Best Survival Poncho To Stay Dry In The Rain
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You’ll need a survival poncho to keep your gear and yourself dry in torrential rain if you ever find yourself in such a survival emergency situation. Here are the best survival poncho options to choose from for your prepper stash.
I truly believe a poncho is something you need to add to your 72-hour go bag. If you’re ever faced with huge heavy rainfall or other adverse weather conditions and you have to relocate to another safe location in a survival situation, you wouldn’t want all of your gear and food to get soaking wet while you travel which is where a versatile poncho comes in handy.
A good quality poncho is a very simple piece of survival gear, and it’s often overlooked by many preppers. I went ahead and ordered my entire family a few ponchos each just in case we ever need them – whether in survival or simply some other emergency where we absolutely need to stay dry, but the main reasons being that being prepared and not scared is so important for our family.
Here are the best survival ponchos that every prepper should consider.
Best survival Ponchos
Mil-Tec Ripstop Wet Weather Poncho – Best Overall Survival Poncho
This ripstop poncho is the best poncho and is completely waterproof, and it gets its name from the peculiar weave that runs across it. It’s a military-style material weave that’s used in a variety of materials and applications.
It also makes the material lighter without sacrificing its strength. Eyelets on the hem allow you to use it as a groundsheet or emergency shelter, while press-stud poppers on the sides allow you to use it as a sleeping bag cover, poncho, or basha.
The poppers allow “sleeves” to be made, allowing you to conveniently handle the equipment.
Arcturus Lightweight Ripstop Nylon Rain Poncho – Best Extra Long Poncho
This waterproof poncho has long length and expands to 54″ x 96″ (4.5ft x 8ft), giving you plenty of space for a ground tarp or lean-to. Metal grommets are included in all four corners for convenient tie-down in emergency situations.
This military-style poncho is both waterproof and robust while being lightweight. The poncho comes with a tiny 8″x4″ carry case and weighs under 11 oz (310 grams), which is less than half the weight of typical ponchos which really helps if you have strenuous outdoor activities or are battling windy conditions.
When used as an 8-ft x 4.5-ft tarp, this heavy-duty poncho has HD snap closures and HD grommets on all four corners.
To keep the poncho’s center tight, the hood can be fastened to a tent post (when used as a tarp).
EVERLIT [4-Pack] Emergency Rain Poncho – Best Budget Poncho
Aluminized raincoat with PE tear and puncture-resistant covering that has been field-tested by Ex-U.S. Sergeant in the Army. It’s made of a tough insulating mylar material that NASA developed for space travel and can retain up to 90% of your body heat. A thermal poncho is an excellent addition to your first aid kit, trauma kit, survival kit, bug-out bag, auto assistance kit, and everyday carry bag.
With the EVERLIT Emergency Rain Poncho, you’ll be ready for heavy rain, snow, and chilly weather. The NASA-developed space blanket material can maintain up to 90% of a person’s body heat. In a lost/rescue emergency, the highly reflective two-sided sheeting can also be used as a signal.
The poncho may be reused and folded back into its original package for future usage. Each survival poncho weighs around 3 ounces and is folded, wrapped, and sealed in the bag. The folded rain poncho is 3″ X 5″, and when fully inflated, it measures 40″ X 48″.
How To Choose A Survival Poncho
Weight and Size
Keep in mind that the best rain ponchos aren’t something you’ll use on a regular basis. As with every other essential survival item, you must strike a balance between size and weight.
In the outdoors, a larger poncho that is either too wide or too short can limit your mobility. It may flail around or become entangled in trees or plants which is the last thing you want in an emergency situation.
Remember that battling an inconvenient fit may be distracting. That can mean the difference between life and death in a survival situation. But it’s a good idea to get a lightweight poncho with waterproof materials to keep you dry in harsh rainfall.
A bigger poncho, on the other hand, will be more multipurpose. Choose a big size poncho if you want to use it as a survival shelter or ground cover.
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Material
You’ll need more than a frail, thin sheet to cover yourself if you’re looking for a survival poncho, but it’s never a bad idea to add some disposable ponchos to your SHTF stash. Here are some materials you should look for in a survival poncho.
Ripstop nylon is abrasion-resistant, resilient, and flexible. Nylon is mold and mildew resistant, and it’s often waterproofed. PU-coated nylon, on the other hand, isn’t the most breathable material.
