For this post, I have put together a collection of the best waterproof ponchos currently available. See all top picks on our ultimate camping checklist.
Our Top Picks
- Best Budget: Anyoo Waterproof
- Best Alternative Budget: Mountain Warehouse Waterproof Poncho
- Best Overall: Snugpak (Most 5*)
- Best High End: Sea to Summit 15D
Staying dry when you are out in the rain, especially when you are out in it for long periods such as on a hike, backpacking or at a festival, will make all the difference.
Instead of getting soaked in the rain, stay dry by wearing a waterproof poncho, so you can carry on with your day.
How We Selected
I’ve scoured the web looking at dozens of waterproof ponchos and have included those with a minimum of 4 stars out of 5.
I’ve included everything from a budget poncho from £15 to the more professional ones from brands like Sea to Summit for hiking and long term use.
I’ve selected ponchos with a selection of different materials and many with multiple functions, where you can use as backpack cover, tarp and many more!
Related: Need kids waterproofs? See my top picks for girls waterproof jackets and boys waterproof jackets.
Let’s get started!
Anyoo Waterproof Rain Poncho
- Affordable, no.1 bestselling poncho, ideal for festivals and hikes.
- 3 in 1 functionality – poncho, mat (ground sheet) or tarp. Can also use as sleeping bag cover.
- Colours: Lots! Including green, black, blue, grey, orange, camo and more!
- Pros: With drawstrings and snaps for good fitting, Hood has an added brim for extra protection from the rain.
- Cons: Not the most stylish. Could do with more fastenings on the sides.
- Consumer Score: Most popular poncho and for good reason – 84% of buyers give it 4 stars or above.
- Retailers:
Snugpak Enhanced Patrol Poncho
- Best rated poncho with lots of useful extras!
- Features include adjustable hood, thumb loops and a storage bag.
- Its generous cut design can allow one to use as an emergency Bivvi if needed.
- It also has a handy velcro front pocket which is perfect for a map and compass.
- The poncho is lightweight and military grade.
- Pros: Good sized sleeves so don’t sweat, generous size, keep you bone dry.
- Cons: Can’t be used as traditional tarp. Drawstring would be useful for super windy conditions.
- Colours: Black and Olive.
- Consumer Score: Outstanding reviews – 82% of buyers give this 5 stars.
- Retailers:
Mountain Warehouse Waterproof Poncho
- Budget waterproof poncho with very good reviews.
- Lightweight, compact and comes with carry pouch.
- Colour: Black
- Pros: Thick for the price tag,
- Cons: Hood can be a bit tight. Check sizing as only ‘one size fits most’.
- Consumer Score: Vast majority of 124 reviews are 5 star.
FROGG TOGGS Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Breathable Rain Poncho
- Highly rated, bestselling and lightweight breathable poncho with waterproof seams.
- With adjustable hood, side snaps and a handy stuff sack.
- Perfect for hiking, camping, fishing or any other outdoor activity.
- Colours: Blue, carbon black, dark green, khaki.
- Pros: Decent for the price and light.
- Cons: Although re-usable the material it’s made from isn’t as long lasting as some other ponchos. One size fits most – but that size is super big!
- Consumer Score: From a whopping 3,724 ratings, 87% give it 4 stars or above.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Tarp Poncho lime 2020 Jacket
- A high end (expensive) lightweight multi-use poncho which can cover a backpack, be used as a tarpaulin or tarp.
- It has waterproof seams, double stitched and glued.
- The hood has a brim for extra protection.
- The material is non-wicking and 100% waterproof.
- Pros: Lightweight, good storage options, sealed seams
- Cons: Buyers like it for it’s quick drying and lightweight feel, but it may not be best for cold or windy conditions.
- Consumer Score: Much loved pro poncho. 75% of 40 ratings give this 5 stars.
- Retailers:
Outdoor Products Backpacker Poncho
- A reliable rain poncho with room for a backpack to be worn underneath it.
- It has snap along sides which leaves room for your arms to hang free.
- Ideal for backpacking.
- This product is backed by a manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty.
- Colours: Forest green & navy.
- Pros: Also has adjustable arm snaps and an adjustable hood.
- Cons: Not best gusset design like many ponchos so can get some drips down your front.
- Consumer Score: Good reviews. From 54 ratings, 80% give it 4-5 stars.
Terra Hiker Multi-Functional Rain Poncho
- This is a durable poncho with multi-uses.
- It can be used to keep you dry in the rain while backpacking or for outdoor activities.
- Also can be converted into a ground sheet or sunshade as has eyelets on the hem of the garment for attaching to tent poles.
- Pros: Reviewers rate it for its high quality and great rain protection. It’s very lightweight and comes in a handy storage bag.
- Cons: One size fits most so do check on this, some find too big, some too small!
- Consumer Score: Solid positive feedback. From over 2,000 ratings this scores an average of 4.5.
How to Choose the Best Rain Poncho for You
Before you decide on what style you’re going to go for there are a few things to consider:
Material
Ponchos are usually made of waterproof materials such as PVC, PU coated nylon, breathable laminates Sil-Poly and more.
Some are lightweight and breathable and others are heavier but will keep you warmer.
Check before you buy as you won’t want something too light if you are heading off on a cold hike and alternatively you wont want anything too heavy if you are going to be in warmer climates.
Cost
Ponchos are usually affordable and a great option for rainwear.
There are plenty of options on the market which range from cheap, simple throw away options which which you wear once and are perfect for a day out at a theme park or festival to higher quality options for hiking and backpacking.
Uses (Multi-functional etc)
Depending on what you will be wearing your poncho for you may want to consider getting one which has multi-uses which include;-
- Bivvi/ Shelter
- Ground Sheet
- Tarp
- Backpack Cover
- Sleeping Bag Cover
Is It Necessary?
Depending on where you are and the climate you are in will depend on whether or not you really require a poncho.
Somewhere hot and rainy may not warrant a poncho as you will probably enjoy getting wet and letting the sun dry you afterwards.
A poncho can work as a good wind blocker as well so you may want to consider wearing one during a windy hike.
Waterproof Poncho Sale & Today’s Bestsellers
Final Thoughts
My top pick is the Snugpak Enhanced Patrol Poncho because it is small and light when packed away yet a generous size when worn. It receives fantastic reviews from buyers with 79% giving it 5 stars. It has long sleeves with an adjustable hood and is available in black or olive.
For a budget option I recommend the Anyoo Waterproof Rain Poncho – it is well suited to festivals and hikes. It scores a very high 4.4 out of 5 and available in a number of colours.
Last Updated: January 2022
- Added Pros and Cons for all products.
- Added Mountain Warehouse poncho.
- Updated review scores.
- Updated shortlisted category top picks.
- Added alternative retailers.
- Added How We Selected.
Charles River Apparel Women’s Rain Poncho (Out Of Stock)
- This women’s polka dot poncho has taped seams for weather protection and a zip styling with zippered pockets to keep your personal items secure.
- It packs into its own pocket for easy travel.
- With shock cord adjustable hood and side snaps.
- Made with 100 percent polyurethane for a high-quality poncho.
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