Camping Panda
Camping on a rainy day? Not a problem. As long as you have the best rain poncho, the fun and adventure continue! Rain ponchos can protect you from downpours and drizzles. Plus, they are very storable and occupy almost no space in your backpack.
In this post, we’ve rounded up the best rain ponchos you can find. From disposable emergency ponchos to heavy-duty ones, we give you honest feedback for each product.
Waterproof
Is it well protected?
Comfort
Is it designed for comfort?
Material
Is it breathable?
Usability
Is it reusable?
Design
Is it practical?
Portability
Is it easy to carry?
Lifespan
Is it build for years to come?
Durability
Is it sturdy enough?
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Hours Researched
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Products Evaluated
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Touted for being incredibly lightweight and durable, the Revival rain poncho gets the top spot in our list. The one-way airflow technology helps regulate your temperature so you don’t get too cold or warm. In addition, its multipurpose design lets you use it as a raincoat, tarp and even a ground mat.
This poncho includes four steel grommets for easy tie-down. The ultra strong sewed seams strengthen the structure around the neck, arms and body, making it more resistant to ripping.
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If you want something cheaper but don’t want to settle for disposable ponchos, the Arcturus lightweight poncho is a great choice. It’s long and like the Revival rain poncho, can be used as a tarp, emergency shelter, or ground cover!
Prepared for the worst – this poncho has a waterproof PU coating so water won’t seep through. It comes with a heavy-duty bag too!
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Like the reusable poncho by Revival, the Foxelli can also be used for other purposes, such as a sleeping bag cover or a camping blanket. However, this one is 40-inch longer than the Revival so it’s more ideal for taller and bigger people.
It is also made with a sturdier material that is tear-resistant. If enjoy extreme adventures like hiking in rugged terrain or camping in cold, rainy weather, the Foxelli rain poncho is what you need. It comes with its own bag too for convenient storage and transport.
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A must-have in your survival accessory kit, these rain ponchos make a great option for light backpacking. Plus, they are transparent so they’re not going to “ruin” your outfit.
The RAINOUX comes in five one-size-fits-all rain ponchos – perfect if you’re traveling with friends or family. The drawstring in the hoodie keeps it from blowing away from your head.
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Made from durable PE material, this rain poncho is 50% thicker than most disposable ponchos in the market. Its compact packaging means you can tuck it into your backpack or office bag. Meanwhile, the roomy arms allow air to flow nicely, preventing your body from overheating.
The Hagon Pro poncho is big enough to fit plus-size people even when wearing a backpack.
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If you’re after a fashionable and sturdy poncho, the SaphiRose hooded coat fits the bill. It features heat sealed seams, and quick-drying breathable polyester fabric. We particularly like that it comes in so many different colors and patterns.
This poncho comes in full length for full coverage. It also has a zipper for easy on and off, along with side pockets.
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These ponchos from CeroPro are super lightweight so packing and carrying them are a breeze. They’re great for festivals, concerts, camping, and Disney tours. Made from thick recycled plastic, each poncho can protect you from unexpected moderate rain showers.
They come in clear, rose red, and blue colors. And with a width of 35 inches, they offer plenty of coverage and protection.
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This unisex style, Disney-themed poncho comes with two snap buttons on each side for easier access. Aside from its very cute design, this poncho made it to our list for its durable material and hefty size.
Additionally, the 13″ head opening won’t make you feel suffocated. This poncho by Disney is also reusable.
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The ANTVEE reusable poncho is the only product in our list that is made with an eco-friendly material called EVA. Not only does it lessen your environmental footprint, but this material is also very soft, breathable, and dries pretty quickly.
It features loose arm holes that promotes better air flow so you’re less likely to feel too warm. Plus, it’s reusable so you can use it for multiple occasions like camping, fishing, traveling, and going to concerts.
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This poncho is sewn using a computer sealing technology designed to prevent leaks, keeping you dry and warm. It comes with a rain hat, and buttons on the sides that when buckled, can become sleeves.
The four corners of this poncho have stainless steel rings to prevent it from being blown by the wind. Perfect for hunting, shooting, and camping – the LOOGU rain poncho features a bionic camouflage design that lets you blend with nature.
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Taking an umbrella on a backpacking or hiking trip might be an impractical move. Umbrellas are heavy and they tend to break easily against strong winds. Plus they are handheld, meaning you lose one hand capability when holding an umbrella. In the mountains this is not always acceptable, especially in rocky terrains. You need both hands to be ready to grasp into something or to keep you steady while trekking.
This is where rain ponchos come in very handy. They could be easily put inside your backpack, under all of your stuff, and nothing will happen to it. Plus when using it, you don’t need to hold them thus both of your hands are free. Take a look at the buying guide we’ve prepared in buying a rain poncho you can use on your next backpacking, hiking or camping trip.