High-density polyester – Polyester is more resistant to abrasion and UV than nylon. Polyester is hydrophobic as well, but it’s also coated with other materials.
Nonwoven textiles made of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are inexpensive, flexible, and waterproof. They are not, however, breathable.
Breathable PU fabric — Lightweight and breathable, these are ideal for sportswear. Simultaneously, polymers such as Paratex Dry provide excellent waterproofing.
See also: 3 Best Survival Walkie Talkie Radio Options For Preppers
Water-Resistance
The poncho’s waterproofing capabilities are also determined by the material’s quality. Examine the material’s waterproof rating as well as additional characteristics such as a taped seam. The seams are glued in this way, sometimes from both sides.
If you’re going to a damp zone, ensure sure the material you’re wearing is waterproof, not water-resistant. However, the poncho’s shape and covering can have a significant impact on waterproofing in bad weather. A material with a low waterproof rating might occasionally surprise you with its capabilities.
See also: How To Know If You Should Bug Out Or Stay Put In An Emergency
Color
Another thing to think about is the waterproof rain poncho color. When you need to blend in with the surroundings, light or camouflage colors are an excellent choice. They will also assist you in remaining hidden from prospective predators.
Bright or neon-colored ponchos, on the other hand, are ideal in an emergency survival situation if you need to be rescued in foul weather. Some of the bright color ponchos are visible from afar and even in the dark.
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Additional Features
The correct features increase a poncho’s overall quality and enhance the user experience that goes beyond rain gear. Adjustable hoods, metal eyelets, and snap fastenings are all frequent elements in survival ponchos for extra protection.
Ponchos with pockets are also a favorite of ours. This makes it simple to store little goods close at hand. A storage bag or stuff sack of the appropriate large size is also required for keeping the poncho while not in use.
See also: 20 Best Items To Stockpile Which You Can Barter In An Emergency
Additional Functions Of Ponchos
Because of the robust and waterproof fabric, a poncho may be used for numerous emergency purposes in addition to keeping you dry.
Shelter
The fabric’s resilience allows it to be utilized as a rain and storm shelter. To make the shelter, all you need is a poncho, some paracord, and some branches.
Hammock With just two 20-foot lengths of paracord, you may create a hammock and sleep well in the woods.
The poncho’s robust fabric makes it a perfect choice for carrying a wounded individual. A basic stretcher may be made with a few poles and paracords.
Water Container
The poncho may be used as a water container for river water or rains. The water collected can be heated further under the sun. If you know how to produce fire, you can also distill the water. Placing a poncho over boiling water will gather distilled water.
Tarp
If you have an extra poncho, you may use it as a tarp to protect yourself or your belongings from becoming wet. For example, if the ground is wet and muddy, you can cover the area with a poncho and sleep on it. You’ll be able to stay dry and clean this way.
As A Bag
Ponchos can also be used as a carry, either in the form of a bag or a sled. When you have too many necessary goods and your purse space is restricted, you may always stuff some of them into the poncho. In this situation, the poncho serves as a second bag.
Bandage
Because of its waterproof properties, the poncho would be a good bandage. If the injury is not exposed to water, it may heal faster and the chance of infection is reduced.
See also: Preppers’ Must-Have Medical Supplies
FAQ
Difference between rain ponchos and rain jackets?
In essence, both products accomplish the same goal. Ponchos, on the other hand, are more flexible in emergency or survival scenarios. If the poncho is large enough, it can also protect your bag from the rain, something that jackets cannot accomplish.
Difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
The term “waterproof” refers to a product that repels water and does not allow water to enter. Water-resistant products can tolerate splashing, but if they are exposed to water for an extended period of time, water will seep through.
What to do if I still feel cold after putting on the poncho?
I recommend using a poncho liner as the second layer of your poncho by putting it below your poncho. It has the potential to trap heat and provide you with much-needed warmth.
Bottom Line
While a poncho may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about prepping, it is something to consider.
Picking the correct poncho for a survival pack isn’t simple with the market inundated with a broad choice of survival ponchos. A bad product choice, even on something as basic as a poncho, might lower your chances of survival in an SHTF situation. Finally, you must make an educated judgment.
The poncho isn’t the most exciting thing in your INCH bag, but it’s essential. It’s precisely what you need to live in the wild, with the proper blend of protection, adaptability, and weight.
