Poncho vs. Jacket for Hiking in Wet Weather

[@artmercer7465]

Great video. I have been a poncho fan for years. Primarily for multi uses. 1. Rain protection. 2. Ground cover when taking a short nap. 3. Ground cloth if tenting. 4. Wind break when hammock camping. 5. Improvised shelter 6. Pack cover

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Multi use gear is great!

[@ernststravoblofeld]

A lot of the criticism of ponchos seems to be about little disposable ponchos. A proper poncho is large enough and has snaps or ties for the sides if you need them. If a poncho isn't keeping you dry, you went cheap.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's a good point! I believe every piece of gear has it's place and each has its positives and negatives. Ponchos are great under certain conditions. :)

[@2chill2]

The poncho in the ready position tip is brilliant. I'm going to try it now at home. I would like to give you a tip as well - use a clip to secure the poncho visor to your cap's bill so that the hood follows your head turns. Poncho is much more convenient and comfortable unless it's very windy or the terrain is too technical. If you sit down to wait out a downpour, you are already in a personal shelter, taking your sweet time snacking INSIDE the shelter while listening to the music of nature.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

YES TO ALL THAT! Love it, thank you!

[@koleale]

Great tip from Chillin - I will try this! I’d also like to weigh in on an even less popular use for a poncho - cycling. I’ve use the FroggTogg poncho on 2 very rainy bike tours and found them quite suitable. They’re very lite weight and easy to pack down; their open nature was great in hot humid weather; worked well to cover my small backpack; yes they tended to blow around a bit, but I managed this fairly easily by sitting on the back half of the poncho and holding the front end down with my hands by wrapping around the handle bars.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

As long as it stays out of your rear tire! :)

[@mainintelligencedirectorat250]

Great tip about the cap bill. Thanks Chillin.

[@traciannveno]

I love the thought of it being like your own little tent home when you squat. Its like home that goes with you a camino mobile home.

[@johnavery5384]

I have a sea to summit UL poncho with a home made belt. It is simply a length of bungee cord with a loop in one end. It goes around the outside and held in place with a simple knot. This weighs almost nothing and you can tension it to your preference with or without the backpack in place. The poncho can be used as a tarp for wild camping. Bonus.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great idea, love it! Does it do well in the wind?

[@johnavery5384]

It works really well

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great!

[@o.brygier2364]

Hello Doug, you helped me to solve a problem! I bought a poncho from Tatonka for my 2018 Camino del Norte. It looks similar than the one from Snugpak, but with a "bulge" for the backpack. Till now, I had serious problems to put it on, especially when windy. I wasn't able to get it over my pack, it got stuck on it all the time! Watching your video, I finally learned how to put it on - starting with putting the arms through the sleeves and then throwing the poncho back over the pack. That works with me very well, even with my bulky Tasmanian Tiger Modular Pack 45! Thank you Sir! Just like you, I couldn't walk a planned Camino last year, due to Corona! Let us hope for fall 2021 or next year. All the best from Germany!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's great! I thought I was just being lazy hahaha. Yeah I've got my eye on 2022 for another Camino try. We'll see brother!

[@MrGraemeb2022]

Excellent, thanks Doug. I was giving the Sea to Summit poncho serious consideration, largely on account of its ability to double up as an emergency shelter given its huge dimensions, and its extreme light weight. However it comes with a hefty price tag. I think this Snugpack poncho will 'do the job'. Thanks again.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

So glad it helped!

[@andrewcombe8907]

The British Army 58 pattern poncho was the bomb. Covered a load and could be used as a shelter.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I love the idea!

[@TomKirkman1]

The sleeves on this poncho make it a bit different than other ponchos. I like the concept. Probably will buy one.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I've really liked it. :)

[@edwardmylnychuk5774]

i have used similar style pnchos for years in the rain and they work great, for me that is the way to go not a jacket that does not cover below your waist;

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah they seem to have several advantages!

[@rickkaylor7949]

Really good video! I've been using the same nylon poncho for at lest 40 years. I've had to waterproof it a few times but it has never let me down. It is a no-name brand I got at a camping store for $12. I've tried using different rain suits over the years and I just get wet from the sweat. It has snaps along the sides so it doesn't flap in the wind and it covers by backpack as well. It lives in my car when it isn't in my backpack.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Sounds great! You can't beat dependable gear.

[@juliejohnson928]

I now have one of these ponchos. Thank you. I will be hiking the AT with it. Well see.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I hope it does you well!

[@timhaines8207]

Snugpak make excellent value equipment.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Agreed!

[@traciannveno]

Arms straight up are good for celebrating! This is the best poncho ive ever seen. This looks perfect for the camino. Its like a hybrid of wonderfulness.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad to help!

