Some people, when they are outdoors, prefer a poncho to throw on over their clothes over a set of rain pants and a jacket. And the quality of the poncho makes all the difference in the world. Nobody likes the muggy, damp feel of a rubber or plastic poncho.
In searching for the highest quality women’s ponchos for this article, it became clear that most are unisex, and the best ponchos we found were often designed for different purposes. So, since we will be showing rain ponchos designed for different purposes, we decided to list them in order of 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 Women’s Rain Pants 2024!” and “Top 5 Highest Quality Women’s Rain Boots 2024!“
1. Adeam Unisex Rain Waterproof Poncho Style Jacket
The Adeam Unisex Rain Waterproof Poncho Style Jacket is a high-quality, very pricey rain poncho designed for around town. This is not a poncho you want to wear in the woods or to your husband’s paintball fight, that is for sure. This is very classy, dressy rain gear. It is more of a rainproof overcoat.
This waterproof poncho is made out of 100% Nylon and is dry clean only. It is lightweight, although I could not find an exact weight listed by the company.
It has taped seams to make them waterproof. It is made with a Taffeta fabric for a luxurious feel that is coated to make it waterproof.
It has an oversized utility-type pocket with a flap and belt, but it is done in a classy way, so it doesn’t look like the pockets on regular cargo pants.
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 high-quality rain poncho designed for the military. I don’t show it in the picture, but you can also get this poncho in camouflage patterns. Mira says that the Serbian Armed Forces wear it. Maybe this is the one you want to wear out in the woods when your husband and his friends go paintball shooting!
No, but in all seriousness, this is really a military-designed rain poncho. It acts as a weatherproof poncho and, when used with a gas mask, can be a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) barrier for the skin.
Not only does Mira sell to military organizations, but they target “prepper” civilians as well. If you have an emergency preparedness mindset, you will enjoy clicking on their website and reading over all their various products.
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 the type of poncho people traditionally think of when looking for a high-quality hooded poncho. It does not come in camouflage patterns, nor is it designed to cover your tuxedo. It is just a great-looking, high-quality piece of rain gear. It is great to wear around town or up in the mountains hiking.
The fabric is made from 100% recycled polyester. Tilley says that the poncho is “water-repellent” and “wind-resistant.” Water repellency is a step up from water resistance. This means water cannot easily penetrate the material. Instead, water beads on the outside.
The phrase “water-repellent” is one chemical treating step below “waterproof” and one step above “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 and 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 a high-quality old-time Oilskin rain poncho. It is made of a tightly woven cotton fabric called “cotton duck.” To make Oilskins, cotton duck is immersed into a vat of boiled linseed oil and soaked for several days, keeping the linseed oil hot. After being hung to dry, the Oilskins are brushed with additional linseed oil until they won’t hold anymore.
Oilskin garments are waterproof. Sailors and other outdoorsmen often wear them in wetter climates. When you first get it, your oilskin coat may feature a light oil residue on its surface. This is normal and will dissipate with daily wear.
This Oilskin poncho is designed for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. It is packable and folds into itself 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 typical Nylon tarp type of poncho, just on the higher end of that category. One thing that I think is exceptional about the design of this poncho is that in a pinch, it can double as an emergency 2-person shelter. Click on the link if you are interested in this feature, where you can read more about it.
Another handy feature is that this poncho can be worn over and under your backpack, as shown in the above image. It is crazy that it can fit both ways comfortably.
The 70D Nylon fabric this poncho is made out of is waterproof and lightweight. It isn’t breathable like the other ponchos on this list. However, the loose-fitting poncho design would give it more ventilation than a raincoat made of the same material.
The seams are tape-sealed to make sure that they, too, are waterproof. 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
This was a fun article to write because we had such a variety of purposes for the very high quality options that are out there. More often when we write these articles their is less difference between the top highest quality items in a given category.
Thank you for reading this article to the end. If you have learned something or benefited from this article in any way, please remember to share it on your social media. That helps us grow our reach and get the word out! Thank you!