more effectively and provide a better fit. This will provide better protection from the rain.

Ponchos that have adjustable cords and cord locks will allow you to adjust the ponchos so that they fit better. This will be especially useful in windy weather.

Pockets

Ponchos with side or chest pockets will provide some additional storage for lightweight items so that you have important items in easy reach.

These pockets could be useful for storing money, snacks, or documents.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about rain ponchos and what to consider when you are looking for one, I hope that you will be able to find the best possible poncho for your next traveling adventure. 

I hope that one of the ponchos on our top 11 list will fit your needs and offer the protection that you need from the rain. Stay dry on your next trip!

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