Best Rain Poncho for Women in 2024

Having a good versatile rain poncho can be invaluable when you’re traveling or hiking. If you’re going to be out all day you never know when you’ll get caught in a downpour or even a never-ending drizzle. An umbrella is not practical at all for heavy rain and winds, or for non-city adventures and it leaves you with only one free hand to do other things. With the best rain poncho for women that’s well designed to keep you as dry as possible, you won’t have to miss a beat while out exploring.
 

Best Lightweight Rain Ponchos for Travel, Hiking or Backpacking

 

Why a Waterproof Rain Poncho is Good for Travel

Packing as light as possible is one of the most sensible things you can do before starting a trip, whether backpacking, camping or city exploring. But that doesn’t mean you should leave out wet weather gear! The absolute lightest option for packing for this is a waterproof rain poncho. Now I don’t mean those cheap disposable ones that rip at the slightest tug. You’ll have to keep buying a new one or maybe even several for each trip and that can turn out to be more expensive than getting one good quality one that you can use for years.

Even a durable poncho can be lightweight and most are foldable into a small bundle that you can squeeze into a corner of your suitcase. If it’s dry when you step out of the hotel or start a trek, keep this folded poncho in your handbag or backpack and quickly pull it out when it starts to rain. Once it stops raining, it should be fairly easy to roll it up again and store back in the bag. Many rain capes for ladies come in their own travel pouch to make this easier and a wet poncho won’t make your other belongings wet as long as it’s safely folded in the pouch.

As you can see, even the most compact umbrella will take up much more space in your luggage than a poncho and many handbags aren’t even big enough for one and can’t be stored inside if it’s wet. If you’re entering a museum with a full-sized umbrella you may be asked to check it first and retrieve it later when leaving. It’s also easier to forget and leave an umbrella behind in a restaurant or public transport.

Another advantage that a poncho has over an umbrella is that is provides more coverage if the rain falls at a slant, although a short poncho won’t keep your legs dry. If you don’t anticipate more than light rain for short intervals, a compact umbrella is still a good accessory to have.

If being fashionable at all times is important to you, then a rain jacket is usually a better option. However, we have found one or two really stylish but functional ponchos for you as well, so take a look at those below first before you disregard a poncho. If you think a rain jacket will serve you better, we’ll tell you what the best ones for women are in a later article.

 

Backpacking Poncho Vs Rain Jacket

A rain jacket is also good but is much heavier and bulkier to pack. It is more streamlined and has proper sleeves. A jacket is only meant to cover you, whereas a poncho can cover you and your purse or even your backpack. If the downpour is sudden, it’s easy to fish out of a pocket and thrown on in seconds. To put on a rain jacket you have to remove the bag you’re carrying first. If you’re out in warm weather, a poncho is lighter and, therefore, better.

A rain jacket is a better option if you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking, as there’s less chance of it snagging on branches. If the rain comes in at a slant it is better at protecting you. Plenty of times, rain also means much cooler weather, so a rain jacket can also provide some warmth as well as keep you dry. However, if the locale you’re visiting is cold even when dry, then wearing warm clothing under a poncho is a better option.

What Makes a Good Rain Poncho?

If you’re going to go with a poncho instead of rain jacket or umbrella, here are the most important features to look out for:

• Effectiveness: If the cape only looks cute but barely keeps you dry, you’re wasting your money. It needs to be long enough to at least cover your upper legs, the buttons should be in the right places so as to not let water in, your hands should be covered but you should not feel hindered if you need to use them, the seams should be water-resistant, and the hood should stay in place and cover your head as much as possible. If you sometimes carry a backpack around with you, then it should be large and roomy enough to cover the pack as well.

 

• Durability: Unlike disposable ponchos, our picks for best rain ponchos are made to last for years. Even if the material gets snagged on a branch or caught in a door the poncho should not rip. If it’s the washable kind, then it should withstand a high enough water temperature along with the tumble wash action. You should not be able to pull off buttons and grommets easily.

 

• Weight and Portability: A travel rain poncho should ideally weigh as little as possible while still be durable enough. Aim for it to be no more than 16 ounces or 1 lb along with its own carrying pouch so that not only does it not make too much of a difference to the weight of your luggage, but it also won’t make your handbag or daypack that you carry around all day too heavy. When not being used, you should be able to fold or roll it up into a small package that’s easy to slip into a your bag.

