The loose fit helps, as does zippered vents (under the arms or down the middle), which rain jackets sometimes have but not always. Make sure you can still access your pack’s hip belt and water bottles, or choose a poncho that has big pockets.

frogg toggs

If you aren’t planning on wearing a backpack under your poncho, you’ll be much more comfortable in a traditional poncho like the Frogg Toggs Ultra-lite 2 seen here.The Gatewood Cape and Sea to Summit Tarp ponchos provide 360-degree coverage when staked out as shelters, providing as much protection as would a separate camp tarp. I love the Altus because of the ziplock and the arms, easy to put on without help, when it stop raining for a while unlock the zip, take out your arms and tie them around your waist still covering your backpack. The Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll Military Poncho is another one that the hunters will like as it is thicker and more durable than the superlight ponchos. Using two hiking poles or some lightweight tarp poles, guy lines, and some pegs, you can have an open-air but totally waterproof shelter set up in under 5 minutes.

Poncho quandary — Altus, Frogg Toggs, Vaude, or something Poncho quandary — Altus, Frogg Toggs, Vaude, or something

The main difference between the two is that if we had to pick one to wear while bushwalking through thorns, thickets, and tight overgrown trails, we’d go with the Sea To Summit all day. The SaphiRose Unisex Rain Ponchostands out from the crowd with a full-length zipper and handy pocket which is perfect for your phone. silnylon] Woven nylon is used in all kinds of outdoor gear for its lightweight, durability, and ability to be manipulated for its purpose. Made famous by GORE-TEX in the 1970s, breathable laminates are still the best waterproof fabrics for waterproof clothing. 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.If it starts to blow too much, then I just gather the hem in tight around my thighs and all is well. The poncho packs inside its own front pocket, which comes in handy for maps and your phone when you are wearing it. Once you get where you’re going, you simply unclip the poncho and fasten down the side snaps to snug it down to your body, and you’ve got a classic full coverage poncho to protect you while you walk.

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This means it’ll be more durable, which is good for most travelers and day hikers, but not as good for ultralight backpackers. Nylon is very similar to polyester in its properties in that thin strands are woven together to create a durable and lightweight fabric ideal for outdoor clothing. The Snugpak Patrol Poncho, like all Snugpaks gear, is made to be tough enough for military use all around the world. The material is especially suitable for its purpose and can even be used as a groundsheet it is so tough but at the same time lightweight and comfortable.Your main drawback with this poncho is that although it’s still plenty affordable, it costs a few dollars more than most budget ponchos. So apart from being waterproof, there are two other factors you need to consider for a hiking rain poncho and they are breathability and whether it will fit a backpack underneath. While the strands of nylon are waterproof (they don’t hold moisture) a fabric made from woven fibers will need some kind of treatment to make it fully waterproof. Aside from that, our only other complaint here is that the Anyoo’s visor doesn’t do much to keep rain off your face, so you’ll still want to pack a ball cap if you’re taking it hiking. The disposable poncho that feels a bit like a bin bag with a hood on is made from a single piece of material that is 100% waterproof.