Backpacking Rain Poncho - Anyone Use One?

[Perry]

I ran across this today...

Anyone ever use one like this? Do you like it?


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[pixie1339]

I use a poncho tarp for backpacking in the rain. Not this particular one, but I do like mine overall. I've worn it through rain light and heavy, even with my beloved camera just under the surface, and I've never had a leak. Mine is only 7 oz, which is lighter than most rain jackets alone. The only things I don't like about mine are that the sleeves only cover half of my arms, and that getting it on without having someone else to pull it over my pack is a pain. Doable, but difficult. That might not be an issue for someone with longer arms. It looks like this one has long sleeves, so that's nice!

 

[Perry]

I use a poncho tarp for backpacking in the rain. Not this particular one, but I do like mine overall. I've worn it through rain light and heavy, even with my beloved camera just under the surface, and I've never had a leak. Mine is only 7 oz, which is lighter than most rain jackets alone. The only things I don't like about mine are that the sleeves only cover half of my arms, and that getting it on without having someone else to pull it over my pack is a pain. Doable, but difficult. That might not be an issue for someone with longer arms. It looks like this one has long sleeves, so that's nice!

Would you mind sharing which poncho tarp you use?

 

[Parma]

I'd be a sweaty mess if I wore that while hiking!

 

[Perry]

I have a rain jacket and pants but it always seems to be a big hassle to me to get them out and on. My thought is that when the skies start to look threatening I could put the poncho on over my pack with the "people" part draped behind my head/neck. If it starts to rain all would have to do is pull it over my head and arms.


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[Wyatt Carson]

A poncho is what I've used for a couple decades now. It keep me and my gear dry. The best one I've found and one in use for the last 5 years has been;

The Snugpak Patrol Poncho

It has no flapping sides and does not leave half your arms exposed. It is like a big muumuu with sleeves. It keeps one dry down to the knees. It is very easy to get on, just throw it over you and your pack. It rides in an outside pocket of my pack a the ready. It is waterproof and has taped seams. While it is airy, like anything, it can be hot in hot weather but in colder weather it really shines when the precip is falling. A rain jacket of any kind worn under a pack is far worse in my experience for making me sweat in just about any conditions. I have an eVent jacket, a Gortex jacket and a Marmot Precip jacket to compare the Poncho to. I've also tried a couple other ponchos in the past, one an Integral Designs sil-nylon and the other a Sea to Summit coated nylon, neither were are waterproof as the Snugpak, the Sea to Summit being the worse and neither had the better fit of the Snugpak. So at this time, it is the best solution we have come up with. Neither of us likes a wet sodden pack.

 

[pixie1339]

Would you mind sharing which poncho tarp you use?

I use the Golite poncho tarp, but sadly Golite went out of business.

As for the sweating, it can be an issue, mostly with the hood on, but I've found most rain gear to have the same problem. Pick your poison, I suppose.

 

[Nick]

I liked the GoLite poncho tarp too. MyTrailCo is the company that came from the ashes. I haven't checked but I imagine they would have brought that product back. I know they have an ultralight umbrella.

 

[Perry]

I liked the GoLite poncho tarp too. MyTrailCo is the company that came from the ashes. I haven't checked but I imagine they would have brought that product back. I know they have an ultralight umbrella.

So like maybe this one?

 

[Nick]

Yep. There's a review on here about the old GoLite version. Excellent product.

 

[Perry]

Yep. There's a review on here about the old GoLite version. Excellent product.

I *really* like that it can be a quick shelter!

 

[Perry]

For those who are interested here's the review to which Nick refers: https://backcountrypost.com/threads/golite-poncho-tarp.2512/


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[Ugly]

I have a homemade poncho tarp, that is purposely longer, because the golite was a little short for me to sleep under. I have also used it to pitch up some quick cover for lunch on a rainy day or to wait out the typical afternoon storms, two of us can fit under it without having to snuggle, or I can squeeze in all my kids to sit and wait out the rain.
A few stakes, a handful of paracord lines that are already cut and it can be pitched in a jiffy.

 

[LarryBoy]

I use a SMD Gatewood Cape in dry environs. It's quite nice

 

[Perry]

MyTrailCo Poncho UL Tarp arrived yesterday. Seems good quality and is really light and compact.

It will save me 15 oz over my rain pants and Precip jacket!


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