A survival poncho is a compact, multifunctional gear that should be a mainstay in your bug out bag. Ponchos are cheap and may be used as an emergency shelter, to collect rainwater, or to keep you and your stuff dry during a deluge.
The one-size-fits-all philosophy won’t work for everyone, and they aren’t very practical in windy conditions.
If you reside in a humid, chilly area, a heavy-duty, breathable poncho will be more protective and long-lasting. You could think that an emergency solution that is lightweight would suffice in dry conditions.
Best Survival Poncho Reviews
1. Hazard4 Tactical Poncho: Best for durability
The Hazard4 poncho is intended to be used on a regular basis as part of your outdoor gear, not simply in an emergency. Because it is heavier than others, the breathable softshell fabric is less prone to blow up.
This can make it a little bit too warm for your requirements if you reside in a warm climate.
Despite the fact that water beads on the fabric, we advise employing a waterproof treatment to provide an additional layer of defense.
It’s not a full-length poncho, but it’s large enough for a medium-sized bag to slip underneath. It is therefore a suitable choice for people who are shorter.
The Hazard4 has the greatest hood we’ve ever seen. Despite its ample size, it is totally adjustable thanks to drawstrings in the back and around the neck. In order to keep the rain from dripping down your neck, it also includes a high collar.
The poncho folds down into its front pocket rather than a separate stuff sack, which means there is one less thing to misplace! Each corner has a grommet, and the front and back also have hook-and-loop patches.
As you might anticipate, this resilience comes at the cost of added weight. Given that it weights more than two pounds, the Hazard4 poncho will occupy a sizable portion of your bug out bag. It is also the most expensive poncho we have tested. Best Throwing Knives for no Spin – Recommendations for 2023
Pros
- durable, breathable material
- fantastic hood
- front pocket (doubles as storage bag)
- Seams with waterproof tape
Cons
- Costly, hefty, and large
2. Hunting Rain Poncho: Runner up
This thin poncho stands out from the competition because to its qualities. It boasts a huge chest pocket, eight rather than the typical four eyelets, and front and rear ventilation zips that are also useful for accessing your bag.
Although it weighs less than half as much as the Hazard4, there have been several complaints about shoddy workmanship, notably between the grommets and snap buttons.
Additionally, because it is shorter than previous versions, it provides less covering for people who are heavier or want to wear a bag beneath.
Pros
- Zips for ventilation Chest pocket
- Grommets, six
- symmetrical snap buttons
Cons
- mediocre building
- more compact than other models
3. Foxelli Rain Poncho: Budget Pick
The Foxelli poncho is a straightforward poncho that is offered in a wide variety of colors. It is more geared at the general public than survivalists.
However, it’s small, light, and reasonably priced, making it a great choice for budget-conscious preppers or people who live in dry climes and need something for the rare downpour.
The spacious hood fastens at the neck with hook-and-loop and a drawstring rope. In addition, hook-and-loop fasteners are used on the sides rather than snap buttons. Although they could be less prone to tearing away from the cloth, with time they might lose their effectiveness as a fastening. Best Neck Knife For Survival – [The Smarter Choice for You]
Pros
- Cheap Hood with visor and drawstring that is lightweight
Cons
- Not as resilient as some other ponchos
4. PREPARED4X Blanket Poncho: Best For Emergencies
This is simply a glorified mylar blanket and fits a certain niche. It’s intended to help rescuers find you and keep you warm and dry.
When crisis strikes, we may instinctively choose a hue that will help us blend in, yet in many cases, being able to draw the notice of a passing helicopter can save your life.
Your body heat will be retained thanks to the reflective Mylar, and both the orange and silver sides will make you noticeable. Unfortunately, there is no rope to tighten the hood since it seems to have been an afterthought.
Although it is more durable than many thin survival blankets, it is certainly not a poncho for regular use. However, it’s compact enough to store in your car for emergencies or tuck into your bug out bag as a backup poncho.
Pros
- Visibility is improved in all situations by the reversible orange and silver pattern.
- Mylar that reflects light keeps body heat in.
- tiny and light
- Low price
Cons
- Not very resilient
- Limited capabilities
- Lowly hood
5. Lingito Rain Ponchos Family Pack: Best Disposable
These ponchos have a place in your emergency pack, despite the fact that they may just just a fancy plastic bag.
They are one of the few ponchos that are available in children’s sizes, to start. Additionally, they are individually packaged in a compact 7.5 x 6.5-inch box, which makes them convenient to tuck inside your bug out bag or useful for bartering.
This makes it less flexible so you can’t open it up to serve as a ground cover or shelter (unless you cut it), but it also helps it work a little better at stopping rain from blowing up the sides or through them.
With a little creativity, you might use them to collect rainwater or protect equipment, two uses you might not want to give a more costly poncho.
Pros
- includes ponchos in kid sizes.
- Drawstring hood and elastic sleeves
- affordable and portable
- Individually packaged and suitable for bartering
Cons
- sweaty in a warm climate
- Not multifunctional
- Not terribly resilient
What to Consider When Buying a Survival Poncho
Reusable vs. disposable
Disposable ponchos are constructed of plastic or PVC and are often inexpensive and very light. Although they aren’t sturdy enough for us to advise using them as your main poncho, they are inexpensive enough for you to keep a supply on hand.
If you do manage to hit a hole-in-one, you won’t be devastated, and they may make a good barter item.
Although more costly, reusable ponchos are more functional and long-lasting. This is what you should have in your bug out bag, but if you have any spare room, it could also be worthwhile to include a few disposable ones.
Features
Every poncho need to feature a sizable, adjustable hood that won’t fly off your face with the first wind gust.
Many contain pockets or ventilation zips, and others have grommets sewed into the corners for use at attachment points (for example, if you’re building a shelter or safeguarding supplies).
Weight and Stability
You must balance weight and affordability with durability while choosing a poncho.
More costly ponchos may be heavier and take up more room in your bag but they are constructed of sturdy materials.
Cheap ponchos are often lighter, but they are sometimes produced badly and are more likely to tear.
Size
While most ponchos only come in one size, this does not always indicate that they are all the same size.
If you’re really little, ponchos can be too big for you to wear comfortably. On the other hand, if you have a huge build, you could have trouble getting one over you and your pack.
A poncho should ideally be big enough to cover you and your backpack. If you’re waiting out a storm, you might also want it to be large enough to hide you and a friend or child.
Color
The majority of ponchos come in dark hues or with a covert camouflage pattern. There are some circumstances, though, where you want to stand out.
If you’re hurt or in need of assistance, a flashy orange poncho will help you stand out.