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HomeOutdoor GearHiking GearClothingThe 7 Best Backpacking Ponchos For Rain – 2023

The 7 Best Backpacking Ponchos For Rain – 2024

BEST OVERALL
EDITOR’S CHOICE
BEST BUDGET
Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho
Terra Hiker Waterproof Rain Poncho
FROGG TOGGS Poncho
  • Weighs only 8.1 ounces

  • 15D Ultra-Sil Nano fabric

  • Drawcord tail hem

  • Larger sizes have built in pockets

  • Covers 60-80 L backpacks

  • Weighs only 10.4 oz

  • Weighs only 9 oz

  • Great for emergencies

  • Budget Friendly!

Wilderness Times may receive commissions for links included in articles to Amazon and other affiliate partners. We take pride in our testing and research, and recommendations are not given out lightly.

In a rush? The best poncho for backpacking is the Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho.

Despite how goofy they might look, ponchos are still great hiking accessories. I once thought otherwise, but getting caught in a thunderstorm while hiking – without any waterproof gear – quickly changed my mind.

Since then, my trusty poncho has earned a permanent place in my packing list. It’s lightweight, durable, and can cover most of my body and backpack. What’s not to love?

Here are the best backpacking ponchos on the market today:

Best Rain Ponchos For Backpacking: Our Top Picks

Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho

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 fabric

Some ponchos are waterproof, some are lightweight, and some others are high quality. This one is all three.

Let’s start with the weight. Packed, this poncho only weighs 8 oz., which is pretty good. The packed size is 3’ x 5.25 inches, so even the most economical hikers can find a way to fit it in their backpack.

Of course, it goes without mention that it’s 100% waterproof. That’s thanks to its 5D Ultra-Sil Nano fabric, which is both light and durable.

However, for me, the most amazing feature of this poncho is easily its versatility. Sure, it’s a hooded rain poncho – and a damn good one at that. But it can also serve as a two-person shelter (57’’ x 104’’). This gives you plenty of options and allows you to pack more efficiently if you’re a seasoned hiker.

Pros:

  • Completely waterproof thanks to its15D Ultra-Sil Nano fabric
  • Lightweight – it weighs only 8 oz. when packed
  • Can easily be converted into a two-person shelter (epic for emergencies)
  • Great ventilation so you can avoid sweating like a turkey in November

Cons:

  • It’s a bit pricey compared to some other options on this list
  • If you’re not wearing a backpack, it can be pretty wide

Best for: people who want the overall best poncho for camping in the rain and backpacking.

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Terra Hiker Waterproof Rain Poncho

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 high density polyester

If you like hiking long-distances, pay attention. This Terra Hiker rain poncho is large enough to cover 60 to 80 L backpacks and your body, so it’s perfect for more serious backpackers.

It comes in 4 colors (green, blue, black, orange) and two sizes. The larger ones come with a built-in pocket, so you’ll have even more safe storage space.

The main benefit of this poncho is its durability. Unlike those cheap plastic ponchos, this will keep you dry even during prolonged wet conditions – think hours and hours of heavy rain. This makes it an excellent piece of rain gear for all hikers and backpackers out there.

Pros:

  • Made out of 100% waterproof material – perfect for hiking during long thunderstorms
  • Built-in pocket allows for more waterproof storage options
  • Price – it’s a great affordable option for price-conscious customers
  • Large enough to cover 60 – 80 L backpacks

Cons:

  • Not great in windy conditions
  • Not the most breathable of ponchos

Best for: backpackers on a budget who want a simple, yet durable rain poncho.

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VOITED Pack & Ride Outdoor Poncho

VOITED Pack & Ride Outdoor Poncho

Weight: 22 oz | Packed Size: 14.2 x 8.2 x 8.2 in | Unfolded Dimensions: 48 x 64 in | Material: 100% recycled 50D Ripstop fabric

VOITED offers a sustainable backpacking poncho made from 100% recycled plastic bottles into a 50D Ripstop fabric.

While slightly heavier, this poncho is perfect for anyone expected rain with certainly.

Built with a storm visor adjustable shaped hood, kangaroo pocket, waterproof compartments, and a reflective back logo for security.

VOITED says it weighs 8.8 oz, but we found the Medium/Large to actually be 22 oz. It was quite big, with room enough for a large backpacking pack.

Pros:

  • Made with extremely durable and waterproof 100% recycled 50D Ripstop Fabric
  • Plenty of room for your pack with the ultra-wide bat sleeves
  • Snap closures to provide a comfortable and secure fit
  • Folds back into itself with waterproof zippers and waterproof kangaroo pocket
  • Adjustable hood with storm visor

Cons:

  • On the pricier side
  • Weighs more than advertised

Best for: Backpackers expecting to wear this poncho for multiple days at a time

Check Price on VOITED

Charles River Apparel Pacific 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 looking for an affordable poncho that will provide great rain protection, look no further than this beauty.

Made from New Englander polyurethane, this bad boy is 100% waterproof. People have tested it in raging thunderstorms of various types and came away dry as a bone.

