While the construction on these looks fairly simple, they are extremely rugged materials and are designed to last a very long time. Coming in a range of camo prints and plain colors to keep a low profile while out in the woods, you know you want one. Take all the pros of Sea To Summit’s classic Tarp Poncho, then subtract all the cons, and you’ve got the Ultra-Sil Nano.

FROGG TOGGS Unisex Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Rain

The Arcturus Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Rain Poncho is perfect for walking in rain all day long. Made from durable 210T polyester that is PU3000MM rated and triple-layered, this is probably the most waterproof poncho for hiking out there. I tested the Realtree EDGE version, but you can get plain colors if you aren’t into camo. You just can’t talk about outdoors rain gear without mentioning Frogg Toggs. Frogg Toggs makes the most affordable, reliable, no-frills rain gear on the market, and their Ultra-Lite 2 poncho is one of their most basic and most popular options.

If you are staying in private accommodations in late October-March,for sure,you will have sufficient heating to dry out your clothes and shoes. The Christmas before COVID I had a Rab Kinetic from Father Christmas. I have been a little doubtful about it's waterproofness but I wore it on our recent camino and we had a solid day of rain and I stayed very dry and I never felt overly sweaty either. I love the hood and the way the fabric stretches and it isn't noisy like my Precip... so I'm very happy that I made the switch.

FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Poncho

So which would I choose for my next trip? That entirely depends on the situation. T he shell and the poncho have different pros and cons. If cold is a factor, I would want the shell. Warm weather—give me the poncho. VERDICT: Designed for everyone and anyone, you can wear this to soccer games, to walk your dogs in, or for serious expedition hiking. The TENTSFORMER Bushcraft Poncho from OneTigris is a really good value for money option that doesn’t feel flimsy and will keep you dry all day long. VERDICT: The Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Rain Poncho from Arcturus is super lightweight and secure. You don’t have to struggle with press studs or super wide sleeves, but that does make venting a little more difficult. Considering the price, this is an absolute bargain and so much more versatile than a raincoat.The industry standard for inexpensive rain gear, in poncho form: Cheap, lightweight, and reliable, from a brand you know and trust. See Review The Redcamp Waterproof Rain Poncho is another budget option worth considering, especially for anyone wanting maximum coverage for their upper body. Recently as the natural waterproofing qualities thin out, I also dab on a full rubberised waterproofer (that you'd use to re-seal a tent groundsheet) to key areas like the cuffs and zip shield. In the UK we have Gear Aid's 'Seam Grip TF'. One big problem with these cheap waterproof ponchos is that they are not designed to last more than 1 or 2 times which is not good for the environment. The issue with using them for hiking is that they have no breathability and are incredibly flimsy much like a plastic bag you carry shopping in.

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Let’s not be silly, when you are looking for a waterproof poncho you want something to protect you from the rain and would expect it to keep you dry. When looking at descriptions, you should read carefully as water resistance and waterproof are not quite the same thing. Look for things like sealed seams and a hydrostatic head rating that will tell you how much water pressure they can withstand. You can always maintain your poncho with waterproof treatments, but for the most part, you can rely on them to deflect the rain pretty well. Breathability Made famous by GORE-TEX in the 1970s, breathable laminates are still the best waterproof fabrics for waterproof clothing. This is because if they don’t breathe, the condensation build-up will soak you from the inside out. This is not so important for ponchos as they tend to be very well ventilated but if you see a laminated breathable poncho it will no doubt be ideal for hiking. Nowadays there are many different laminates out there but all of them have similar compositions and the intention of being as waterproof and breathable as possible. Sil-Nylon and Sil-Poly We also love the simple yet effective snaps on both sides of the Ultra-Lite2. If you’re in a serious storm with rain-blown wind, these snaps allow you to snug the poncho up at your sides and armpits, providing the most secure barrier possible. When you’re in a lighter rain or scattered showers, you can leave as many snaps undone as you want for maximum ventilation. Ground cloth: Under a tent, or a survival shelter, a poncho can protect you from the damp ground. If you are in a cold damp climate, this can help you stay warm. If you’re looking for a poncho that’ll go the distance, the Sea To Summit Nylon Tarp-Poncho is as tough as it comes.A waterproof poncho is a piece of waterproof clothing that is designed to cover the entire top half of your body and prevent you from getting wet. Often made from a single piece of waterproof material and will feature a hood as standard to protect you from rain. Unlike a traditional poncho which originates from South America and is made from a woolen fabric, a rain poncho is not meant to keep you warm.