Ponchos are becoming really "cool" now, especially for men. A few influential designers send a quirky and practical article of clothing down the runway, high-fashion magazines enthusiastically push it, a celebrity is photographed wearing it, and whoosh, and new controversial trend is born.

Look good in a stylish fashion cape on land or in the water, come rain or shine. Rain Ponchos are so convenient and useful, they'll never go out of style. They come in different colours, not just olive, and can thus be colour coded with the rest of your sportswear.

Purpose

Ponchos are versatile hooded garments for all sorts of wet fun activities, useful for warm-up and portable changing room. They also provide reliable performance with increased flexibility. Ponchos are great for wearing over a pack and for sitting in a canoe. Vinyl ponchos is a very affordable alternative to keep on hand for unexpected changes in weather. If you really want ventilation through your rain gear try a poncho.

It is perfect for travelling in rainy weather without the inconvenience of complicated raingear. You'll probably get caught in an occasional rain shower every now and then. So be prepared for unexpected downpours with a lightweight rain poncho. It'll keep you dry when you need it.

Function

Long ponchos cover you completely and provide shelter from sun and rain. Ponchos are easy to put on and take off. They provide full coverage, no more awkward rain pants. Not so good on windy days as it may flap about.

As an alternative to rain jackets, we have tested some coated nylon ponchos to serve as a waterproof outer layer, a pack cover (just put it on over your pack) and a ground cloth for sleeping under a tarp at night. By carrying this one light weight garment, you can eliminate rain jacket and pants from your pack.

Swimming in a Poncho

If you travel light then a poncho can be used instead of swimwear. It's surprisingly easy to swim in a poncho; just make sure it doesn't go over your head. Some ponchos usually have a strap that connects the front and back between your legs. Others may have a waist band. It may balloon and float up for a moment when you get into the water, but that can be managed if you keep the neck opening loose.

Features

As an alternative to rain jackets, we have tested some coated nylon ponchos to serve as a waterproof outer layer, a pack cover (just put it on over your pack) and a ground cloth for sleeping under a tarp at night. By carrying this one light weight garment, you can eliminate rain jacket and pants from your pack.

When hiking in rain a poncho is best to keep dry from rain and avoid sweating. More airflow means less sweat. Ponchos by their very design are breathable. Since they don't fit close to the body they allow air to circulate from below. Some have lightweight side zippers (instead of snaps or velcro) to give better wind protection.

Different Shapes

Fashion ponchos come in different shapes to suit your style, unlike the utilitarian square shaped ponchos.

Some have long sleeves, a bit like a wide coat. Usually these sleeves are wide and loose to allow for better ventilation or they have elasticated cuffs to keep the wind out. Others have simple side openings for your hands. Choose the latter if you tend to keep your hands inside the poncho.

Why do so many rain-ponchos only come with short sleeves? Is it too much to ask, having sacrificed all street-cred for the sake of practical comfort, why forearms should still get wet?

Fabrics

Most rain ponchos are made with waterproof polyurethane bonded to a polyester knit backing for enhanced fabric strength and durability. Others made from nylon with urethane fabric coating. New silicon coated tent fabric is even better than this. It is lighter weight and stronger, so smart manufacturers now use this new fabric to make ponchos and rainwear.

Sizing

Measure from top of your shoulders down your front and back, as far as you want it to drape. Get a generous neck vent for cooling, and lots of length and width. Longer is better. Look out for a cinch cord to hold the hood to your head so it won't shift around and cover your face.

A good hood makes the difference

Correct use of the hood makes all difference weather you get wet or stay dry. Make sure the hood has a good fit. In heavy rain you may want to tie it closely around your face. If it is too big you won't see much then. You can also tie it round your neck for better visibility. If you don't tie it well water will run down the inside of your poncho and get your clothes wet.

Front Pocket

Ponchos don't have a long leaky row of boring buttons like many rain coats. That makes them less bulky and thus more fun to wear. Instead, some have a useful roomy kangaroo-style front pocket which can also be used to pack the poncho. It packs into a compact pouch that stows easily in your luggage or daypack. You can pull out the waist straps and wear it as a fanny pack around your waist.

Reader Comment

Our sons would rather get wet than force their arms into rain jacket sleeves or struggle with zips, buttons and ties. We got them comfy ponchos instead. They can put them on in seconds. It covers them, their school bags and any school projects they bring home. They really enjoy wearing their ponchos.

Now their friends have ponchos too and they spend more time outdoors, even in the rain. Often they come home in soaking wet clothes from playing in the lake or creek, but at least they keep warm, wrapped up in their ponchos. Afterwards they have bath or shower to rinse their clothes and hang them out to dry. For them it's just a fun bathroom party.

Marc and Jennifer, Vancouver, Canada