When it comes to wet weather gear like a rain poncho, the higher the quality, the better your experience. If you have ever been caught on a walk in a storm with a low-quality rubber or plastic poncho, you know what a muggy, uncomfortable feel they have.
We figured out quickly as we prepared for this article that most companies make unisex ponchos rather than separate ones for women or men. And since we were focused most on quality, we found that the different quality rain ponchos companies don’t all design them for the same situations. Some are for hiking, others for around town, and so forth. So we decided the simplest order to list them in was simply by price.
So, all that being said, this article lists the top 5 highest quality rain ponchos that we could find on the market today. So, let’s get after it! See also my related articles: “Top 5 Highest Quality Men’s Rain Pants 2024!“ and “Top 5 Highest Quality Men’s Rain Boots 2024!“
1. Adeam Unisex Rain Waterproof Poncho Style Jacket
The Adeam Unisex Rain Waterproof Poncho Style Jacket is a very high-end formal rain poncho. It is the most pricey on our list in this article by more than double. This is not the poncho you want to wear out fishing or paintballing with the boys. I wouldn’t even take it golfing. It is classy and dressy, more of a waterproof overcoat.
This poncho is waterproof. It is made of 100% Nylon and says it is “dry clean only.” It is made of a Taffeta fabric that has a very luxurious feel. It is coated to make it waterproof, which, in my experience, means it will stay waterproof for a very long time, but not forever.
It is lightweight, although I could not find an exact weight listed by the company. To make the seams of the fabric waterproof, they used taped seams. It has an odd but classy designed oversized pocket on the front.
Pros:
- Very Good looking: This is a very classy and dressy style poncho.
- Waterproof & Windproof: This poncho’s 100% Nylon fabric is waterproof and windproof.
- Luxurious Feel: This poncho is made of a luxurious Taffeta-type fabric.
Cons:
- Price: This high-quality poncho is the most expensive on the list by double.
- Dry Clean Only: This poncho must be dry cleaned.
2. Mira Unisex Safety M4 CBRN Military Poncho
The Mira Unisex Safety M4 CBRN Military Poncho is a very high-quality rain poncho. It is designed for military use and comes in camouflage patterns as well. The company that sells it, Mira, says that the Serbian Armed Forces use this poncho.
This rain poncho is waterproof and designed to act as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) barrier for the skin when used with a gas mask. This poncho might be overkill for your paintball day in the woods with the boys!
Besides selling these rain ponchos to military organizations, Mira also markets to emergency preparedness-minded civilians. If you like emergency preparedness, you will probably really enjoy reading their website. It is a very breathable poncho.
Pros:
- Tough & Durable: This poncho is made for the military to last.
- Waterproof & Breathable: This is designed to protect you from the elements.
- CBRN Barrier: It can be a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear barrier for the skin.
Cons:
- Price: This poncho comes with a higher price than lesser quality ponchos.
3. Tilley Unisex Packable Hooded Poncho
The Tilley Unisex Packable Hooded Poncho is a great-looking, all-around high-quality hooded rain poncho. Many think of this type of poncho when they think of the terms “high-quality” and “poncho” together.
We were laughing a bit as we were putting together this article since we have a variety of types of rain ponchos on this list. This poncho is not designed to be worn over a tuxedo nor over a military uniform while in actual combat! You can wear it around town on a rainy day or hike it up into the mountains.
Tilley makes this poncho from 100% recycled polyester. It is not considered “water-proof” but “water-repellent.” Like with waterproof fabrics, water beads up on water-repellent fabrics. But some water may soak through if you are in a torrential downpour. Water-repellant fabrics are one chemical treatment step above just being “water-resistant.”
Pros:
- Very Good looking: This is a very classy and dressy style poncho.
- Water Repellant: Water beads on fabric. Fabric will keep you dry except in torrential rains.
- Wind Resistant: It provides a windbreak except in high, cold winds.
- Multi-Use: Good for both going around town or hiking in the mountains.
Cons:
- Price: This poncho comes with a higher price than lesser quality ponchos.
4. Outback Trading Company Unisex Packable Poncho
The Outback Trading Company Unisex Packable Poncho is made from an old-style type of waterproof material called “cotton duck.” Cotton duck is a densely woven cotton fabric that is soaked in boiled linseed oil for several days with the linseed oil kept hot. They then hang the fabric up to dry while periodically brushing it with extra linseed oil until it cannot hold anymore.
Rain gear made from Oilskin is traditionally worn most often by sailors and outdoorsmen in wet climates. When you first purchase it, your oilskin poncho may have a slight oil residue on the surface. This is typical and will go away with regular use.
Garments made with oilskin can last a lifetime. They are sturdy, waterproof, and functional. They are packable and fold into themselves for easy transport.
Pros:
- Windproof & Waterproof: The Oilskin outer shell is wind and waterproof.
- Tried & True Protection: Oilskin rain gear has been used for many years to protect against the elements.
- Can Last A Lifetime: Oilskin fabrics are tough, durable, and long-lasting.
Cons:
- Price: This poncho comes with a higher price than lesser quality ponchos.
5. SeaToSummit Unisex Nylon Tarp Poncho
The SeaToSummit Unisex Nylon Tarp Poncho is a higher quality typical Nylon tarp type poncho. What I thought was cool about this particular poncho is that it is designed to fit over your backpack if you want it to. It also doubles as a two-person emergency tarp shelter in a pinch.
The 70D Nylon fabric is lightweight and waterproof. The seams are tape-sealed to make sure that they, too, are waterproof.
A tarp-type fabric like this will not be as breathable as the other ponchos on our list. However, a loose-fitting poncho style has much more ventilation than a raincoat.
This could be great for your family’s 72-hour kits or bug-out bags. It could serve as your emergency rain gear and an emergency shelter.
Pros:
- Windproof & Waterproof: The Oilskin outer shell is wind and waterproof.
- Emergency Shelter: This poncho can be a 2-person emergency shelter. (see website)
- Covers Backpack: It can be worn comfortably under or over your backpack.
Cons:
- Price: This poncho comes with a higher price than lesser quality ponchos. However, this poncho is significantly less than others on this list.
Final Thoughts
Remember, most of these companies also have other styles of rain gear that might be worth looking at if these do not fit the bill. Companies that make quality products are worth pursuing if you are in the market for other types of rain gear.
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