Spending the day in wet clothes is not only uncomfortable, it can also be dangerous. Depending on the time of year, a peaceful hike in the woods met with a sudden downpour can lead to rapid hypothermia. On a less severe note, attending a music festival or going to an amusement park and standing in the rain while waiting to see your favorite band or go on a ride can turn a fun day into an unpleasant experience. That’s why when planning to spend time outdoors, it’s always a great idea to bring a lightweight and waterproof poncho with a universal fit.
Ponchos are a great alternative to more expensive and fitted rain jackets because they can be worn by multiple people in your party, are typically much lighter and more affordable than a traditional jacket, and take up less space. Many ponchos are also designed to accommodate backpacks and purses, which helps to keep your belongings dry. We also like that ponchos can be spread out and turned into multi-purpose items, like a tent, tarp or blanket.
Depending on the price point of the poncho, these versatile and useful products are great to buy in bulk and keep in your car, at your work, in your backpack and your home.
Don’t let a fun day get drowned out by bad weather. Check out our top picks for the best ponchos that will keep you dry and having fun.
1. SaphiRose Hooded Rain Poncho
For a poncho that will keep you dry and doubles as a multiuse survival tool, we recommend the SaphiRose Hooded Rain Poncho. Made with high quality polyester fabric, the poncho is a universal adult size that can accommodate large backpacks. An adjustable hood with a drawstring closure and button fasteners along the side makes it easy for users to keep water out. The breathable and 100% waterproof poncho, which has 3000 PU coating, includes a front zippered pocket for personal items. We also like that the SaphiRose, which comes in 21 color options, features steel grommets along the edges that make it easy for users to transform the poncho into a tarp, a tent or a blanket. The poncho also comes with a small travel bag for added storage convenience.
Pros: Universal size that accommodates a backpack up to 50L, adjustable hood and zippered pocket, several color options.
Cons: Users over 6 feet tall may want to go with a larger style poncho.
2. Hagon PRO Disposable Rain Ponchos
When spending the day outdoor hiking, attending a festival or at an amusement park, it can be difficult to be prepared without weighing down your belongings. Umbrellas and full-size rain jackets can be heavy and cumbersome, which is why we like the Hagon PRO Disposable Rain Ponchos. The translucent Hagon ponchos are sold in a pack of five and made with 0.035 mm thick PE, boasting a waterproof finish that is still thin enough to fit in your pocket. The lightweight ponchos are individually packed and are approximately the same size as a smartphone when folded. The environmentally friendly ponchos are made from 100% biodegradable PE and still have a breathable design that makes them comfortable to wear all day. The universal adult size includes a hood and is large enough to accommodate backpacks and purses.
Pros: Lightweight and compact, breathable design, made from biodegradable material.
Cons: The sleeves don’t fully cover arms and the hood does not include a drawstring, which can make it difficult to stay up.
3. Foxelli Hooded Rain Poncho
For a poncho that will keep the rain off your face and ensure you stay dry even during heavy downpours, we recommend the Foxelli Hooded Rain Poncho. The durable and breathable 210t high-density PU 3000mm coated polyester poncho is waterproof and designed to last for years. The hood features a drawstring closure and has an extended peak to help keep the rain off the wearer’s face. Velcro fasteners along the side ensure that rain and wind do not cut through the poncho. Like the SaphiRose, the Foxelli also includes steel grommets designed for use in survival settings, including using the poncho as a tarp, tent or blanket. The Foxelli can also accommodate backpacks up to 50L. Weighing 11 ounces, the Foxelli, which is available in seven color combinations, also comes with a reusable travel pouch for convenient storage.
Pros: Drawstring hood includes a peak, Velcro closures along the side, comes with a storage pouch.
Cons: In windy conditions, the hood may obstruct the users’ view.
4. HLK Sports Raincoat
For users who want the convenience and universal fit of a poncho but the added structure of a jacket, we recommend the HLK Sports Raincoat. Made with 100% high-grade EVA material, the HLK jacket is a lightweight and breathable piece of waterproof outerwear. Both jackets included in the two-pack feature snap button fronts, a drawstring hood, and elastic cuffs that help keep wind and water out. Available in six colors and designed to fit adults up to 6’1 and 220 pounds, the roomy jacket allows for users to wear small backpacks and purses underneath the jacket.
Pros: Snap button front, elastic cuffs, can accommodate small backpacks and purses.
Cons: The HLK jackets are only 0.15mm thick and may tear if caught on a sharp object.