[@dzedogranatovich7085]

Super review. I used exact same Snugpak Poncho on my Camino de Santiago (Frances) in 2015. Worked without flaw with rain and cold windy days. I supplemented the poncho with Equinox Full Moon Ultralite Chaps from Amazon. They worked perfectly under my Snugpak poncho. Kept them in the pocket of my poncho. Take up little to no space and virtually no weight. Easy on and easy off. Rinse the mud off and away ya go. Yes, they seem a bit pricey, but I've got my $$ out of them and more. Still my "Go to

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks for the info! I'll have a look at those!

[@trytheoutdoors]

Outstanding, Doug. Thank yiu

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thevelointhevale1132]

Hiking rule 101 for me ... only pack things that have more than one use. Rain Jackets = fail that brief. Poncho is best ... a Poncho covers both myself AND my pack and can also be used for water collection or as a makeshift transpiration bag etc. I don't understand people using ( expensive ) Rain Jackets ... $8 Poncho ...

[@bourboncat9229]

Dude no joke. Rain jackets are so sensitive u have to wash them with expensive detergents

[@Wh0CaresAnyway]

@@bourboncat9229 Nikwax is actually pretty cheap...

[@josephkelley8634]

Rain jacket can also be used as a jacket in the evening when weather is cool

[@KikoBinge]

Collecting water for drinking?

[@100catinthehat]

I didn't think of collecting rain, great tip

[@learnshareevolve1842]

Great analysis….thinking through the ‘problem’.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thank you!

[@N0V-A42]

1:47 on that note. Even if it's not super effective you could probably put the poncho on like that on the move not needing to stop like you would to put on a rain jacket.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

100%!

[@sylvianilsen2758]

Good option but the ALTUS is still my favourite. It has a zipper down the front so that if you heat up inside you can open the zip and still keep the raincoat closed with the velcro strips. It comes in S/M/L/XL so fits everyone.

[@sylvianilsen2758]

@@BackcountryPilgrim you will find them on Amazon Spain. www.amazon.es/s?k=altus+poncho&__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&ref=nb_sb_noss

[@inediblemangoes7797]

This is super informative!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad to help!

[@fabiosouza273]

Amei a dica irmão, muito obrigado!!! (Brasil - RJ)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad it helped!

[@Killicon93]

Going hiking in Lapland in Sweden next week and didn't feel like splurging on a rain coat. Instead I'll be packing my (Mil-Tec IIRC) that I've had on our other hikes. Only this trip we're expecting a lot of rain and temperatures around 0-3 celcius. However I did consider that I do get warm when moving and figured that a rain coat with its much more limited ventilation would result in just getting wet via perspiration.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good call!

[@Killicon93]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Like I can already see myself marching with the front corners of my poncho being held together with my hiking staves to create a nice airflow intake. It's gonna be real interesting to see how my budget brand poncho will fare against my buddy's expensive AF new Arc'teryx jacket.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Jackets have some advantages but for sweaty hikes ponchos are pretty great!

[@JaikerCR]

Something weird about poncho when it rains, it's the fact that a lof of rain will be finally dropped into your shoes.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Good insight.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ulperformance4087]

Ponchos have a number of issues: They flail in the wind distracting ones concentration. They get stuck on shrubs creaiting the potential for damage. In Summer, due there being waterproof, you will sweat with ease. Also used for tarp shelters, their small area allows insufficient space for the user and allows cold, wind driven cold air, wind, rain & snow to enter the shelter - making a stay under a poncho tarp shelter basically useless.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

No piece gear checks every possible box - that's why I use both. :) Thanks for watching!

[@petruSarac]

If a poncho is properly fitted and made to fit the backpack volume then everything should fit in ok and cover the user OKish. The real problem for ponchos is lateral wind thus they are not great for alpine areas. If I travel bellow the treeline I always pack a puncho for heavy rain and a jacket for the occasional drizzle. Never had a sleeved poncho, never felt the need.

[@dac11jmn]

Ponchos are the best! Just 1 item to put on when the rain suddenly starts, lots of airflow to prevent sweatiness, no gap between pack & rainjacket, and you can use it as a tarp or ground sheet. And if it rains all day, during a break you can just sit down and still be dry

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

100%!!!

[@crypttion2061]

😊 Outstanding review! ♥️ Loved the shower test! 👍Thank you very much!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Gotta be real! :)

[@luckylucson]

Thanks for posting your review :) I live in the Philippines and unfortunately it rains all the time so looking for rainproof gear is pretty essential. I'm just worried about how hot it gets inside since humidity is a factor but ordered one none the less and hopefully it works out:)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Its been great for me and if temperature is also an issue I find it easier to regulate with a poncho than a jacket for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@thevelointhevale1132]

P.S --- I did the Camino in 2013 from France ( St Jean ) to Santiago ... using only a Poncho and everything stayed dry. ( Yes you get a little leg and arm damp ... but CORE body and PACK stayed dry always! )

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Love it! I know ponchos are a lot more popular on the Camino than hiking trails for some reason.

