Are you up for a rainy getaway? It may be weird, but I like hiking in the rain. I love the sound of the raindrops, and the smell all around that comes with it.
Each time I hit the trails, I sneak a pack of rain gears just in case it showers. It serves as little protection when pour gets hard in each stride. But do you know what takes me so long to pack?
It’s the time on deciding whether I’ll bring my poncho or my rain jacket. Sometimes I like the poncho. On other trips, it’s the jacket. Poncho vs. Rain Jacket; which one do you think is more useful?
How about you? Which do you prefer?
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It’s essential for a backpacker not to be soaked especially during long hikes. Why is that so?
Poncho vs. Rain Jacket
Enter your text here...Let us find out the difference between the poncho and the rain jacket. The comparison will give you facts that will help you decide what to bring in every hike. See whether the poncho or the rain jacket is the best choice.
Rain Poncho
via amazon.com
Rain ponchos are available in different materials and designs which comes in various colors and sizes. Backpackers usually pick the nylon kind of material. Aside from being waterproof, it’s also lightweight.
There are portable, disposable and cheap ponchos (vinyl material) in the market. It’s quite compact, thin and short. But for hiking use, it won’t be much durable and won’t last to protect you.
These type of ponchos would easily rip when you pass by tree branches or bushes. Much worse, the material is hot, you won’t get wet from the rain, but you’ll soak with your sweat. I won’t recommend this when choosing narrow tracks.
Here are the features of a poncho that I consider suitable and useful for campers.
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The 4 Best Backpacking Rain Poncho for Campers and Hikers (2018)
Advantages and disadvantages of using a poncho.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
If you love ponchos, look at this video. There’s someone who enjoys it as you do.
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Rain Jacket
via amazon.com
Rain jackets are excellent for outdoors. If I’m expecting heavy rains during my hiking trip, I make sure to bring my rain jacket with me. In fact, I recommend to owning one if you enjoy traveling.
There are plenty of rain jackets to choose from in the market. It varies in colors, sizes, and designs. Some are good for backpacking; some aren’t. So, make sure to pick the one that will be useful.
Here are the features of a rain jacket appropriate for backpacking:
Advantages and disadvantages of wearing a rain jacket.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Here is a quick guide on how to roll a rain jacket during hiking.
Price
EnterPoncho is way cheaper compared to rain jackets. Depending on the brand, rain jackets can range from $15.00 to $60, 100 and even more. But with ponchos, the price range is from $10 to $30 for the best. It’s a big difference, so better think first what suits you best.
I say that both the poncho and rain jackets are equally useful in the rain. Deciding on what to wear between the two when hiking would depend on the kind of weather, the type of trail and the length of time that you’ll need it.
If I plan to go backpacking overnight on spots with challenging terrains, it’s practical to use my rain jacket. When the forecast is heavy rain and cold wind the rain jacket is safer to use too. I’ll just need to wear matching waterproof pants and backpack cover to keep me thoroughly dry.
However, when hiking in warm weather with occasional rain showers, I love to wear the poncho. It’s cool enough not to let me sweat under while keeping dry at the same time. If my trail is maintained tracks and is safe from gusty wind, a poncho is the best.
Conclusion
Whether it's poncho or rain jacket, the primary concern is to keep myself dry on rainy days. And for that, I need to choose a type that has features to cover my need. It’s hard to get sick nowadays, especially if I’ve got another hike on my bucket list!
