In a rush? After intensive analysis, we’ve concluded that one of the best poncho for backpacking is the Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho.
Despite how goofy they could look, ponchos are nonetheless nice mountaineering equipment. I as soon as thought in any other case, however getting caught in a thunderstorm whereas mountaineering – with none waterproof gear – shortly modified my thoughts.
Since then, my trusty poncho has earned a everlasting place in my packing checklist. It’s light-weight, sturdy, and may cowl most of my physique and backpack. What’s to not love?
Here are one of the best backpacking ponchos in the marketplace as we speak:
Still confused? Compare all the 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 material
Some ponchos are waterproof, some are light-weight, and a few others are prime quality. This one is all three.
Let’s begin with the load. Packed, this poncho solely weighs 8 oz., which is fairly good. The packed measurement 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 material, which is each gentle and sturdy.
However, for me, probably the most superb function of this poncho is well its versatility. Sure, it’s a hooded rain poncho – and a rattling good one at that. But it may possibly additionally function a two-person shelter (57’’ x 104’’). This provides you loads of choices and lets you pack extra effectively when you’re a seasoned hiker.
Pros:
- Completely waterproof due to its15D Ultra-Sil Nano material
- 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 may 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 extensive
Best for: individuals who need the general finest 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 mountaineering long-distances, concentrate. This Terra Hiker rain poncho is giant sufficient to cowl 60 to 80 L backpacks and your physique, so it’s excellent for extra critical 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 protected space for storing.
The foremost good thing about this poncho is its sturdiness. Unlike these low-cost plastic ponchos, it will preserve you dry even throughout extended moist circumstances – assume hours and hours of heavy rain. This makes it a superb piece of rain gear for all hikers and backpackers on the market.
Pros:
- Made out of 100% waterproof materials – excellent for mountaineering throughout lengthy thunderstorms
- Built-in pocket permits for extra waterproof storage choices
- Price – it’s an amazing reasonably priced choice for price-conscious clients
- Large sufficient to cowl 60 – 80 L backpacks
Cons:
- Not nice in windy circumstances
- Not probably the most breathable of ponchos
Best for: backpackers on a finances who need 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 on the lookout for 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 varieties and got here away dry as a bone.
Since it’s fairly massive – 52’’ x 80’’ – the one method you received’t be sufficiently lined is when you’re a participant within the NBA. On high of that, it comes with adjustable sleeves so that you could be much more shielded from the weather.
Pros:
- Price – it’s actually reasonably priced for a poncho of this high quality
- Incredibly sturdy – it should preserve you dry even in a torrential downpour
- It measures 52’’ x 80’’, so it’s fairly massive and can cowl you adequately
- Comes with sleeves so it should preserve you much more shielded from the rain
Cons:
- Out of the field, the plastic type of smells. But, it goes away utterly when you depart it to air out for a couple of hours
- Can be a bit tough to fold it again into the pouch
Best for: backpackers on the lookout for 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 navy poncho is true up your alley.
Its olive shade lets you 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 best for hikers and backpackers. That’s with out taking into consideration that with some stakes and a twine it may possibly function a good emergency shelter.
Unfortunately, it’s not 100% waterproof and would possibly ultimately leak, so when you’re steadily mountaineering in wet areas you would possibly need to give this one a cross.
Pros:
- Its olive shade will assist you to mix in together with your environment
- Can double as an emergency shelter
- Pretty lengthy – it should virtually attain your boots
- Extra-large – it may possibly cowl each you and a small-to-medium backpack
- Excellent alternative for anybody on the lookout for a light-weight poncho
Cons:
- Not 100% waterproof
- Only is available in one measurement – is likely to be too giant for petite people
Best for: informal hikers and campers who need 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! (mentioned in my finest infomercial voice)
But critically although, this not-so-little (56’’ x 55’’) hooded poncho is an all-around strong alternative for anyone who needs a easy, but reasonably priced multipurpose poncho. It’s excellent for individuals who wish to go searching, fishing, or fowl watching as it should preserve you dry but in addition assist you to mix in together with your environment.
Unfortunately, it’s not made out of the sturdiest supplies, so it’s finest fitted 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 giant – 56’’ x 55’’ – so it may possibly cowl most individuals
- Ideal for hunters, fishermen, or fowl watchers
Cons:
- The supplies are low-cost and low high quality
Best for: informal campers and hikers who solely often 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 fearful about your packed weight, this unisex rain poncho from Frogg Toggs is price trying out.