They are very cheap and can be bought easily. However the quality usually matches the price. The feel is like that of a garbage bag’s if you can be more careful in using it, you may actually salvage it for use a second time. However it is not really advisable as it may break on your second use. Disposable rain ponchos are more like an emergency rain ponchos. The HAGAN Pro Disposable Rain Ponchos may be an exception because it is made 50% thicker than most disposable rain ponchos in the market, you can probably still use for a second time if you take care of it properly.
The quality is way better than the single use rain ponchos. You can reuse it for a long time when properly cared for. We particularly like the Revival Reusable Rain Poncho, it has four steel grommets for easy tie down, this also prevents the poncho from slipping thus keeping it away from punctures and rips.
Could be used as a rain poncho, emergency shelter and waterproof ground tarp. The Arcturus Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Poncho is a great example of a multi-purpose rain poncho, it can also be used as a tarp, emergency shelter or a ground cover when needed. At only 5 ounces, this multi-purpose rain poncho comes in a heavy duty bag that can also be repurposed for keeping valuables on unexpected rains.
Usually significantly heavier than regular multi-use rain ponchos. They are heavy duty ponchos that are also multi-purpose.
The best ponchos are made of waterproof and windproof material. Ponchos made for hiking are usually made from rip-stop material. This is so your poncho does not tear apart when walking through the bushes.
PVC: is commonly used in cheap rain ponchos that are usually provided in amusement parks or any tourist attractions. They are meant to be worn only once.
Polyester: rain ponchos made from this material are lightweight and durable. Polyester material also retains well and dries quickly. The SaphiRose Rain Poncho Jacket Coats with Pockets, is lightweight at 2.24 ounces made from 100% polyester comes in full length for full cover.
PU Coated Nylon: is made from a combination of nylon and waterproof polyurethane. This combination creates a durable, affordable waterproof raincoat. However ponchos made from this material can get stuffy during summer weather. The LOOGU Camouflage Rain Coat is made from 210T Ripstop nylon guaranteeing its durability and PVC inside coating for soft feeling while wearing the poncho.
The weight of the poncho depends on how you intend to use them. If you’ll be using them for a sightseeing activity, then choose the lightest one. We recommend the CerePro Disposable Rain Ponchos if you prefer one time use ponchos, they are made from recycled PE and are very lightweight at 2.11 ounces and very compact at 0.03mm which can protect you up to moderate rain showers.
However for a year-round backpacker it is recommended to buy a durable one. Look for something made of rip-stop nylon to protect you from rain and keep the poncho protected from unintended rips while outdoors.
Also the packed size of the rain poncho plays a good consideration as this is the size that you’ll be putting in your backpack. We recommend the ANTVEE Reusable Rain Ponchos with packed dimensions of 6x4x3.5 inches, can easily fit in your backpack.
Also the purpose of a rain poncho is to protect you from the rain while outdoors. It would be an extra treat to have a few features added in there for your convenience.
All rain ponchos come with a hood, but not all of them have a drawstring to tighten it. The drawstring will help keep you protected and your head dry. Some ponchos have pockets in them for you to store your valuables within reach. It would be nice to have zippers on the pocket to keep your valuables from falling. Also velcro straps or snap buttons are a great addition to prevent the poncho from slipping while you’re moving.
Special mention to the unique design of the Disney Rain Poncho Hoodie Print. This poncho with the timeless Disney design provides a decent protection from the rain as it is made from 100% waterproof vinyl
The Foxelli Hooded Rain Poncho is especially designed for taller and bigger people with 40inches longer than common reusable poncho length.
The best rain poncho is waterproof and sturdy enough to serve its purposes. Our best pick: the Revival Reusable Rain Poncho gets the highest mark for its quality and versatile construction.
Rain ponchos provide more coverage and protection against rain and wind than umbrellas. And since you can just wear them, you can carry on with your usual activities outdoors.
There are different materials used in making rain ponchos. The most common ones are polyester, PVC, and PU-coated nylon.
Rain ponchos made of polyester are durable, lightweight, and resistant to wrinkling and abrasion. Thus, this material is preferred for high-quality ponchos. Another great quality of polyester is that it’s able to retain its shape and dries quickly.
Rain ponchos are designed to keep you dry. Note, however, that they vary in type, use, and durability. It’s important to buy the poncho that has the qualities suitable to your needs and where you are using it.
For instance, if you’re simply taking a quick stroll to the trail or attending an outdoor event, a lightweight disposable rain poncho will serve you well. However, if you’re backpacking or camping overnight in a cold, rainy location, a heavy-duty rain poncho is more preferable.
You can make your own waterproof poncho using common materials like plastic, nylon, or a similar material. You’ll need about a yard of it.
Cut and sew the poncho. It will be easier if you will use a pattern. Cut and sew the hood separately and attach it to the body.
