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The movies may make it seem romantic, but let’s be honest: nobody likes being caught in the rain. Whether you’ve planned a family getaway, a festival trip or a camping weekend, the last thing you want is for your plans to be thwarted by wet weather. That’s where these disposable rain ponchos come in.
What You Need to Know About Rain Ponchos
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right ponchos for you; below are the most important ones, which we considered while we were researching this list.
Raincoat vs. Rain Poncho: Unlike raincoats, which have full sleeves and often have buttons or a zipper closure, rain ponchos are worn more like a cape or shawl, with an opening for your head and a loose, baggy fit. Raincoats are sized like regular jackets (think XS to XL) but ponchos often come as a one-size-fits-all deal. They’re designed to hang loosely over what you’re wearing and, because of their shape, can often cover your backpack or purse (if you’re wearing one) too. Keep in mind a rain poncho is just to keep you dry; unlike a jacket, a poncho won’t provide warmth or insulation.
Design: Like we mentioned above, most ponchos are designed to drape over what you’re already wearing, similar to a cape. Unlike a cape, the best ponchos are also designed with built-in hoods, to keep your head and hair dry as well. Most of the ponchos on our list are longer in length; depending on your height (say, under six-feet), the ponchos should cover you to your ankles. Taller people will find that the poncho covers them to their knees. We’ve also found ponchos with drawstring hoods and elasticized cuffs, which prevents wind and rain from seeping in through openings.
Materials: Most rain ponchos are made from a plastic material. People often joke that ponchos look like plastic bags, and there’s no denying the similarities. Unlike plastic bags (or garbage bags), however, the plastic material used for ponchos is lightweight, thin and won’t feel suffocating. Look for breathable materials to prevent that dreaded “sauna effect.”
Usage: The best disposable ponchos on our list are durable enough to be reused, but they’re really designed for one-time use. They won’t be as effective as an actual raincoat, but to stay dry in a pinch, they’ll do the trick. All of the poncho picks on our list come individually-wrapped, so you can easily tuck one into your bag to stay prepared.
Whether you are going to an outdoor concert, a football game, camping or an amusement park, keep a disposable poncho on you so you can enjoy your outdoor activities in all weather conditions. These ponchos are also an essential part of an emergency kit, keeping you dry if you suddenly find yourself stuck outside in the rain.