[@thevelointhevale1132]

@@BackcountryPilgrim The Military use them for good reason ... form and function, simplicity and versatility. They are the smart/functional option for any through-hiker and pack small and light compared to jackets. They are my choice for all trails.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Tre ponchos were and are used in the millitary, its not perfect but works and does a good job. I have a german nato patten type works well. A true poncho has another use, it can be opened up, and made into a cbelter like a tarp or basha. You can also fit a poncho liner to it. What you have there is a civillian copy, they are not the same.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice!

[@texmexia49]

Would be great if the bottom had elastic to keep it snug against legs and pack to keep it down when the wind is blowing hard.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Always trade offs. Elastic would make it harder to put on and vent, but it would be nice in the wind!

[@ventura1893]

The map pocket holds the poncho/ it scrunches in as it turns inside out

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah very cool!

[@darrenburrows-taurus]

Great video buddy

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thank you!

[@20Hikecdt23]

I wonder if the Six Moon Designs Poncho/Tarp would do the same?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I haven't got one but if so that'd be great!

[@JCraftvfx]

This is excellent! I just started getting into hiking and I've been battling with, should I get a rain jacket or a poncho? I think this video helped me finally decide.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I like them both for different reasons. A poncho can be kind of unwieldy but it's nice having total coverage and I'm such a hot hiker that sometimes jackets are just too much even when they're well-ventilated. Hope it works out for you!

[@carpmon7016]

you need both...

[@josephkelley8634]

You should demo with s backpack on

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You should watch the whole video. LOL 7:35

[@mainintelligencedirectorat250]

Thanks for your review. Let us just say that your main criterion is keeping dry. The problem with waterproof gear is that it might keep you dry from the outside, but condensation and sweat will make you as soggy as a wet teabag on the inside. I walked recently, in the rain, with the Snugpak Enhanced Patrol Poncho and came back with a sopping wet tee-shirt beneath. There were drop so water on the inside. I had walked in the rain. Disillusioned, I walked in a thick Miltec poncho the following day without any rain at all. I came back with a sopping tee-shirt beneath.There were thick droplets of water on the inside. So: condensation and sweat are your enemies. True, they are not as bad as a cold rain, but they still prevent you from being dry. Solutions? Paramo is highly thought of. However, it's water resistance is dubious to say the least. Gortex sounds good, but, despite the hype, has a similar problem with condensation. Also, both Paramo and Gortex are expensive to buy and difficult to maintain. So what is one to do? Answer, take the advice and, when not raining, wear the Snugpak poncho behind the neck. Bring it forward when it rains. It the rain eases off, at the first opportunity, put it back over your head. Get as much ventilation as you can. This answer is rather 'black and white'. However, I have come across no better solution.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah if you're hiking in most conditions you'll be wet from water or wet from sweat. Rain gear is still important to avoid problems with constant water replacement and the temperature swings it can cause, but I think ventilation is more important than materials for comfort and dryness. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@romenhiking8623]

IMHO, I would not bring a poncho, other than in the summer. In the summer, it will keep you dry and breezy. A rain jacket/pants not only works in the rain, but also as a wind/warm gear. As your planned date is May, I would go with jacket/pants.

[@mccarthy86]

Poncho all day everyday. It's lighter, it provides extra coverage, it has extra usage, but most importantly it provides airflow.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

💯!!!

[@curiosadireccion]

Hi Doug. I write to you from Spain. I am seeing your detailed plans to travel the Camino de Santiago in May 2020, and may I offer you my interlocution in case you need any help here in my country. There is a lot of information on the web about the Camino, (as of almost everything) and it is clear that you manage with ease developing comparatives and managing agendas, but if you feel like it, I will gladly try to contribute something to your experience. Related to the ponchos, I will tell you that in spring the rains are sporadic and relatively brief, it is not a time of intense storms. Although the Camino is basically a distance walk, rather than unevenness, you are going to sweat and the poncho is not a good tool; I prefer waterproof pants and an umbrella, and you can always make a waiting time in a small town by drinking some "caña" (glass of approximately 150/200 ml with draft beer) haha. Best regards.

[@tomb7901]

It sounds good and I was about to go look for one but then you said it's short in the arms. You're 5'10" and I'm a few inches taller so I think I better look elsewhere. Bummer that they only come in one size. ☹️

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah for full coverage ponchos can be rough. I like the ponchos that are basically big jackets haha.

[@tomb7901]

@@BackcountryPilgrim 👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You might check out the Altus video and the comments. Lots of good stuff out there!

[@tomb7901]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Thanks BC Pilgrim, I'll check it out. 👍

[@KikoBinge]

My rain poncho really has bad smell, wore it only once, will it go away with time or can i do something to make it less smelly

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'd air it out and give it some sun. Then I'd avoid storing it in airtight spaces.