First off, it’s big. With a size of 36 inches and 44 inches of width, you and your backpack shall be effectively shielded from 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 measurement 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 massive, it may possibly drag on the bottom when you’re shorter aspect.
To summarize: this shouldn’t be your first choose for a high quality, well-made poncho. However, when you want a backup that doesn’t weigh a ton and may slot in your pocket, you may’t go fallacious with this one.
Pros:
- Huge – until you’re freakishly tall, it’s sufficiently big to cowl you and your backpack
- Lightweight at round 8 ounces of packed weight
- Its breathable materials assure you received’t get sticky or sweaty
- Affordable – can match any backpacker’s finances
- Adjustable hood and aspect snaps help you modify the poncho to your liking
Cons:
- Not probably the most sturdy product on the market
Best for: hikers on the lookout for 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 decisions in relation to backpacking ponchos, am I proper?
Now, even after studying the opinions above you would possibly nonetheless want extra info so as to make an knowledgeable alternative.
Don’t fear, I’ve you lined. Let’s first shortly go over why ponchos rock.
The Many Benefits Of Rain Ponchos
On the primary look, ponchos don’t look so spectacular. I imply, you may simply use a rain jacket, proper?
Well, you may, 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 giant 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 further requirements
And that’s only for starters. Also, in contrast to umbrellas, they don’t break within the wind, so that you’ll be shielded from the rain it doesn’t matter what.
Now that we’ve lined that, what are a number of the issues you need to look out for when selecting a poncho?
Materials
Obviously, the very first thing you have to take a look at is the fabric the poncho is constituted of. This is what is going to finally determine whether or not or not you’ll be drenched in rainwater or dry as a bone.
The commonest poncho supplies are:
- PVC
- PU nylon
- Cuben fiber
- Sil-poly
- Polyester
Now, I don’t need to bore you with the technical particulars behind every materials. It’s ample to say that the PVC ponchos are the most cost effective (and appear and feel like trash luggage), whereas the cuben fiber ponchos are the most costly ones (however they’ll final you for years to return).
PU nylon is an effective center floor between these two extremes and is a strong alternative when you’re budget-conscious.
Ultimately, you may normally inform the standard of the poncho by its value, which leads me to…
Price
Backpacking ponchos, surprisingly sufficient, fluctuate 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 cost effective choice proper out of the bat – I imply, who spends some huge cash on a poncho, proper? In my humble (however normally appropriate) opinion, that’s relatively shortsighted.
A high quality, well-made poncho will final you for years to return, whereas a less expensive choice will normally tear itself on the primary department you encounter mountaineering. Not to say the truth that they normally leak water after a couple of minutes, which defeats the entire objective of shopping for a water-proof poncho.
When doubtful, I all the time opt-out for a pricier, however greater high quality choice. Usually, they final me for no less than a number of years, which makes the value distinction negligible.
Size & Weight
Usually, ponchos are available a one-size-fits-all package deal, however not all the time (we listed examples above). You needs to be conscious that the majority ponchos cowl your leg as much as your knees, however depart the shins and toes unprotected. Therefore when you hike in wet areas, remember to pack rain boots and sturdy pants.
Also, don’t purchase ponchos which are too massive 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 most likely tear. Always rely the scale of your backpack when deciding on the fitting poncho for you.
Extra options
Some ponchos include additional options that give them an edge towards 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 & simple shelter, thus including to their versatility.
How To Take Care Of Your Rain Poncho
Now it will suck when you purchased a shiny new (and costly!) poncho… just for it to disintegrate in mere months resulting from lack of correct upkeep.
Trust me – it occurs extra usually than you’d assume. Luckily, you may preserve your poncho in tip-top situation when you simply comply with a couple 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, hold it in a well-ventilated space and let it dry off first. That will forestall the buildup of mildew which might destroy your poncho material.
- Follow the label directions. While it’d look like widespread 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 could be washed in a washer – others can solely be cleaned by washing them by hand. It normally will depend on the poncho materials – so select rigorously!
Our Verdict
So – there you have got 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 one of the best backpacking poncho, though there are various wonderful decisions, 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 may possibly additionally function shelter. On high of that, it has nice air flow and is actually light-weight (8 oz.).
If you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive poncho that appears (and performs) like a trash bag, this ain’t it, chief. But if you’d like a high quality poncho that can serve you effectively for years to return, I extremely counsel you try this gem.
Also Read: Camping in a Thunderstorm (How To Stay Safe)