 

• Looks: The biggest problem that a lot of waterproof ponchos for women have is that they don’t look good been worn. However, some are cut well and don’t look like a droopy plastic sheet and some even boast stylish prints. We have picked a few very cute rain ponchos for women that you won’t feel embarrassed to wear even when going out to dinner and over a nice outfit.

 

Women’s Waterproof Rain Poncho Options

SaphiRose Hooded Rain Poncho Waterproof Raincoat Jacket

Enjoy the kiss of nature with a hooded rain poncho by SaphiRose. This large, blue jacket is 100% polyester and comes with a strong waterproof backing and heat-sealed seams. It dries quick, is soft to the touch and convenient for carrying things along like mobile phones and keys.

This womens rain poncho with hood and a drawstring adjustment has a unique design. There are security strips on the back or front for safety and practicality. You simply pull it over your head or use it as a tarp or mat. There are buttons, fasteners and steel grommets for the maximum in comfort, versatility and flexibility.

The poncho measures 55.5 inches by 85.8 inches and comes with a handy storage bag. The whole thing weighs no more than 0.62 lbs. Because of its size, it covers down to the knee to fully guard against snow or rain.

It’s light, all-encompassing and beneficial for various types of outdoor activities. Take it with you camping, biking, mountaineering, riding, picnicking, traveling, dog walking, running, sporting events, fireworks watching and so much more.

Pros:

Each poncho is one whole piece of cloth for the utmost protection.

Waterproof side pockets make it easy to carry personal items.

Adjustable and versatile for almost any out door activity – it’s a coat, tarp or an outdoor mat.

Folds up like origami and fits perfectly in the accompanying pouch.

 
Cons:

Doesn’t hold up well in strong winds.

Some people report that it only works for occasional rain, not in heavy downpours.

 

Foxelli Hooded Rain Poncho

For a hooded rain cape with a choice of fun prints, this design by Foxelli is a great value. It comprises a comfortable and high-density coated polyester that offers state-of-the-art protection against rain, wind and snow. This type of polyester is premium quality, tear-resistant and will last for years.

It has a button closure for added protection with a built-in cord to adjust the hood. What’s more, the Velcro fasteners along the side of the hood ensure a perfect fit. Its design means you’ll always be comfortable and it won’t restrict your movement.

It’s large too, measuring 95 inches long by 55 inches wide. This gives full coverage while being big enough to also carry a backpack underneath. The poncho isn’t just good for outdoor activities, but also for daily tasks around town.
It’s lightweight, coming in at only 11 ounces. This means it will fit in your purse, pocket, backpack or other bags. It also has plenty of flexibility and versatility to serve as a mat for outdoor activities, a camping blanket or a sleeping bag cover. Such multi-purpose features make this women’s waterproof poncho handy in a pinch.

This would also make a great gift for any woman that loves to travel.

Pros:

Wide, long and roomy; it won’t restrict movement and provides a perfect fit on the body and head.

High-quality polyester guaranteed to keep you both comfortable and dry.

Multi-purpose, versatile and flexible at a great value.

Supreme durability with an adjustable hood and visor.

Good coverage of the whole body, including the legs.

 
Cons:

Extended exposure to the elements reduces waterproof capacity.

Not ideal for winter and cold conditions.

Velcro tends to leave gaps, making it not as waterproof as advertised.

The collar won’t allow you to put it easily if you’re wearing a hooded jacket underneath.

 

Totes Women’s Reversible Rain Poncho

For a less expensive option that is also pretty nice looking, the Totes Women’s Reversible Rain Poncho is a good choice too. It is a travel rain poncho that folds into a pouch. It is also made of 100% Polyester and is machine washable, and though it’s not as stylish as the Freesmily, it is more than just a rain poncho in the looks department.

This poncho measures 11.3 x 8.5 x 2.2 inches and weighs 11.2 ounces and is probably the best travel poncho for women of short to medium stature.

This poncho is also reversible with a nice print on one side and a solid color on the other with each acting as lining to the other layer. The material is also treated with a water repellent. It does not open fully in the front, rather you slip it over your head and there are three buttons at the neck to tighten the fit and close up the neck. The hood is effective and tightens around the face with a drawstring. Side snaps form armholes if you want a more fitted look and prevent the poncho from flapping too much in the wind. If you’re carrying a handbag or backpack underneath, then just unsnap the buttons.

The front of the poncho has a zippered pocket in one of the layers that can be used to store and protect a wallet or smartphone, but when the poncho is not needed it’s the storage pouch for it. You just stuff the rest of the poncho into the inside out pocket and zip it closed. If you’re unsure of how that works, scroll down for an instructional video.