Since it’s pretty big – 52’’ x 80’’ – the only way you won’t be sufficiently covered is if you’re a player in the NBA. On top of that, it comes with adjustable sleeves so you can be even more protected from the elements.

Pros:

  • Price – it’s really affordable for a poncho of this quality
  • Incredibly durable – it will keep you dry even in a torrential downpour
  • It measures 52’’ x 80’’, so it’s pretty big and will cover you adequately
  • Comes with sleeves so it will keep you even more protected from the rain

Cons:

  • Out of the box, the plastic kind of smells. But, it goes away completely if you leave it to air out for a few hours
  • Can be a bit difficult to fold it back into the pouch

Best for: backpackers looking for an affordable, yet quality rain poncho.

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Mil-Tec Ripstop Wet Weather 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 feel like an Army Ranger camping in the woods? Then this military poncho is right up your alley.

Its olive color allows you to blend in with most forest surroundings, allowing you to enjoy watching the wildlife while being unobserved.

Next, its feather-light weight (1.4 lbs. packed) means it’s ideal for hikers and backpackers. That’s without taking into account that with some stakes and a cord it can serve as a decent emergency shelter.

Unfortunately, it’s not 100% waterproof and might eventually leak, so if you’re frequently hiking in rainy areas you might want to give this one a pass.

Pros:

  • Its olive color will help you blend in with your surroundings
  • Can double as an emergency shelter
  • Pretty long – it will almost reach your boots
  • Extra-large – it can cover both you and a small-to-medium backpack
  • Excellent choice for anyone looking for a lightweight poncho

Cons:

  • Not 100% waterproof
  • Only comes in one size – might be too large for petite folk

Best for: casual hikers and campers who want a nice and simple poncho.

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JTENG Rain 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 just love the look of camouflage ponchos?

Then this poncho is for you! (said in my best infomercial voice)

But seriously though, this not-so-little (56’’ x 55’’) hooded poncho is an all-around solid choice for anybody who wants a simple, yet affordable multipurpose poncho. It’s perfect for people who like to go hunting, fishing, or bird watching as it will keep you dry but also help you blend in with your surroundings.

Unfortunately, it’s not made out of the sturdiest materials, so it’s best suited for occasional use in warmer areas.

Pros:

  • Camo is great for people who want some coverage from predators
  • Can be used as a blanket or a tent, too
  • Pretty large – 56’’ x 55’’ – so it can cover most people
  • Ideal for hunters, fishermen, or bird watchers

Cons:

  • The materials are cheap and low quality

Best for: casual campers and hikers who only occasionally need rain ponchos.

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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 really worried about your packed weight, this unisex rain poncho from Frogg Toggs is worth checking out.

First off, it’s huge. With a length of 36 inches and 44 inches of width, you and your backpack will be well protected from heavy rain.

At ~9 oz. of packed weight, it’s also incredibly lightweight. It also can easily be folded and packed into your pocket. That means that even the ultralight backpackers can take it with them without worrying about size and weight.

On the downside, it’s not the highest quality product out there. Plus, because it’s so big, it can drag on the ground if you’re shorter side.

To summarize: this shouldn’t be your first pick for a quality, well-made poncho. However, if you need a backup that doesn’t weigh a ton and can fit in your pocket, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Pros:

  • Huge – unless you’re freakishly tall, it’s big enough to cover you and your backpack
  • Lightweight at around 8 ounces of packed weight
  • Its breathable fabrics guarantee you won’t get sticky or sweaty
  • Affordable – can fit any backpacker’s budget
  • Adjustable hood and side snaps allow you to modify the poncho to your liking

Cons:

  • Not the most durable product out there

Best for: hikers looking for a good backup poncho in case of sudden thunderstorms.

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price at Dick's Sporting Goods

How To Choose The Best Backpacking Poncho: A Quick & Easy Guide

Phew! Who knew there were so many choices when it comes to backpacking ponchos, am I right?

Now, even after reading the reviews above you might still need more information in order to make an informed choice.

Don’t worry, I have you covered. Let’s first quickly go over why ponchos rock.

The Many Benefits Of Rain Ponchos

On the first look, ponchos don’t look so impressive. I mean, you can just use a rain jacket, right?

Well, you can, but ponchos do come with several distinct advantages:

  • They’re airy and have great ventilation so you’ll sweat a lot less
  • They’re much, much cheaper than most rain jackets
  • Most of them are large enough to cover both you and your backpack
  • They can double as a tarp tent or a quick shelter
  • They are extremely lightweight, allowing you to pack additional necessities

And that’s just for starters. Also, unlike umbrellas, they don’t break in the wind, so you’ll be protected from the rain no matter what.

Now that we’ve covered that, what are some of the things you should look out for when choosing a poncho?

Materials

Backpacking Poncho Material
You can feel the premium material on the VOITED backpacking poncho

Obviously, the first thing you need to look at is the material the poncho is made from. This is what will ultimately decide whether or not you’ll be drenched in rainwater or dry as a bone.