[@KikoBinge]

@@BackcountryPilgrim will try, thanks

[@xix94]

I use a Swedish army poncho best kit ever

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Cool!

[@AirstripBum]

When I camp, I bring my Stearns poncho (Not a cheapo or light. Had this one for decades and it's still like new.) and a pair of rain pants. Works great and my rucksack is covered too. Rain has never stopped me from going camping. :) As far as heat retention, that's what the layers under the poncho are for. I do like that Snugpak poncho though.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Sounds great!

[@jamesparker6383]

most ponchos snap along the sides. have you looked at some military ponchos ? I've been using a U.S. military poncho and the liner since I got out of the army in the 70s and both have served me well . You can use it as a shelter, for water collection and add the liner a sleep system . why restrict yourself to just one use? you're missing the point of something being multi purpose .

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I am not missing the point because the Camino is not a survival exercise - heck, it's barely a hike. If the video was about backcountry gear I'd have made those points instead of the ones that mattered to its audience. Having said that, I don't see why this poncho wouldn't work for most of those applications too! :)

[@jamesparker6383]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I'm sorry , I meant no disrespect

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Seemed a bit critical. :) But your points are well taken, good military gear favors function and durability over weight and you lose that with most hiking gear.

[@Texasmilitarydepartmentvid9654]

An Anorax is allot better than a PVC Poncho. The draw string's are so you can make a hamic, 2 Man Tint or Canopy. An Anorax works as a Blanket it's extremely comfortable where a PVC Rain Poncho isn't . I suggest Picking a Anorax over a Poncho.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks, I'll look into it!

[@MalcolmProductions1]

If it's got sleeves it's an anorak, not a poncho.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good to know!

[@Olm9]

What is a busseronne then? 🤔

[@powerbull5109]

Are you wearing your t-shirt back to front !

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Maybe haha, pretty old video I don't remember but looking at it I might have been trying to deal with the microphone pulling on the shirt or something. :)

[@Desertfox18]

Sorry, but I've never heard the word ‘Poncho’. Is poncho the same as the rain coat(not rain jacket)?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Sort of. Original ponchos are more like a large overcoat with no snaps or zippers, a hood, and some don't even have long sleeves. Some are more like large jackets.

[@Desertfox18]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Thank you so much sir for the reply!

[@edgardelossantos8911]

Sir good day, can i buy that kind of item yours, that "snugpak patrol poncho" sir. I will buy 2 sir. I'm from philippines. I really don't know where to buy that kind of poncho, that is why i message u here. I reall like that poncho of yours.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I got mine at Amazon: amzn.to/2N7I4CC Hope that works for you!

[@GRockBlues]

lower half of body never stayed dry without rain pants also...all the water shedding off the poncho and rain jacket definitely will soak your lower half...

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah I don't mind that as much unless it's ongoing. (And worse with a jacket of course.) :)

[@bippitybopitybooty4208]

Then get rain pants?? Rain pants are also good bug protection a lot of times so I always have them with me. With a jacket, you'll need pants anyway. But with a poncho, you also get a backpack cover and a tarp in case something happens to your shelter.

[@libbykasparek3768]

I think Altus poncho is better.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It is. :)

[@Englishman-Abroad]

Number 1: Jackets are not waterproof. All you need to know.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Lol, mine have done well when I've taken care of them. Anything will wet out eventually if it breathes at all though!

[@Simonet1309]

Nice icon. St. James? ☦️☦️☦️

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You know it!

[@garyo4456]

MEST KoreTemp

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'll check it out! This one hasn't held up as well as I'd hoped. Soaking through too fast.

[@garyo4456]

@@BackcountryPilgrim - MEST is made in America too!👍👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Right on. Yeah I think the poncho I have was made in Snugpak's post-American made era. :(

[@garyo4456]

@@BackcountryPilgrim - Hard to find a really good one, but this one is Dandy!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good to find a good review.

[@HowdyDo2]

It takes him 10 minutes to cover a poncho vs a jacket.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

How long did it take you to leave this worthless comment?

[@HowdyDo2]

@@BackcountryPilgrim The comment is not useless if it can drive some intelligence into the brick you are wearing on top of your shoulders. And it took a lot less time than your seemingly never-ending 10 minute video about a simple product. Next time, get the job done in 2 minutes. Nobody wants to watch long videos. Got it?

[@bradorndorff-tn5zx]

Poncho and jackets are unbearable in warmer weather, get an umbrella 🎉

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Umbrellas are unbearable in freezing weather, get a poncho. ;) (AKA: why not both?)

[@Panta-Rei-sV]

Altus poncho much better.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Much more expensive too haha. Someone in the USA needs to start making them.