Pros:

Can’t lose the storage pouch as it is built into the poncho.

Perfect length for short to medium height women.

Easily worn over a sweatshirt or thick jacket.

 
Cons:

A bit short for tall plus-size women.

The hood is a bit large for small heads and pulls over too much of the face if the drawstring is tightened.

Some customers can’t easily figure out how to stuff it into its storage pouch but we have a how-to video at the end of this article to show you how.

 

 

Nuur Rain Poncho for Women

Another beautiful, fashionable and cost-effective poncho is this polka-dot rain poncho by Nuur. It composes 100% polyester with premium quality, quick-drying fabric. Its engineering makes it perform excellent in many weather conditions doing a variety of outdoor activities.

This rain poncho is one-size-fits-all for anyone ranging in a size small to XX-large. It’s full length and wide so you have enough room to also tuck a purse or backpack under it. It has a front length of 37 inches and a back length of 41 inches while being 57 inches wide. The whole rain poncho weighs only 9.6 ounces, making it light and breathable.

The adorable accompanying carrying pouch matches the design of the poncho and you can fold it into a compact 9.8 inches by six inches. It closes up via a zipper and has zipped pockets with a well-designed hood. The zipped pockets allow you to store whatever personal valuables you need to carry with you.

The sleeves are loose, giving it a cape-like feel. You’ll not only stay comfortable and dry, but also feel like a superhero at the same time. You can also adjust the poncho’s sleeves with the three-piece hand snaps. The hood is also adjustable via the elastic strainer.

Pros:

Cute, fashionable design with zippers for closing and for the pockets.

Loose sleeves with a cape-like feel that’s adjustable.

Durable, high-quality polyester for the ultimate in protection.

Wide and long measurements mean it can fit a range of sizes from small to XXL.

 
Cons:

Material feels more like plastic fabric than polyester.

Tends to leak even in the lightest of rainy weather.

Doesn’t breathe well in humid, hot conditions.

 

Freesmily Women’s Rain Poncho

For impeccable, yet simple designs, try Freesmily’s Womens Rain Ponchos. They have zipper closures, made of 100% polyester and it’s a one-size-fits-all type of garment. They have many other styles and designs too, but this one is to die for.

It’s fashionable, stylish, easy to wear and simple to take off. This zip up rain poncho is 100% waterproof and eco-friendly that’s quick to dry and clean. However, this is not machine-safe. You will have to hand wash the poncho and let it air dry.

But, it’s very lightweight and portable, making it a good choice for local and daily use or venturing out into the great outdoors. It comes with a storage bag made of the same material and pattern as the poncho; good for fashionable coordination and easy portability.

It weighs 10.58 ounces, so you can take and use it anywhere. The poncho has a front length of 36.2 inches and a back length of 40.6 inches while having a width of 57.5 inches. You can use this stylish cape at outdoor concerts, art festivals, dog walks, mountain hiking, biking, jogging or even running daily errands. It saves space in any bag.

Pros:

Fashionable and stylish while also being practical and convenient; you can use it in almost any situation.

Very light while also saving space, it will fit perfectly in a purse, bag or backpack underneath.

Smooth, comfortable material while the zipper prevents leakage.

 
Cons:

You can’t toss this into a washing machine or a dryer. Hand wash and hang dry only.

It’s thin, so not good for windy conditions in any capacity.

Material sticks to the body and clothing when wet or humid.

 

Totes Unisex Rain Poncho

Totes is well known for its wet weather accessories, particularly for travel and its Totes Unisex Rain Poncho is one of its most popular products. It is a very good yet inexpensive clear poncho raincoat that you can get in a few different colors.

This poncho is made of a waterproof and lightweight EVA fabric and features heat-sealed waterproof seams. It cannot be machine washed and it’s best to just wipe it with a damp cloth to clean it if you want it to be reused several times. It features a pullover design with side snaps to create arms holes and reduce the amount of billowing in windy weather. With the unique cut of the hood there’s no need for a drawstring or button for maximum head and neck coverage and it won’t slip off either. It’s a roomy one for use over a backpack but might feel a bit short for anyone over 6′.

It comes with a 6″ x 10″ zippered mesh storage bag to prevent mildew forming and the whole package weighs just 9 ounces.

Pros:

Very lightweight.

Inexpensive but durable.

