The Best Men’s Ponchos for Rainy Weather

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 when 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. 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.

What is a poncho?

Over the course of its life, the poncho has served many 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

Ponchos vs. rain jackets

While both of these can help protect you against the rain, they serve slightly different purposes. Ponchos should be sleeveless and loose-fitting (so you can fit a backpack underneath) and are made of lightweight waterproof materials. Rain jackets are usually heavier, and offer total coverage from the rain. If the rain where you live isn’t too crazy, and you plan to hike/commute with a pack, a poncho is the way to go. However, any serious rain calls for a serious rain jacket.

What to Look For

Material: It’s essential that your poncho is made with a waterproof material like nylon, polyester, or coated fabrics like PVC or PU (polyurethane). You also want a bit of breathability, so you don’t get too hot underneath. 

Size: The poncho should be large enough to cover you and your backpack (if you’re carrying one). Longer ponchos with sleeves or thumb loops can offer better protection, but will add to the weight and size.

Packability: You want a poncho that’s lightweight and easy to pack away. Look for compact designs that can be folded into a small pouch or pocket, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. 

Waterproofing: Water resistance is helpful, but you really want a completely waterproof poncho. Check for a high waterproof rating (usually measured in millimeters), and a rating of 5,000mm or higher is ideal for your average rain. 

Hood: A hood with a brim and/or an adjustable drawstring is very convenient for keeping both rain and wind at bay. If you want a more custom fit, there are plenty of options that come with detachable hoods.

Charles River Apparel Pacific Rain Poncho

Best Budget 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.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Tarp Poncho

Best 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

Best Blanket 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 an 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 Company Packable Poncho

Best 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.

Rumpl Original Puffy Changing Poncho

Best Sustainable Poncho: Rumpl’s Original Puffy 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 waterproof shoulders and a hood, but it’s also made with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, features a convenient kangaroo pouch, and can pack away into its own body (while forming a pillow in the process). This is a great pick for buyers who are looking to utilize the poncho for overcast nights on the town, early-morning trail exploration, or full-fledged outdoor endeavors.

Fourth Element Storm Poncho

Best All-Weather 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.

Aether Down Poncho

Best Down Poncho: Back in 2009, a couple of film producers (Palmer West & Jonah Smith) started the outdoor apparel and gear label Aether after pivoting from the movie industry. Since then, the company has been creating durable outdoor gear with a modern look, without sacrificing utility in the process. This down poncho showcases this design philosophy perfectly, with a minimal 2-in-1 design (going from poncho to blanket), a matte woven shell, and warm 800-fill power goose down. You get a kangaroo pocket on the center front and a hanging loop on the edge of the left side for convenient storage (made even more convenient with the added storage bag).

Canada Goose Field Poncho

Best Premium 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 Best Rain Jackets for Men Right Now

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.