2 x Emergency Clear Rain Poncho's

Product Information

As gear companies push ultralight technology to its limits we’re seeing an increase in multi-functional outdoor equipment. Read our About page for more information, and check out our gear reviews, trip reports, and outdoor guides. My husband and I have 30 year old ponchos that are dying and struggle to find another long enough (husband 6’2″ and wears it to mid calf). The Packa also has a full zippered front, sleeves that tighten, a fully adjustable hood, and huge pit zips.

They’re rain jackets, wind jackets, pack covers, shelters, sunscreen, and picnic blankets all in one. What’s more, this poncho features a fleece-lined snap pouch to keep your phone and other personal items protected, plus it has a hidden drink holder pocket.Rain ponchos tend to hang lower than your hips (which is where most jackets make their cutoff), and some cover down to your knees.

It’s very cheap, very basic, and we don’t actually recommend disposing of it but keeping it around for emergencies. It’s made of DFC, which is super durable and naturally waterproof material, so it will help fend off rain from your core. It doesn’t do anything fancy, is not made of super durable or strong fabric, and doesn’t transform into something awesome. Though purchasing the largest available rain poncho to cover all of your bases is an option, you’ll end up looking (and feeling) like a deflated turtle on those hikes where you decide to leave your big pack at home. Many poncho models also protect your entire backpack and can be converted into a shelter, providing versatility with which jackets simply cannot compete.We don’t particularly love the word “disposable”, especially when it comes to a plastic product, but one can’t deny the one-use nature of ponchos for many people. Make sure you can still access your pack’s hip belt and water bottles, or choose a poncho that has big pockets. Beyond protecting you and your backpack from bad weather while hiking, the higher-quality ponchos can be converted into shelters with the help of a few tent stakes and a trekking pole.

The Sea to Summit Tarp Poncho covers your body from the rain like a poncho should and also converts into a basic tarp shelter if you really need it to. Unlike the Gatewood Cape, this poncho turns into a groundsheet for your tent, which can really equal one of two things: it can serve as extra protection for a tent that already has a bottom, or a bottom to a tarp tent, which normally doesn’t have a bottom.Clearpay lends you a fixed amount of credit so you can pay for your purchase over 4 instalments, due every 2 weeks. Note that a single individual makes, ships, and repairs the Packa, so don’t expect a large organization when you get in touch.