10 Best Rain Ponchos for Backpacking 2023 - Stay Warm and Dry Outdoors


10 Best Rain Ponchos for Backpacking 2023 - Stay Warm and Dry Outdoors
10 Best Rain Ponchos for Backpacking 2023 - Stay Warm and Dry Outdoors (Image: © The Camp Diary)

Whenever you decide to take some time off and enjoy the great outdoors, it is essential to prepare all the supplies you need and of course, protect yourself against the elements as prevention. For this reason, we made a bit of research and found the best rain ponchos for backpacking that you should check out.

This piece of clothing is the ultimate protection from foul weather, and it can keep you dry even when it is pouring. That is, of course, if you buy a quality poncho that is made of the best materials your money can buy. There are numerous models on the market, which can be confusing at times, so we made a list that should make your choice a lot easier. There is a lot to cover, so let us begin without further ado. 

Our Top 3 Recommendations

Best Pick 1. Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho

Completely waterproof

It boasts durable and light ultra-sil nano fabric

You can use it as a two-person shelter

Most Popular 2. Snugpak Patrol Poncho Snugpak Patrol Poncho

Durable and tough

Lightweight

Sleeves with elastic wrists and a thumb loop

Budget Pick 3. FROGG TOGGS Men's Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Poncho FROGG TOGGS Men's Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Poncho

Comfortable

Snuggle fit

Breathable

10 Best Rain Ponchos for Backpacking 2023 - Stay Warm and Dry Outdoors Summary

Image Model Price
1. Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho See On Amazon
2. Snugpak Patrol Poncho Snugpak Patrol Poncho See On Amazon
3. FROGG TOGGS Men's Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Poncho FROGG TOGGS Men's Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Poncho See On Amazon
4. Charles River Rain Poncho Charles River Rain Poncho See On Amazon
5. Arcturus Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Rain Poncho Arcturus Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Rain Poncho See On Amazon
6. USGI Industries Military Style Poncho USGI Industries Military Style Poncho See On Amazon
7. Adventure World Globotrekker Lightweight Backpack Poncho Adventure World Globotrekker Lightweight Backpack Poncho See On Amazon
8. Emergency Blankets & Rain Poncho Hybrid Emergency Blankets & Rain Poncho Hybrid See On Amazon
9. SaphiRose Rain Poncho Jacket SaphiRose Rain Poncho Jacket See On Amazon

10 Best Rain Ponchos for Backpacking 2023 - Stay Warm and Dry Outdoors At a Glance:

List of Best Rain Ponchos for Backpacking

1. Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho

SPECIFICATIONS

Coming from the Sea to Summit store, this poncho is a true jack of all trades in terms of weight, materials quality, and fantastic element protection. What makes it stand out from the crowd is that it is incredibly light, and once you pack it, it measures a mere 8 oz, which is excellent for backpacking.

The packed size is also pretty small, which is a great piece of news for economical packers that want to fit as many things as they can in the small storage space of a backpack. Needless to say, this is a 100 percent waterproof piece of clothing, and it boasts 5D ultra-sil nano fabric that is highly durable.

When it is all said and done, this poncho shines the best in its versatility, and aside from being a fantastic hooded piece of clothing for element protection, you can also use it as a two-person shelter due to its fantastic dimensions. Feature-packed, light, and comfy, this is likely the first poncho you should consider getting when going on your hiking trip.

REASONS TO BUY

Completely waterproof

It boasts durable and light ultra-sil nano fabric

You can use it as a two-person shelter

Excellent air circulation

Lightweight and compact

Small packed size and weight

REASONS TO AVOID

A bit expensive

2. Snugpak Patrol Poncho

SPECIFICATIONS

Snugpak is a company that does a fantastic job of manufacturing exceptional hiking gear, and this poncho is no exception. If you are in any doubt about the quality of their products, it is sufficient to say that they are contracted by the United States government to make equipment for defense agencies, which says a lot about the overall quality of their gear.

This poncho is made of top-of-the-line materials and is highly effective in protecting you from the elements. It is designed to cover you in one fell swoop, but it will also be highly effective in covering your legs. What separates this product is the fact it has sleeves with elasticated wrists and a thumb loop for extra convenience.

Weighing only 0.8 pounds, this poncho is packed pretty easily and does not take up much space, so you can pack more necessities for your camping trip. The hood is also pretty large, and it sports a drawstring toggle which will keep the rain from your eyes and improve fit. Tough yet very soft, this is a great backpacking choice.

REASONS TO BUY

Durable and tough

Lightweight

Sleeves with elastic wrists and a thumb loop

Does not take up much space in your backpack

Velcro-lined pocket

Excellent value for the price

REASONS TO AVOID

It should be a bit longer due to thumb loops

3. FROGG TOGGS Men's Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Poncho

SPECIFICATIONS

Frogg Toggs is a company that enjoys a revered status in the backpacking community for making exceptional rainproof gear with plenty of features that come for a more than affordable price. This model is made of non-woven polypropylene plastic that does not absorb water and can dry up fairly quickly.

