In a rush? After in depth analysis, we’ve concluded that the most effective poncho for backpacking is the Sea to Summit Extremely-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho.
Regardless of how goofy they could look, ponchos are nonetheless nice mountain climbing equipment. I as soon as thought in any other case, however getting caught in a thunderstorm whereas mountain climbing – with none waterproof gear – shortly modified my thoughts.
Since then, my trusty poncho has earned a everlasting place in my packing listing. It’s light-weight, sturdy, and might cowl most of my physique and backpack. What’s to not love?
Listed below are the most effective backpacking ponchos available on the market as we speak:
Nonetheless confused? Examine all the prime Backpacking Ponchos.
Greatest Rain Ponchos For Backpacking: Our Prime Picks
Sea to Summit Extremely-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho
Weight: 8.1 oz | Packed Dimension: 3 x 5.25 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 57 x 104 in | Materials: 15D Extremely-Sil Nano cloth
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 burden. 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.
After all, it goes with out point out that it’s 100% waterproof. That’s because of its 5D Extremely-Sil Nano cloth, which is each mild and sturdy.
Nevertheless, for me, probably the most wonderful function of this poncho is well its versatility. Positive, it’s a hooded rain poncho – and a rattling good one at that. However it might probably additionally function a two-person shelter (57’’ x 104’’). This offers you loads of choices and lets you pack extra effectively when you’re a seasoned hiker.
Execs:
- Utterly waterproof because of its15D Extremely-Sil Nano cloth
- Light-weight – it weighs solely 8 oz. when packed
- Can simply be transformed right into a two-person shelter (epic for emergencies)
- Nice air flow so you may keep away from sweating like a turkey in November
Cons:
- It’s a bit expensive in comparison with another choices on this listing
- In the event you’re not sporting a backpack, it may be fairly broad
Greatest for: individuals who need the general greatest poncho for tenting within the rain and backpacking.
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Terra Hiker Waterproof Rain Poncho
Weight: 10.4 oz | Packed Dimension: 8.66 x 3 x 2 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 43 x 55 in | Materials: 210T excessive density polyester
In the event you like mountain climbing long-distances, concentrate. This Terra Hiker rain poncho is giant sufficient to cowl 60 to 80 L backpacks and your physique, so it’s good 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 protected space for storing.
The primary good thing about this poncho is its sturdiness. Not like these low-cost plastic ponchos, this can 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.
Execs:
- Made out of 100% waterproof materials – good for mountain climbing throughout lengthy thunderstorms
- Constructed-in pocket permits for extra waterproof storage choices
- Worth – it’s an amazing inexpensive choice for price-conscious prospects
- Giant sufficient to cowl 60 – 80 L backpacks
Cons:
- Not nice in windy circumstances
- Not probably the most breathable of ponchos
Greatest for: backpackers on a finances who need a easy, but sturdy rain poncho.
Charles River Attire Pacific Rain Poncho
Weight: 16 oz | Packed Dimension: 11.7 x 9.3 x 1.6 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 52 x 80 in | Materials: Polyurethane
In the event you’re searching for an inexpensive poncho that may present nice rain safety, look no additional than this magnificence.
Comprised of New Englander polyurethane, this dangerous boy is 100% waterproof. Folks have examined it in raging thunderstorms of assorted sorts and got here away dry as a bone.
Because it’s fairly huge – 52’’ x 80’’ – the one method you received’t be sufficiently lined is when you’re a participant within the NBA. On prime of that, it comes with adjustable sleeves so that you could be much more shielded from the weather.
Execs:
- Worth – it’s actually inexpensive for a poncho of this high quality
- Extremely sturdy – it’ll preserve 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’ll preserve you much more shielded from the rain
Cons:
- Out of the field, the plastic sort of smells. However, it goes away fully when you go away it to air out for a couple of hours
- Generally is a bit tough to fold it again into the pouch
Greatest for: backpackers searching for an inexpensive, but high quality rain poncho.
Mil-Tec Ripstop Moist Climate Poncho
Weight: 21.2 oz | Packed Dimension: 10.2 x 7.3 x 4.6 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 82.6 x 59 in | Materials: Polyester
Need to really feel like an Military Ranger tenting within the woods? Then this army poncho is correct up your alley.
Its olive coloration lets you mix in with most forest environment, permitting you to get pleasure from watching the wildlife whereas being unobserved.
Subsequent, its feather-light weight (1.4 lbs. packed) means it’s perfect for hikers and backpackers. That’s with out bearing in mind that with some stakes and a wire it might probably function an honest emergency shelter.
Sadly, it’s not 100% waterproof and may finally leak, so when you’re incessantly mountain climbing in wet areas you may need to give this one a go.
Execs:
- Its olive coloration will enable you to mix in together with your environment
- Can double as an emergency shelter
- Fairly lengthy – it’ll virtually attain your boots
- Additional-large – it might probably cowl each you and a small-to-medium backpack
- Wonderful alternative for anybody searching for a light-weight poncho
Cons:
- Not 100% waterproof
- Solely is available in one measurement – could be too giant for petite people
Greatest for: informal hikers and campers who need a good and easy poncho.
JTENG Rain Poncho
Weight: 25.6 oz | Packed Dimension: 13.5 x 8.7 x 4.4 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 59 x 55 in | Materials: Polyester
Do you simply love the look of camouflage ponchos?