 
Cons:

The hole for the head to go through is quite small even the actual hood size is good.

Not a stylish option.

 

Saphirose Rain Poncho Jacket Coat Hooded for Adults with Pockets

We now come to the longer options that are good for medium height to tall women and men. The Saphirose Rain Poncho with pockets is a full body rain poncho that falls around about the knees and right up to the wrists for most women. It will also cover a backpack well.

You can get this poncho in a few different colors and even some cute polka dot prints. It is an extremely breathable 100% polyester poncho with waterproof backing and heat-sealed seams. You zip up the front from bottom to top for easy on and off wear. The hood can be tightened around the head with an adjustable drawstring cord and a small peak in the front even keeps your glasses dry if you wear them. You can create sleeves with the side snap buttons and the ends of the sleeves feature elastic thumb loops that you can use to tighten the wrist holes to keep even your arms completely dry. This is as close as you can get to having a poncho with sleeves.

The front falls to 36″ and the back to 40.5″. The wingspan for the arms is 57.4″. There’s a zippered pocket with a rain flap on the front on one side to store your wallet, smartphone or anything else you need handy but dry when you’re out and about.

It also comes with a compact 9.8″ x 6″ zippered pouch with a carabiner clip for storage and the whole package weighs 9.6 oz.

Pros:

Easy to put on and take off.

Very roomy and can be worn over a coat.

Completely waterproof.

 
Cons:

Not great for petite women.

Front needs to be zipped up high to keep it from slipping from your shoulders.

 

Anyoo Waterproof Rain Poncho

One of the most affordable and fashionable of all is the womens waterproof cape by Anyoo. Polyester, cloth and PVC make up the material that goes into this extremely water-resistant garment. It’s a great coat that matches almost any outfit while allowing you to prepare for the unexpected, or the expected. It’s good for everyday use or hiking out in the woods.

It has heat-sealed seams at the shoulders and head of the poncho. This means water leaks will be non-existent. The hood has drawstrings for adjustments to accommodate any sized head, giving added protection. It closes with fashionable three snaps while providing a flattering silhouette to the body and head.

The poncho has a soft overall feel and gives optimal coverage in rain, wind and snow. There are elastic thumb hoops for bike rides that prevent the garment from blowing away. The zippers are also waterproof with a piece of cloth on the inside to provide double protection. Plus, it has an interior “media pocket” to protect delicate items and electronics like keys, smartphones and earbuds.

It measures 33 inches long in the front, 39 inches long in the back and 25 inches wide. It’s ventilated and somewhat breathable with a very small and useful loop for hanging. Or, you can store it in the convenient carrying pouch that comes with the poncho. There’s plenty of space for you to wear thick clothing and carry a backpack too.

Pros:

Cute and modern while also pragmatic and economical.

Made of three durable, strong materials for the ultimate in rain protection.

The dyes on the material won’t stain the wall or drip onto the floor when you hang it.

Plenty of zippers, loops and hoops for protection from the elements and for storage.

This poncho is ideal for just about any outdoor activity or situation.

 
Cons:

Buttons tear out easily.

Not very rip stop.

Only suitable in mild winter conditions.

 

Terra Hiker Rain Poncho

If you specifically want a hiking and backpacking poncho that can double as a tarp for camping or picnicking, the Terra Hiker Rain Poncho might be what you want. It is a long poncho so it fits tall people best and it comes to below the knees for anyone shorter than 6′.

You have a choice of 4 different colors with the material being high density polyester and caulking on the seams for complete waterproofing. You just pull this poncho over your head and the hood can be tightened with the elastic drawstring with the brim helping to keep water off your face. The sides have velcro tabs to create arms. The corners have eyelets fixed into thickened hems. These can be used to anchor the poncho onto your own tent stakes so that it can also serve as a mat when picnicking or camping. When you’re wearing it as a poncho the eyelets help weight the hems down to reduce billowing on windy days. The back is slightly longer than the front so it will cover a backpack nicely.

When opened up into a full rectangle to serve as a mat it measures 57″ x 86.6″ but it can be folded into a compact package and stuffed into the included drawstring pouch that measures just 10.23″ x 3.14″ x 1.18″ and weighs 0.58 lb.

Pros:

Great coverage even for tall people.

Multi-purpose and good for hiking and backpacking.

Very durable.

 
Cons:

Velcro fasteners for arms are annoying to use.

Not a very stylish option.

 

How to Stuff a Rain Poncho or Jacket Into it’s Own Stow Pocket