The great thing about this unit is that it has open sides with snaps, which is a great feature since it ensures a snugglier fit and better air circulation. The hood has a drawstring and cord locks that boost the comfort even further. It is also pretty light, with its weight standing at 9 oz.

The material of this breathable poncho is very thin and highly versatile, meaning it can be used for various purposes, not just hiking. However, the fact that it is thin does not compromise its durability, as the fabric is surprisingly tough. It is fantastic at protecting its users from the elements and a worthy investment if you opt for it.

REASONS TO BUY

Comfortable

Snuggle fit

Breathable

Durable

Lightweight

Made of non-woven polypropylene plastic that does not absorb water

It is recyclable

REASONS TO AVOID

Some users claim that it is too wide for their taste.

4. Charles River Rain Poncho

SPECIFICATIONS

Coming from Charles River Apparel, this high-quality rain poncho is created to provide its users with the utmost comfort and protection for an affordable price. Although a bit cheaper than some products on our list, the quality is definitely not compromised, and you get fantastic value.

Although it is a bit heavier than the rest of our entries, you will still be able to put it in your backpack with the rest of your supplies. It is made of premium Englander Polyurethane, and it is resistant to water, wind, and other elements that can make your backpacking trip really uncomfortable.

The hood combination of this poncho offers grommets and pulls tabs at the brim, which will give your face sufficient exposure and tightening at the same time. There is a total of seventeen colors you can choose this poncho from, so if you care about aesthetics, you have that covered as well.

REASONS TO BUY

The hood is coupled with thinning straps

Snap buttons on the neck and under the arms

Seventeen colors to choose from

Fully resistant to water

Hand washable

REASONS TO AVOID

The hood size is likely to be too large for smaller heads

A bit heavier than the rest of our picks

5. Arcturus Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Rain Poncho

SPECIFICATIONS

Arcturus is a company that is responsible for manufacturing various pieces of outdoor and survival gear of the highest quality, including top-notch ponchos such as this one. It is durable, reasonably priced, and very effective against elements, which is what every buyer strives to purchase.

You can buy it in several colors and its design and size are fantastic for backpacking purposes. With its charitable 48-inch length on the front and the back, you will easily protect your back and legs as well, and if you are not too tall, your whole body will stay dry and shielded from any inconvenience the great outdoors can throw at you.

This unit is made of durable 210T ripstop nylon, and the coating is of double-layered polyurethane, which ensures fantastic waterproof capabilities. The sides sport three buttons so that you can close the poncho and steer clear of winds and heavy rain. It is a near-perfect piece of clothing for your camping and the one that definitely deserves your attention.

REASONS TO BUY

210T ripstop nylon for exceptional durability

Waterproof

You get steel grommets so that you can use the poncho as a shelter

Fairly light

Cost-effective

REASONS TO AVOID

It may be too long for shorter people

6. USGI Industries Military Style Poncho

SPECIFICATIONS

Coming from the USGI Industries store, this poncho is a fantastic choice for everyone that loves wearing military-style equipment on their camping trips. The design certainly fits that description, but this unit is not as thick or heavy as is the case with real military-grade ponchos. However, this is not a disadvantage, as this product is great for backpacking.

It features the 210T ripstop polyester of very good quality, and although it is a bit heavier than the rest of the products we have listed (18 oz), it can still fit snuggly into your backpack. This poncho also sports a generous size that will shield you from the elements and keep you comfy and dry.

You also get heavy-duty copper grommets on the side so that you can use this poncho both as a piece of clothing and shelter. The one downside of this product is the fact that it has 3.000 mm water resistance. Any knowledgeable outdoor enthusiast knows that water-resistant is different from waterproof, and although it will protect you from the rain, it will not do it completely.

REASONS TO BUY

The hood and waist drawstrings allow you to adjust the fit

It can be used as a tent and a piece of clothing

Compact

You can use it with woobie-style poncho liners

REASONS TO AVOID

Not fully waterproof

It is not a real military-style poncho, as it is thinner and less durable

7. Adventure World Globotrekker Lightweight Backpack Poncho

SPECIFICATIONS

This particular poncho that comes from the Adventure World store is a fantastic choice for all the campers that have larger backpacks. It is made from Terylene and does an exceptional job at protecting its users from elements and all that comes with an affordable price tag.

This poncho boasts a drawstring hood, which makes fit adjustment pretty straightforward, and the peak on top of the hood does a great job of protecting your face from rain or snow. The zip neck feature is a nice little touch as it provides even more protection from foul weather.

It is a poncho that can be easily folded and can fit in pretty much any backpack, so you will not have to sacrifice storage space. One of the downsides of this product is its lack of breathability, but other than that; it provides pretty good value for more than a reasonable price.

REASONS TO BUY

Lightweight at just 0.77 pounds

A great choice for users who have larger backpacks

Made of Terylene that ensures waterproof capabilities

Zip neck for extra protection from the elements

Affordable

REASONS TO AVOID

It is not breathable

8. Emergency Blankets & Rain Poncho Hybrid

SPECIFICATIONS

This product comes in a pack of four, so it is a very good choice if you plan to camp with three more people. It is available in three different colors to choose from, and overall quality is more than satisfying, especially when you consider the low price tag it comes with.