Then this poncho is for you! (mentioned in my greatest infomercial voice)
However severely although, this not-so-little (56’’ x 55’’) hooded poncho is an all-around stable alternative for anyone who needs a easy, but inexpensive multipurpose poncho. It’s good for individuals who prefer to go looking, fishing, or chook watching as it’ll preserve you dry but in addition enable you to mix in together with your environment.
Sadly, it’s not made out of the sturdiest supplies, so it’s greatest fitted to occasional use in hotter areas.
Execs:
- Camo is nice for individuals who need some protection from predators
- Can be utilized as a blanket or a tent, too
- Fairly giant – 56’’ x 55’’ – so it might probably cowl most individuals
- Supreme for hunters, fishermen, or chook watchers
Cons:
- The supplies are low-cost and low high quality
Greatest for: informal campers and hikers who solely often want rain ponchos.
FROGG TOGG Males’s Waterproof Breathable Poncho
Weight: 9 oz | Packed Dimension: 9.3 x 7.3 x 2.4 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 2 in | Materials: Polypro
In the event you’re actually anxious about your packed weight, this unisex rain poncho from Frogg Toggs is value testing.
First off, it’s enormous. With a size of 36 inches and 44 inches of width, you and your backpack will likely be nicely 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 signifies 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 best high quality product on the market. Plus, as a result of it’s so huge, it might probably drag on the bottom when you’re shorter facet.
To summarize: this shouldn’t be your first choose for a top quality, well-made poncho. Nevertheless, when you want a backup that doesn’t weigh a ton and might slot in your pocket, you may’t go improper with this one.
Execs:
- Big – until you’re freakishly tall, it’s large enough to cowl you and your backpack
- Light-weight at round 8 ounces of packed weight
- Its breathable materials assure you received’t get sticky or sweaty
- Inexpensive – can match any backpacker’s finances
- Adjustable hood and facet snaps assist you to modify the poncho to your liking
Cons:
- Not probably the most sturdy product on the market
Greatest for: hikers searching for a great backup poncho in case of sudden thunderstorms.
Examine Worth at Dick’s Sporting Items
The Greatest Backpacking Ponchos In contrast
How To Select The Greatest Backpacking Poncho: A Fast & Simple Information
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 may nonetheless want extra info with a purpose to make an knowledgeable alternative.
Don’t fear, I’ve you lined. Let’s first shortly go over why ponchos rock.
The Many Advantages Of Rain Ponchos
On the primary look, ponchos don’t look so spectacular. I imply, you may simply use a rain jacket, proper?
Nicely, you may, however ponchos do include a number of distinct benefits:
- They’re ethereal and have nice air flow so that you’ll sweat lots 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 will double as a tarp tent or a fast shelter
- They’re extraordinarily light-weight, permitting you to pack extra requirements
And that’s only for starters. Additionally, not like 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 among the issues it’s best to look out for when selecting a poncho?
Supplies
Clearly, the very first thing it’s good to have a look at is the fabric the poncho is constructed from. That is what’s going to in the end resolve 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 adequate to say that the PVC ponchos are the most cost effective (and feel and look like trash baggage), whereas the cuben fiber ponchos are the most costly 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 stable alternative when you’re budget-conscious.
Finally, you may normally inform the standard of the poncho by its worth, which leads me to…
Worth
Backpacking ponchos, surprisingly sufficient, fluctuate lots of their costs. A few of them value just a few bucks, whereas others retail for lots of of {dollars}.
It could 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 quite shortsighted.
A top quality, well-made poncho will final you for years to come back, whereas a less expensive choice will normally tear itself on the primary department you encounter mountain climbing. To not point out 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. Normally, they final me for not less than a number of years, which makes the value distinction negligible.
Dimension & Weight
Normally, ponchos are available in a one-size-fits-all package deal, however not all the time (we listed examples above). Try to be conscious that the majority ponchos cowl your leg as much as your knees, however go away the shins and toes unprotected. Due to this fact when you hike in wet areas, you should definitely pack rain boots and sturdy pants.
Additionally, don’t purchase ponchos which can be too huge to your wants. In the event 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. At all times depend the scale of your backpack when deciding on the appropriate poncho for you.
Additional options
Some ponchos include additional options that give them an edge in opposition to their competitors.
Right here’s a shortlist of a few of these options:
- Storage bag
- Hood
- Additional pockets
- Zippers & drawstrings
Moreover, 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 will suck when you purchased a shiny new (and costly!) poncho… just for it to collapse in mere months on account of lack of correct upkeep.
Belief me – it occurs extra typically than you’d assume. Fortunately, 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 are taking it off. As an alternative, grasp it in a well-ventilated space and let it dry off first. That may stop the buildup of mildew which might destroy your poncho cloth.
- Comply with the label directions. Whereas it would seem to be frequent sense, don’t underestimate the significance of this step. In any case, 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 is dependent upon 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 go away their home with out one.
In terms of the most effective backpacking poncho, though there are various advantageous selections, I’ve to go together with Sea to Summit Extremely-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho.
Not solely is it fully waterproof (because of its to-notch design and high quality supplies), it might probably additionally function shelter. On prime of that, it has nice air flow and is basically light-weight (8 oz.).
In the event you’re searching for an affordable poncho that appears (and performs) like a trash bag, this ain’t it, chief. However if you need a top quality poncho that may serve you nicely for years to come back, I extremely recommend you try this gem.
Additionally Learn: Tenting in a Thunderstorm (How To Keep Secure)