The most common poncho materials are:

  • PVC
  • PU nylon
  • Cuben fiber
  • Sil-poly
  • Polyester

Now, I don’t want to bore you with the technical details behind each material. It’s sufficient to say that the PVC ponchos are the cheapest (and look and feel like trash bags), while the cuben fiber ponchos are the most expensive ones (but they’ll last you for years to come).

PU nylon is a good middle ground between those two extremes and is a solid choice if you’re budget-conscious.

Ultimately, you can usually tell the quality of the poncho by its price, which leads me to…

Price

Backpacking ponchos, surprisingly enough, vary a lot in their prices. Some of them cost only a few bucks, while others retail for hundreds of dollars.

It might be tempting to go for the cheapest option right out of the bat – I mean, who spends a lot of money on a poncho, right? In my humble (but usually correct) opinion, that’s rather shortsighted.

A quality, well-made poncho will last you for years to come, while a cheaper option will usually tear itself on the first branch you encounter hiking. Not to mention the fact that they usually leak water after a few minutes, which defeats the whole purpose of buying a waterproof poncho.

When in doubt, I always opt-out for a pricier, but higher quality option. Usually, they last me for at least several years, which makes the price difference negligible.

Size & Weight

Usually, ponchos come in a one-size-fits-all package, but not always (we listed examples above). You should be aware that almost all ponchos cover your leg up to your knees, but leave the shins and feet unprotected. Therefore if you hike in rainy areas, be sure to pack rain boots and durable pants.

Also, don’t buy ponchos that are too big for your needs. If you just go on short hikes with a small backpack, buying an extra-large poncho will make it drag on the ground and will probably tear. Always count the size of your backpack when deciding on the right poncho for you.

Extra features

The VOITED Poncho has a ton of Additional Zippers and Pockets
The VOITED Poncho has a ton of Additional Zippers and Pockets

Some ponchos come with extra features that give them an edge against their competition.

Here’s a shortlist of some of those features:

  • Storage bag
  • Adjustable hood
  • Extra pockets
  • Zippers & drawstrings
  • Reflective Strips and logos

Additionally, some ponchos can be used as a tarp or a quick & easy shelter, thus adding to their versatility.

How To Take Care Of Your Rain Poncho

Now it would suck if you bought a shiny new (and expensive!) poncho… only for it to fall apart in mere months due to lack of proper maintenance.

Trust me – it happens more often than you’d think. Luckily, you can keep your poncho in tip-top condition if you just follow a few simple rules:

  • Let it dry. Resist the urge to stuff it right back into your backpack as soon as you take it off. Instead, hang it in a well-ventilated area and let it dry off first. That will prevent the buildup of mildew which can destroy your poncho fabric.
  • Follow the label instructions. While it might seem like common sense, don’t underestimate the importance of this step. After all, who knows the product than the manufacturer?

Wash it. After reading the instructions, wash your poncho (safely). Some ponchos can be washed in a washing machine – others can only be cleaned by washing them by hand. It usually depends on the poncho material – so choose carefully!

FAQs

Are ponchos any good for hiking?

A poncho is a great option for hiking. They usually weigh much less than a rain jacket, as there’s less material involved, but they also offer more protection and provide better ventilation.

Not only that, but you can also use ponchos as a tarp or groundsheet when needed.

What is the best poncho material?

The best material for a poncho is Cuben Fiber, also known as Dyneema Composite Fabric.

It’s very lightweight yet doesn’t sacrifice durability.

Are waterproof ponchos good?

Ponchos that are labeled as waterproof will keep you dry regardless of how much it’s raining.

What’s also great is that they’ll keep the top of your legs dry as well, unlike rain jackets.

Which is better: a poncho or raincoat?

Between the two, a poncho is much better for backpacking.

It’s lightweight and packs down compactly, so it won’t weigh you down. And in case your backpack isn’t completely waterproof, you can wear a poncho over it for additional rain protection.

Is a poncho good for backpacking?

Yes, a poncho is good for backpacking, for the same reasons it’s good for hiking.

It’s lightweight, compact and versatile. It doesn’t weigh you down and you can use it in numerous situations.

What can I use instead of a poncho?

A rain cape is a good alternative to a poncho. It doesn’t open to a full rectangular sheet like a poncho, so it offers slightly better protection from the rain.

But at the same time, that also means it’s slightly less breathable than a poncho.

Do ponchos keep you warm or cool?

Ponchos are generally designated to keep you dry in rainy weather.

Made of lightweight material, they won’t keep you warm in cold weather or cold in warm weather, but they will keep you dry!

Our Verdict

So – there you have it.

I hoped I’ve shown you the sheer awesomeness of the poncho, and why every hiker and camper shouldn’t leave their house without one.

When it comes to the best backpacking poncho, although there are many fine choices, I have to go with Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho.

Not only is it completely waterproof (thanks to its to-notch design and quality materials), it can also serve as shelter. On top of that, it has great ventilation and is really lightweight (8 oz.).

If you’re looking for a cheap poncho that looks (and performs) like a trash bag, this ain’t it, chief. But if you want a quality poncho that will serve you well for years to come, I highly suggest you check out this gem.

Also ReadCamping in a Thunderstorm (How To Stay Safe)

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