Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie
Despite the best planning, some days during your travels, you’ll run into rain. Maybe you’ll seek the rain. Either way, it’s best to find an easy way to stay as dry as possible. A poncho will cover you and often will be large enough to also cover your backpack. Whether you are looking for the best rain poncho for travel or the best backpacking poncho, let’s look at the options!
A travel poncho needs to be durable, compact, and waterproof. If it’s small enough for your backpack and day pack, it’ll always be with you when you find yourself in unexpectedly wet circumstances. It’s also a great addition for hikers and campers, just in case it rains!
Disclaimer
Blissmersion is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain contain affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, I’ll receive a commission.
Best rain poncho for travel 2024
Most travel rain poncho options cannot be machine washed and dried. Please follow all laundering instructions provided in order to keep your travel ponchos in pristine condition. It’s best practice to allow your poncho to dry thoroughly after use.
Do ponchos have sleeves? Not really, no!
Finding the Best Rain Poncho for Travel
I often carry a travel towel in my carry on, too!
Best rain poncho for backpacking and travel
RainCaper Rain Poncho for Women – Reversible
It isn’t easy to find a fashionable poncho and this reversible poncho by Raincaper is fashionable! Made from 100% soft polyester, it also has exclusive hidden magnets to made sleeves and prevent billowing. The best part? It can be machine washed and dried. This poncho has a travel pouch that is sized 8 inches by 10 inches and weighs 9 oz. I think this is one of the best backpacking rain poncho options, because you don’t feel like you’re wearing a crinkly plastic bag. Be aware it’s on the shorter side.
Best for: Soft fabric, Stylish
NUUR Women’s Rain Poncho Jacket Waterproof Lightweight Reusable Hiking Rain Coat Jacket with Hood
This jacket by Nuur features a an enivro-friendly 95% polyester with 5% PVC and heat sealed seams for a durable, waterproof poncho. It’s also quick drying, light, and breathable making it a great rain poncho for backpacking. Additionally, it only weighs 9.6 ounces and folds down to 9.8 inches by 6 inches. This poncho has a front pocket that is waterproof and has a zipper! Additionally, the hood has a drawstring, so you can adjust the fit on your head.
Best for: Drawstring hood, Enviro-friendly polyester
Charles River Apparel Pacific Rain Poncho
Charles River Pacific Rain Poncho is 100% Polyurethane with a knit backing for better fabric durability and strength (though it is unlined). It features heat sealed seams for better waterproofing. This poncho is durable and long lasting. It also comes in several colors. It also has a drawstring hood. However, the one downside is that it only has one button on each side. Even so, this is a great unisex rain poncho for travel. It really holds up to wind and rain.
Best for: Durable
Rain Jacket for Women – Lightweight Poncho by November Rain
November Rain’s Poncho for women is 100% polyester with PVC backing. It has heat sealed seams with a strong waterproof backpacking. This poncho has a generous fit, but runs a little shorter in the front than the back. It also has a full length zipper, so it isn’t a struggle to pull it over your head. It’s also great for travel as it folds up into an 8 inch by 5 inch pouch. This hood does not have a drawstring, though it’s large enough to fit over a hat.
Best for: Front zipper
Rain Poncho Jacket Coat Hooded for Adults with Pockets by SaphiRose
This women’s travel rain poncho is 100% polyester. It also has a nice big hood to help keep you dry from head to toe. The fabric, which is the same as umbrella fabric, is quick drying, extremely water resistant, and breathable. It has a zipper front closure and a drawstring hood.
Best for: Zipper closure, Drawstring hood
GEEK LIGHTING Women Waterproof Lightweight Rain Jacket with Hood
This poncho by Geek Lighting is made from 100% ripstop waterproof polyester material, plus a durable PVC coating. It is also designed to be used as picnic blanket, camping blanket, rain cover, etc, as well as a poncho. The hood is also adjustable. The back is roomy so it can fit over a backpack. It also packs down easily for storage in your backpack, car glove box, etc.
Best for: Camping
When flying to a large city where it is most likely to rain, is it better to bring an umbrella or a rain poncho?
It can be useful to have both options available to you. In cities, umbrellas are popular and often used. However, if you are going to be carrying around a lot of stuff, a poncho might be a better option. It will cover your backpack, which is a big plus in a sudden downpour (especially if you are carrying expensive electronics).
Don’t forget your poncho!
The best poncho for backpacking and travel will be one that is comfortable, durable, waterproof, and folds up compactly to be stored in your carry on luggage. It’s a huge bonus if it’s cute, too. If you like camping, many can do double duty and provide a rain or sun shade (your mileage may vary). It’s a great thing to have along just in case it rains!
Do you have feedback on the best poncho for travel? Readers give the best feedback! Please leave a comment with your thoughts and suggestions. Thank you!
