They might not look pretty, but a poncho is an absolute essential in your survival ‘arsenal’ or bug out bag. A poncho is a light-weight addition to your kit that could come in extremely handy and could even save your life.
The obvious purpose of a poncho is to keep the wet stuff from getting on the dry stuff. The last thing you want is to be outside wet, cold, and without a fire. Survival ponchos are more than just raincoats. They pack up easily, keep you and your gear dry in the rain and mud, and can even be used as shelter if you find yourself in a pinch.
We have combed through the internet to find the best gear for serious outdoorsmen and women and have found the best survival ponchos to add to your survival gear. Let’s have a look and go over how to pick the best poncho and cover some frequently asked questions.
SKIP AHEAD
Best Survival Ponchos: Our Top Picks
Here are our top picks at a quick glance:
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#1 Poncho
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No products found.The GLORYFIRE tactical poncho will not disappoint. You might say that it gets our ‘best in class’ award when it comes to ponchos. It has a sleek appearance, is extremely durable, and has several functions. GLORYFIRE specializes in tactical gear and you can tell that they have thought of everything. Here are some of the key features:
- Nano-coated surface that can be rinsed 50+ times
- Triple waterproof neckline to prevent seepage
- ‘Deep hat’ hood construction for full coverage
- Front pouch for storage (entire poncho can be stuffed into itself)
- Grommets to allow for conversion to tent
- Snaps to close sides for more weather protection.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Waterproof and nano-coated
- Doubles as a tent or shelter
- Can be stuffed into itself for storage
Cons
- Snaps on sides come undone in windy situations
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No products found.This multi-function hunting poncho is great for hunters with the wherewithal and perseverance to stay in the blind to snag another kill in the pouring down rain. This poncho made the list because of the pockets, and yes, the camo. With pockets made for maps and binoculars, we could not resist including it. Here are the features:
- Deep hood for full coverage
- Padded neck collar
- Large hood opening with zipper
- Interior and exterior chest pockets
- Rear zipper for weapon storage and breathability
- Double front zippers
- Side snaps for additional protection
- Grommets for conversion to tent
- Packs into small stuff-sack
- Weighs less than one pound
Pros
- Large hood
- Waterproof and breathable zippers
- Multiple large pockets for storage
- Camo design
- Light
- Doubles as tent or shelter
- Packs into small bag
Cons
- Thinner material
- Bag is separate from poncho
- Not extremely protective from wind
3. HAZARD 4 Poncho Villa Technical Soft-Shell Poncho Review
The Hazard 4 poncho is a beast of a poncho and, let’s be real, it looks mean. This is a new take on the classic military poncho. This is another self-storing poncho. It is made of a water-resistant breathable softshell and has fully taped seams. The extra mobility that the polyester/spandex blend offers sets this poncho aside. Here are the features:
- Large size to fit over packs and gear
- Front and back Velcro panels for agency I.D.
- Also has Velcro panels on back of hood and shoulders
- Large hood will accommodate headgear
- Zipper front reaches to chin for full coverageGrommets for conversion to tent
- Side snaps for severe weather situations
Pros
- Self-storage pocket
- Fits over packs and gear easily
- Flexible and breathable material
- Velcro panels for I.D. or insignia
- Doubles as a tent
- Full coverage
Cons
- Heavier than other ponchos
- Water-resistant (NOT waterproof)
- Tends to be hotter
- Holds moisture in when allowed to become saturated
- Modernized version of the classic military poncho.
- 100% waterproof fully-taped seams throughout.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 12:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. USGI Industries Military Spec Poncho Review
This poncho looks fairly ordinary at a glance; however, it has made our list because of the size and coverage that it provides. Fully waterproof and sized to fit military specs and requirements, this poncho covers more of you and your gear than most. Below are the features:
- Backpack compatible
- Fully waterproof
- Full sized and military grade
- Snap buttons and drawstrings for customization
- Grommets for conversion to tent
Pros
- Lightweight and fully waterproof
- Full length arms and full-sized hood for coverage
- Doubles as tent
- Drawstrings for customization
- Camo
Cons
- Thinner than other ponchos
- Grommets are slightly weak
- No extra neck protection
- MULTI-USE PONCHO: Stay dry under extreme conditions with this versatile rain poncho that features...