Essentially, this poncho can be described as a wearable space blanket that reflects rather than dissipates body heat and keeps precipitation off. The great thing about it is that it is two times thicker than your regular emergency blanket, meaning that it will keep you warm and comfy when the temperatures drop.

It is a tear-resistant poncho that offers exceptional durability, which you would likely expect to get from a higher price product. This unit is also pretty roomy and will not make you feel restricted by any stretch. It will effectively keep your body warm and dry and will serve you fantastically on your next outdoor trip.

REASONS TO BUY

Two times thicker than regular blankets

It retains your body heat

Very comfortable to wear

Cheap

Available in different colors

REASONS TO AVOID

The material is noisy when you are on the move

9. SaphiRose Rain Poncho Jacket

SPECIFICATIONS

Coming from the SaphiRose store, this stylish rain poncho is available in a wide variety of colors, and aside from its fantastic visual features, it is very durable and manufactured to serve you for a very long time. This is also a quick-drying poncho so that you do not have to worry when putting it into your backpack, which is very convenient.

This model is made from 100% polyester, which ensures high-level breathability and waterproof capabilities. There are also heat-sealed seams that grant you even more protection from the elements. The hood is elastic-lined, so the fit will not be an issue since you will be able to adjust everything easily.

When folded, this poncho can easily fit into any backpack without occupying too much space you usually reserve for some other essentials. The one downside of this product is that it might be too large for users of the smaller constitution, but it is still a very good poncho that can be bought at a pretty low price point.

REASONS TO BUY

Multiple color choices

The small size when folded into a backpack

Elastic and adjustable hood

Heat-sealed seams

REASONS TO AVOID

It might be too large for smaller individuals

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Rain Poncho for Backpacking

Staying dry and warm during outdoor camping is essential, which is why your poncho needs to possess the qualities that will ensure such conditions. In order to help you make the right choice and get the best value for your money’s worth, we have put together a brief list of guidelines you can find in the section below.

Type

There is a total of three types of rain ponchos you can go for - basic, multi-functional, and disposable. All of them provide protection from the elements, but they differ in some aspects. For example, multi-purpose ones can be used both as a piece of clothing and a shelter. 

Waterproofing

Not all rain ponchos are entirely proof, which is something you should pay special attention to. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s label to check the waterproofing rating. If it says “water resistant,” it means that it is not entirely waterproof, even though it will be able to shelter you from the elements. However, it will only be to a certain degree.

Drawstrings and Buttons

It is likely that basic ponchos will come without these, but they are fantastic features to have. Hood and waist drawstrings and side buttons are fantastic tools that will let you keep control of the fit as well as protection from the wind and air circulation.

Size

Most rain ponchos offer length and width to cover you at a minimum. However, if you want to be completely safe from harsh weather, look for the ones with extra length so that you can cover your backs and legs as well.

Breathability

As much as you want to stay protected from the elements, sometimes you will find yourself in a situation when you are on the move and start sweating. This is when the breathability of your poncho is of vital importance. Look for ponchos that feature mesh liners.

Weight

Since we are talking about backpacking rain ponchos, weight is something that you should definitely take into consideration. Look for the ones that are lightweight and smaller in size when folded, as they will be much easier to store inside your backpack, and you will be able to carry other important supplies inside as well.

When you go backpacking for a longer period, the main problem is how to store and carry your tent. Learn more about that in our guide on how to carry your tent while backpacking.

Final Words

Rain ponchos are a fantastic piece of backpacking gear, as they are compact, light, and protective against the elements. Moreover, they are typically affordable, so you will not have to spend too much to get a suitable product.

We hope you have enjoyed our guide and that you will find the perfect product on our list. In case you still cannot decide, revisit our top-three picks and check their features, as you are sure to find a perfect blend of quality and reasonable price among them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a better solution for backpacking - a poncho or raincoat?

Poncho is a much better choice for backpacking, especially if you are going to be exposed to harsh weather conditions. In addition, it is lightweight and packs compactly. Moreover, if your backpack is not completely waterproof, you can wear it over and protect the rest of your gear.

2. Are rain ponchos suitable for hiking?

Absolutely. They usually weigh considerably less than any other element-resistant piece of clothing, and they provide much better air circulation so that you can avoid excessive sweating and similar inconveniences.

3. Are rain ponchos waterproof?

Most of them are. However, it is important to know the difference between being water-resistant and waterproof. A water-resistant poncho can provide protection from rain and snow but not entirely, while waterproof grants you the best protection from damp conditions you can get.

4. What materials are best for rain ponchos?

There is a wide variety of materials you can opt for when buying a rain poncho. If you want to buy a cheaper one, opt for PU-coated polyester. For a mid-range price, you should get the one made of silnylon, and lastly, if you want to spare money and break the bank a bit, opt for one made of cuben fiber or Gore-Tex.

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