If you're planning on going hiking in an area where it's often wet, and you don't already own a raincoat, you may be wondering whether you should buy a raincoat or a poncho. Both have their advantages, but they also have their pros and cons, and you can expect a raincoat to perform better in some conditions and a poncho to perform better in others. In this article, I'll cover these differences in terms of breathability, weatherproofing, durability, fit, and cost so that you can make a more informed decision about your rainy-weather gear before your trip.
Note: This is just one article in an entire series on how to choose a raincoat and outer layer. If you haven't read the introductory article on how to layer outdoor clothing or the guide on how to choose a raincoat, you may want to read those next.
What is a raincoat?
Waterproof jackets generally fall into two categories: hardshells and raincoats. Hardshells feature a 3-layer construction that offers the best combination of breathability, waterproofing, and durability, but they aren't cheap or particularly lightweight. Raincoats, on the other hand, typically feature a 2-layer construction (without the inner lining found in hardshells) to save weight and cost, and their weatherproofing properties vary depending on their intended use. Lighter jackets, such as those designed for running, are generally less waterproof and may get soaked in sustained or heavy rain, while thicker raincoats are just as waterproof as hardshells. In this article, I will compare ponchos, hardshells, and more waterproof raincoats.
What is a poncho?
A poncho is a rectangular piece of waterproof cloth or plastic with an opening at the top to accommodate the head, a hood to cover the head, and sleeves. Ponchos are one-size-fits-all, with a loose fit and most being long enough to cover the average hiker's thighs. Beyond that, coverage can vary. Some have full-length sleeves, while others only have elbow-length sleeves. Most ponchos are designed to cover only the wearer, but some are designed to cover both the hiker and their pack.
Black Ponchos
Ponchos vs. Raincoats
Given their differences, it's to be expected that ponchos and raincoats have different advantages and disadvantages. It's important to understand those advantages and disadvantages if your goal is to choose the option that best meets your needs.
Breathability and Ventilation
Ponchos and raincoats approach moisture management in very different ways. While ponchos rely on their loose fit and improved ventilation to wick away sweat, rain jackets rely on the breathability of their fabric to prevent excess moisture from accumulating. Some ponchos have zippered vents to aid ventilation, but due to their tighter fit, rain jackets are unlikely to achieve the same level of airflow as ponchos. As a result, rain jackets are generally not as good at aiding evaporation, although they can often prevent sweat buildup in colder temperatures if you layer appropriately.
Insulation
Neither ponchos nor rain jackets have insulation, but jackets have cuffs and drawcord hems to better lock in body heat. Depending on the conditions, this may be more or less desirable. In colder temperatures, especially where it's windy, you'll want these features to help you retain heat and warmth. Jackets are often a better layering choice for the same reason - they're more effective at locking air into an insulating midlayer, such as a fleece pullover or puffy jacket.
Windproofing
Rain jackets have a slimmer fit, adjustable openings, and offer better protection from wind and rain in windy conditions. Hikers wearing ponchos must keep their raincoats in place to prevent the sleeves from opening up and letting in rain, while hikers wearing jackets can simply tighten the sleeves, hem, and hood and continue hiking. In addition to exposing hikers to the rain, ponchos can flap in high winds and flap against the wearer's body. This alone is enough to annoy someone and make them wish they had a jacket.
Hookability
If your hike involves walking through dense woods, you are far less likely to get your jacket snagged on branches, which can happen all the time if you are wearing a loose-fitting poncho. One way to prevent this from happening (if you still decide to use a poncho) is to use a cord wrapped around your waist to tighten the sides of the poncho.
Wearing a poncho through the woods
Durability
One of the most common criticisms of ponchos is that they are not as durable as raincoats, but this only applies to cheap ponchos that are made of plastic. The point is, you get what you pay for, and if you want a poncho that won't rip or break during a trail trip, you'll have to spend a little more.