- MILITARY SPEC CONSTRUCTION: Based on field gear technology used by the US Military, this poncho is...
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 12:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Terra Hiker Waterproof Rain Poncho Review
This poncho is the light beer of multi-use ponchos. It is durable, waterproof, and has several functions, but it is also sweet and to the point. This poncho is an extremely lightweight and less expensive version of its bigger brothers. Let’s have a look at the features:
- Waterproof with sealed seams
- Cuffs with built-in Velcro closures
- Hood with elastic drawstrings
- Grommets for conversion to tent
Pros
- Extremely light weight
- Doubles as tent
- Sealed seams
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- Thin construction
- No bag or pocket for self-storage or storage of goods
- Coverage is not as ample as other ponchos
- 3-IN-1 RAINCOAT: Multi-use poncho is specially designed for outdoor activities; can be used as a...
- STRENGTHENED WATERPROOF FUNCTION: Made from 210T high density polyester fabric that's PU3000MM...
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 12:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Survival Poncho Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Poncho
Okay, so you know that you want to stay dry. How do you know which poncho is right for you? Here are some things to consider when choosing your survival poncho:
How much gear do you plan to carry?
This is an important question to ask yourself when choosing a poncho. If you are planning on carrying a pack with you, it is important that your poncho can cover both yourself and the pack. You would not want to be stuck in the rain trying to decide whether to protect yourself or your gear from the inclement weather.
How much strain will you be putting on the fabric?
You should have in mind your expectations for your poncho. If you are merely planning to use it while hiking, you can probably get by with purchasing a poncho that is of light construction with thinner material. However, if you plan to use your poncho as a tent, as a ground cover, or if you plan to be crawling or laying on your poncho at any time, you should opt for the thicker construction and more durable material.
How much coverage will you need?
This question deals with keeping dry and maintaining mobility. If you need maximum mobility, look for sleeves that are not too long or bulky. If you are looking for maximum coverage from the elements, the more material the better.
What’s your budget?
One of the last and more unfortunate considerations when buying any sort of gear is affordability. You should always make a budget and stick to it. There are lots of options out there. You can spend a few bucks or a few hundred bucks on your poncho. In the end, just make sure that you can afford it.
FAQs about Survival Ponchos
Q: Is there a difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
A: Yes. Waterproof means that the material will repel water and that none will get inside. Water-resistant means that the material will naturally shed water, but it can still become waterlogged if exposed to water for long periods of time.
Q: How big should my poncho be?
A: Most ponchos are made in one size. If the poncho that you have in mind has several size options, be sure to check with the manufacturer for the exact measurements to make sure your poncho will fit. It is also important to make sure that you account for any headgear or packs that you might need to conceal.
Q: Do I have to let my poncho dry out before I can pack it away?
A: Most likely. Although some ponchos come with a small bag or self-stuffing pocket that is vented, it is not extremely common. It is always a good idea to let your poncho dry out before you put it away. If you pack it up while it is wet, you risk allowing mold and bacteria to grow. This can be a health hazard and can also lead to the rotting of your poncho.
Q: Can I really use my poncho for a tent?
A: Yes! If your poncho is waterproof and has grommets along the edges and at the corners, it can be easily used as a tent or rainfly. If you think that this application is something that you need for your poncho to handle, be sure to get one that is stout enough to handle wind and other inclement weather.
Q: What is a taped seam?
A: A taped seam is a seam that has been bonded on the inside, outside, or both. This bonding is a rubber-like material that is heated when applied and is molded along the seam. This ensures that the seam does not seep or leak when wet.
Verdict
Out of all of the ponchos out there, The No products found. ticked the most boxes as the best survival poncho in the market. It made the top of the list because of the nano-coating and extreme durability. That nano-coating is tough stuff, and it sheds water better than any of the others.
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to ponchos. Ponchos are no longer just loose-fitting raincoats. They can be shelter, means of extra storage, sun protection, and more.
When you are looking to buy a survival poncho, be sure that you consider any bags or hats that you will be wearing with it and what other features are necessary for your poncho to fit your needs. If you are a hunter or if you plan on taking small items with you, be sure that your poncho has the pocket-space for those items that need to be reached from the outside. Lastly, make sure that the poncho that you are considering is sturdy and will ward off the rain. Hopefully this list and buying guide had answered all of the questions necessary in choosing your survival poncho. Keep dry!
