My choice of rain gear has been a poncho for several years now. Prior to the poncho, I wore “breathable” parkas, which were nice as long as they didn’t leak. After wearing out a couple of parkas, I decided to try the simple poncho. I am very glad I did. I use the Outdoor Products Backpacker poncho. 

My use case

A poncho works for my needs; your mileage may vary. I live in Northern California, where it typically rains from October to April. I recently moved to Sonoma County, which averages 9 days of rain per month during the rainy season. I have been walking 1.5 miles to work, so my poncho saw lots of use last winter. I go camping/backpacking in the summer, where it rarely rains, unless I am in the mountains.

My experience with rain parkas

These garments are warm, and provide good protection against the rain when paired with rain pants. They are constructed for years of rough use. However, they are expensive, bulky and heavy if you are counting ounces. It’s often on the chopping block for trips with only a slight chance of rain. Even with built-in vents, these parkas get clammy despite their breathable fabric. After about 3-5 years, the seams start to leak, and there are lots of seams. It never occurred to me to reseal the seams, so it became costly to replace these parkas. 

Pros of the Poncho

• Versatility: in addition to being worn as protection from wind and rain, my poncho has loops sewn in so it can be used as a tarp. There is an extended backside to cover a large backpack, which eliminates the need for a pack cover. In an emergency, it can serve as a shelter, sleeping bag, rucksack, etc.
• Cost: my poncho is still $40 or less, the same price I paid for it 7 years ago.
• Lightweight and compact: My poncho weighs 12 oz (¾ lb). Parkas I have owned weigh between 1-2 lbs. In addition to ditching the pack cover, I am easily saving 1 lb., which is a big deal for backpacking. The poncho also folds up into the size of a soda can, freeing up space. 
• Ease of maintenance: there are very few seams. Mine do leak slowly, but for up to 90 minutes of use, it is not enough of a problem for me to address. The urethane coating on the fabric is still working, but I can waterproof it using treatment for tents and tarps.
• Ventilation: unlike a parka, a poncho has plenty of airflow. Just raise your arms or unbutton the sides to really air out. One would think that rain leaks past the sides, but that has not been my experience; I have been very dry inside my poncho.
• Roominess: wearing a poncho can feel like wearing a shelter. I can use my phone underneath it, hide my camera, or carry a bag of groceries. Drawing my hands inside keeps them warm without gloves. There is enough room inside to swing my arms normally as I walk.
• Coverage: I stay drier with a poncho compared to a parka or umbrella. In driving rain, I am wet from the waist down when using an umbrella or parka. The poncho covers down to my knees. I don’t wear rain pants unless I expect to be in a downpour for extended periods.

Cons of the poncho

• Windy conditions: there is a lot of material to flap around in the wind. To mitigate this, I tied some cord to my loops so my poncho can be cinched around my waist like an apron. 
• Larger profile: it’s harder to get close to animals for photography because the poncho makes you look bigger. 
• Extreme weather: a parka is warmer if you are facing extreme conditions. A poncho probably acts like a sail in high winds, which can be dangerous. 
• Fashionability: while a poncho can be worn for warmth, it’s pigeonholed as rainwear. I don’t see anyone wearing a poncho when it is not raining. I would have no qualms wearing a poncho as an outer layer in the backcountry. 

Conclusion

I have no regrets ditching the rain parka for the poncho. Simplicity is always a strength in my book. My poncho is an effective and versatile piece of gear that I trust. It has kept me dry through countless walks and hikes, and tasted rain in places like Taiwan and New Zealand. If precipitation is in the forecast, the poncho is coming with me.