Ponchos vs Rain Jackets
Rain jackets are the default method for staying dry in the rain. Unfortunately, their performance often leaves much to be desired. We have found that ponchos are a great alternative or addition for more comprehensive rain protection. However, choosing the best rain protection setup can be challenging, particularly when faced with varying weather conditions and terrain types. Here is a quick look at the pros and cons of each option.
Rain jackets
Tom wearing the Inov8 Raceshell Pro FZ rain jacket during the Te Araroa FKT.
Pros
- Performs well in windy conditions
- Adjustable drawcords in hood, waist and sleeve cuffs help retain warmth
- Generally durable
- A good fit reduces the likelihood of snagging on branches
Cons
- You will get wet inevitably
- Hard to put on quickly during sudden downpours
- Limited ventilation, even with pit zips
- DWR coating can wear off over time and needs maintenance
- Zippers can wear out
- Choosing the right size can be tricky
- Good models are typically expensive
Some good models
- Montbell Versalite (US version)
- Inov8 Raceshell Pro FZ
- Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket
- Gore Wear H5 Gore-Tex Shakedry Jacket (or any old Gore-Tex Shakedry model)
The rain jacket’s best feature is its functionality in high winds and driving rain, making it better suited for cold conditions. Unlike a poncho, it includes adjustable drawstrings on the hood, waist, and sleeve cuffs, which help retain warmth and prevent it from flapping in the wind.
A high-quality rain jacket is also generally durable. It is designed to withstand the demands of extended outdoor use. Particularly, it is convenient for navigating rugged, dense terrain with prevalent trees and shrubs. A well-fitted rain jacket is less likely to snag on the trail.
However, whilst a rain jacket does generally protect against the elements, it does have its drawbacks. One notable consideration is how to manage perspiration. Although rain jackets are designed to keep you dry, it is easy to build up sweat inside, especially when hiking hard or if it is humid. This is problematic because you can end up just as wet from sweat as you can from rain! Even with features like pit zips, we find that this can be a challenge.
Another drawback is that a rain jacket can be cumbersome to put on quickly during sudden downpours. When rain catches you off guard, taking your pack off and dealing with zippers can waste time (especially with gloves on).
Most rain jackets also need to be maintained as the DWR coating wears off over time. Whilst this doesn’t impact the physical waterproofing of the jacket, the DWR coating is essential in helping moisture pass through your jacket. This can add to the cost of an already expensive jacket, with quality models often priced at several hundred dollars.
Ponchos
A cheap emergency poncho providing essential protection during the Te Araroa FKT. Note the waist cord to prevent flapping.
Pros
- Keeps you dry in extended downpours
- Exceptional ventilation
- Cheap relative to a rain jacket
- Provides broader coverage, keeping your shorts or the upper parts of your legs dry
- Keeps your pack dry (including items on the outside)
- No DWR coating to wet out or maintain
- Can be put on quickly and easily whilst walking
- The flexible design lets you tuck in your arms for warmth, like a turtle!
Cons
- Does not perform as well in high winds (a waist cord makes a big difference)
- Only suitable for certain types of terrain like good-quality tracks, not scrub or overgrown paths
- Doesn’t keep you warm
- More cumbersome with larger packs (optimal with packs smaller than 40L)
- Trekking poles or umbrellas can snag on ponchos if they don’t collapse well (z style poles are fine)
- An emergency poncho is not very durable
Some good models
- Plastic emergency poncho (50g)
- Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Poncho (145g)
Ponchos are an excellent option for hiking on established trails. In fact, their main benefit is that actually keep you dry!
In contrast to a rain jacket, a poncho’s size offers broader coverage, shielding you, your pack, and any gear attached to its exterior. However, it is best suited for bags under 40L, as larger packs can make wearing a poncho cumbersome.
Additionally, it allows you to quickly put it on or take it off whilst walking, so you don’t need to pack everything away when the rain comes.
For us, one of the biggest advantages of wearing a poncho is its exceptional ventilation. Unlike a rain jacket, its design prevents sweat buildup, making it an ideal choice for warmer conditions or when hiking uphill. And when the temperature drops, you can opt to tuck your arms inside for extra warmth (like a turtle).
But despite their many benefits, ponchos do have their limitations. While it is fantastic for warm-weather hikes, a poncho cannot provide the same level of protection in cold weather as a rain jacket. So, it isn’t a standalone solution for cold or unpredictable environments.
Another significant drawback is the poncho’s poor performance in high winds. Unlike rain jackets, which can fit snugly around the body, ponchos can flap around in gusty winds. To mitigate this, we recommend tying a waist cord to stabilize the poncho.
Finally, ponchos perform best on good-quality tracks, where there’s less risk of getting caught in dense vegetation. They can even be prone to snagging on trekking poles that don’t collapse small enough.
As a whole, a cheap poncho adds a large amount of comfort and protection in inclement weather. Carrying both a poncho and rain jacket can sometimes mean that you can purchase a cheaper or lighter rain jacket as you are relying less on the jacket to perform.
Conclusion
The choice ultimately depends on the terrain you’re walking in. Rain jackets provide reliable protection in harsh conditions, while ponchos are an excellent option for warmer, well-maintained trails. For us, we often carry both. We tend to feel cold quickly, so we always pack a lightweight 100-200g rain jacket, paired with a 50g disposable poncho. With this setup, we are confident in staying dry, even in extended downpours.
If you want the ultimate setup, add an umbrella!
