Arcturus is a company that creates specialized outdoor survival apparel including wool blankets, ghillie suits, and ponchos in particular. It’s a focus that seems to work because it’s managed to create high-quality, lightweight, yet durable rain gear that is very well-priced. MATERIALS: Water-resistant breathable softshell (86% polyester, 14% spandex; liner is 100% polyester)

Also can be converted into a ground sheet or sunshade as has eyelets on the hem of the garment for attaching to tent poles. On the inside, there is a fine knit layer that is bonded to the Polyurethane and making it extra soft and adding to its durability. All the seams are heat-sealed to prevent water from seeping through in heavy rain, and the shape is designed for water to drip right off. VERDICT: The Swagman Roll Military Poncho from Helikon-Tex is not your average lightweight plastic poncho, this is heavy-duty and can be used in many ways other than as a poncho. It is strong and reliable and appeals to hunters and forestry workers who brush through overgrown areas. This is one poncho you don’t really have to worry about, which makes it great to sit on too.The most basic of ponchos won’t have these, and you may not know what you’re missing. However, hood and waist drawstrings and side buttons are a great way to keep control of all the poncho in inclement weather, particularly when it’s windy outside. By using these, you can adjust the amount of material you have flapping in the wind, and make the use of the poncho a bit more comfortable. Rain poncho pricing Waterproof ponchos are often used at events and places like theme parks to slip over your regular clothes and offer as much weather protection as possible. These are often the disposable type of ponchos that are typically single-use and only cost a dollar or two. Our list of the best rain ponchos only looks at ponchos that can be used for hiking and other wilderness adventures. VERDICT: Designed for everyone and anyone, you can wear this to soccer games, to walk your dogs in, or for serious expedition hiking. The TENTSFORMER Bushcraft Poncho from OneTigris is a really good value for money option that doesn’t feel flimsy and will keep you dry all day long. The Arcturus Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Rain Poncho is perfect for walking in rain all day long. Made from durable 210T polyester that is PU3000MM rated and triple-layered, this is probably the most waterproof poncho for hiking out there. I tested the Realtree EDGE version, but you can get plain colors if you aren’t into camo.

The fundamental job of a poncho is to protect the wearer from rain, so that was the starting point for inclusion in this list. Durability and functionality were also considered, but were weighted differently depending on the category (e.g., the best disposable poncho didn’t have to impress me with multifunctional capabilities, while the best lightweight poncho didn’t have to be the most durable).

Arthur McMahon — Lead Editor

Somewhere hot and rainy may not warrant a poncho as you will probably enjoy getting wet and letting the sun dry you afterwards. A waterproof poncho is a piece of waterproof clothing that is designed to cover the entire top half of your body and prevent you from getting wet. Often made from a single piece of waterproof material and will feature a hood as standard to protect you from rain. Unlike a traditional poncho which originates from South America and is made from a woolen fabric, a rain poncho is not meant to keep you warm. A disposable rain poncho is essentially a sheet of waterproof material with a hood. It’s functional and provides ample protection, but isn’t designed to do much else. You can get a few uses out of these, which may be all you need, but eventually, it’ll tear as it’s not made to last. Basic