When heading outdoors during a less-than-exemplary day, the need for a versatile, well-rounded jacket is often perfectly apparent. However, when things become a bit more inclement, there are times where a traditional zip-up layer won’t protect you from the adverse elements. Luckily, there’s a simple, affordable way to ensure that you’ll arrive at your destination without having to worry about being soaked to the bone — the poncho.
Over the course of its life, the poncho has served many-a-man in their exploratory endeavors. Whether it be relinquished to a quick jaunt down the block, a jog to the parking lot, or a full-fledged trail run, this adaptable garment has secured a reputation as an essential piece of any guy’s weather-ready arsenal, calling upon technical fabrics, a minimalistic design principle, and lightweight architecture to keep it packable, dependable, and intuitive. Below, we’ll outline a handful of our favorite ponchos from around the industry, and give you some insight into what it is that makes each one so special.
Charles River Men’s Pacific Rain Poncho
Charles River’s Men’s Pacific Rain Poncho can’t be more direct. This straight-to-the-point garment was crafted to maintain an affordable, simplistic persona, while providing all of the viability, and dependability, of high-end models. Luckily, it doesn’t disappoint, calling upon a 100% polyurethane construction, heat-sealed, waterproof seams, and knit backing to provide lightweight support when faced with inclement weather. Better yet, this stylish offering even features breathable snap closures in the under-arm areas and boasts a slimline, packable silhouette that can be carried in the company’s proprietary storage pouch.
REI Outdoor Products Multipurpose Poncho
REI’s Outdoor Products Multipurpose Poncho is a knee-length garment that’s both capable and complete, bridging the gap between an aesthetically-pleasing polyurethane-coated taffeta construction and rugged, rust-resistant snaps to ensure an extended life of wear. At just nine ounces, this featherweight offering boasts a water-tight taped-seam construction, a full-cut integral hood, and drawcord, and an easy-to-pack demeanor that stows perfectly in the company’s polyester carrying case, giving you reliable access when the weather decides to take an unexpected turn.
Snugpak Patrol Poncho
Snugpak’s Patrol Poncho is yet another simplified option that gives precipitous outdoor elements a run for their money, calling upon a travel-friendly, waterproof silhouette, a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) exterior treatment, and polyurethane coating to ensure that rogue droplets don’t penetrate to your base layers. Working alongside the poncho’s completely waterproof exterior treatment, the Patrol calls upon a fully-equipped adjustable hood, thumb loops, a Velcro map pocket, and a proprietary storm flap to keep you protected and prevalent, while looking great to-boot.
Sierra Designs Poncho
Sierra Designs’ aptly-named Poncho is essentially a tarp that you can wear on your body, making it a valuable proposition for individuals who are into purposeful gear and want the ability to multitask at the drop of a dime. This versatile garment boasts fully waterproof taped seams, a full-length zipper and storm flap, side snaps to help it adapt and adjust depending on the length you need, and an adjustable three-piece hood to ensure adequate protection from a variety of angles. When it comes to construction, a dependable 80-denier Hurricane Extend 2L mechanical stretch polyester, nylon ripstop lining, and weatherproof reinforcement provide optimal support, even in the rainiest locations.
Sea To Summit Ultra Sil Nano Tarp Poncho
Sea To Summit’s Ultra SilNano Tarp Poncho is another gargantuan offering that can double as a ground/gear cover when you need it most. This fully-waterproof 15-denier peripheral calls upon the company’s proprietary Ultra-Sil Nano fabric, side snaps, and double-stitched, tape-sealed construction to ensure that you’re never far from your protective throw-over. And the best part? The Ultra Sil even converts into a two-person shelter when used with the company’s capable bug tents, lending itself to ultralight housing when on-the-trail, or off-grid.
Therm-A-Rest Honcho Poncho
Therm-A-Rest’s Honcho Poncho is a dependable garment that doesn’t skimp when it comes to corporeal design, focusing on its attributes and performance above all else. This unique throw-over is treated with a refined water-resistant coating to keep inclement weather at bay, while a kangaroo pocket at its front, and extra top-zip pocket, can easily store and protect your vital items in the event of a downpour. Whenever you’re done, the Honcho Poncho packs down into a handy, pint-sized pack that can be wrapped within itself, removing the need to carry around an additional item for storage.
Outback Trading Co Packable Poncho
Outback Trading Co’s Packable Poncho is the most aesthetically astute offering on this list, and as such, it has a reputation to uphold as an equally-efficient outdoor variant. When it comes to performance, don’t fret — the Poncho is both waterproof, and breathable, and boasts a well-designed front zip pouch, adjustable shock cord hood, gusseted v-neck opening, and grommets to aid in packability and use. Better yet, for all of the trail-faring equestrians out there, there’s even a proprietary D-ring that allows for easy use alongside a horse’s saddle pack, making it an attractive proposition for avid riders.
Fourth Element Storm Poncho
Fourth Element’s Storm Poncho is a sleek, refined take on the traditional waterproof throw-over. It features a fluorine-free DWR treatment for reliable water repellency, a 10,000-millimeter HH waterproof, and weatherproof rating, and a soft-grid lining crafted from recycled s-cafe polyester, promoting sustainable manufacturing and versatile use. While this weather-savvy garment is primarily for after-dive shinanigans, it easily doubles as a formidable throw-over to keep rambunctious elements at bay, offering warmth, comfort, and breathability for the modern wearer.
Rumpl Nanoloft Poncho
Rumpl’s Nanoloft Poncho is a well-rounded offering that’s been crafted to take on any outdoor situation with ease. Not only is this example outfitted with the industry’s leading DWR treatments and a 5K laminated shoulder and hood area, but it’s also embued with dependable YKK waterproof zippers, 100% PCR Polar Fleece hand pockets, and Rumpl’s NanoLoft insulation technology to promote year-round warmth. It even comes in a handful of colors and patterns, making it an attractive proposition for buyers who are looking to utilize the poncho for overcast nights on the town, early-morning trail exploration, or full-fledged outdoor endeavors.
Canada Goose Field Poncho
Canada Goose is a respected name within the realm of outdoor attire, and the company’s Field Poncho is one of, if not the most ideal offerings around. Inherently, the throw-over’s aesthetic is as refined as they come, calling upon a lightweight Tri-Durance fabric, fully seam-sealed construction, reflective detailing, and a gusseted area behind its front zipper to improve airflow and breathability, without sacrificing performance. To complement the garment’s adjustable hood and sleeves, tuckable cables and drawcords have been implemented alongside the Field Poncho’s Aquaguard zipper system, which fends off moisture without the drawbacks of traditional closure systems. But it’s not all about aesthetics and performance; utility is just as important. Inside, a large kangaroo pocket works alongside various mesh organization pockets to ensure that all of your necessities are protected and safe from rain.
The 20 Best Rain Jackets For Men
While there are specific situations that call for the use of an adaptable poncho, the vast majority of the time, you’ll need to rely on a more traditional garment. Luckily, our guide on the best rain jackets for men will ensure that you’re protected from the weather when you need it most, while also staying stylish and on-trend.
