The best gear in your inbox
All the tips you'll need to get started in Urban Survival:
We'll only use your email address for our newsletter and respect your privacy
When you are out on a trek in the woods or are up to some outdoor adventure sports, it can be annoying as hell if it starts pouring unexpectedly. While there is not much you can do to control the rain, you can certainly be prepared to stay dry and warm with the right kind of gear. Turns out, it is not at all difficult to be equipped with the gear that will keep you dry on a rainy day.
In the following sections, I will take you through some of the best rain gear I found in the market. I have slotted the products into different categories so you can find what you want with greater ease. Once you find the one that works for you, you will never leave your home without it, come rain, wind or sunshine.
Best Overall
Foxelli Hooded Rain Poncho – Waterproof Emergency Military Raincoat for Adult Men & Women – Lightweight, Multi-Use, Reusable Rain Gear for Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Festivals
The Foxelli Hooded Rain Poncho is a great item to carry in your bag for a rain emergency. This is a unisex item and can be used multiple times without trouble. This is a great piece of apparel to carry to a hiking trip, camping, fishing and even an outdoor music festival. The poncho will keep you covered from head to toe so the rain is not a dampener in your fun.
What’s Included
- 3.5”x9” bag
- Coated polyester hood
- Built-in cord adjuster
- One-year warranty
What I Think
This might not be the best looking rain gear, given that it’s only a silhouette and it is not fitted. But this poncho will be able to cover a lot more than what a raincoat might do. You can even wear it over your backpack and the poncho will still provide you with complete coverage.
Common Questions
- Is this machine washable?
Ideally, the poncho should be washed by hand because the machine may damage the waterproofing of the poncho.
- Does it have eyelets?
It does not have eyelets but it does have steel grommets that allow you to attach your liner at the bottom, should you wish to.
- What sizes are available for the poncho?
There is only one size available for the poncho — 95” (L) x 55” (W).
What I Like
- The poncho provides a lot of coverage for adults and is unisex.
- There are a lot of color options as well as patterns available.
- It does not come in the way of your movement while you are walking.
- It can be used in a variety of ways apart from a rain poncho — as a camping blanket, a sleeping bag, a tarp to cover your tent, etc.
What I Don’t Like
- The dye tends to come off on some of the brighter colored ponchos.
- It’s coarser than expected and is not soft to the touch.
I would still select this as the best option overall as there is no restriction about whether the gear will fit you. It is a free size that provides great coverage to every adult of average height. It is also a versatile garment that has several uses. I highly recommend it.
Best Buy
Gloryfire Poncho Tactical Poncho Tactical Ripstop Raincoat Multi-Use for Camping Hiking Climbing Backpacking Military Surplus Emergency Poncho Blanket Patrol Poncho
The Gloryfire tactical poncho is a highly versatile piece of rain gear that you can keep in your travel kit. This is the ideal rain gear for you to take on a hike or while backpacking. It can be used as a blanket, as a covering for your tent in an emergency, and even as a sleeping bag.
What’s Included
- Waterproof deep hat
- Drawstring neck
- Front storage pocket
- Side buttons
- Steel grommets to make a tent
What I Think
This looks like a plain poncho but it has a fair few things to offer. The hat is deep and covers your entire head, practically even half your face! The poncho also closes from the side so that no drops of water can enter from there. You can also use the grommets at the bottom to erect a tent!
Common Questions
- Are there other color options?
No, currently black is the only color option available.
- Is it compatible with a standard-size poncho liner?
Yes, the poncho is compatible with a standard-size poncho liner and the dimensions match.
- Is it waterproof or water-resistant?
The material of the poncho is waterproof, however, the poncho itself is only water-resistant given that it is open from the bottom. If you jump into a lake with the poncho on, water would certainly get in.
What I Like
- You can easily erect a makeshift tent with grommets at the bottom.
- The neckline has triple waterproof layers so your face and neck remain dry no matter what.
- You can stuff the poncho into its own pocket for storage.
- The side snaps ensure what does not get in during extreme rains.
What I Don’t Like
- The front pocket tends to collect water.
- The seals are not heat treated.
This is a versatile, multi-purpose poncho that can serve you in a variety of different ways. The neckline and brim are specially designed to keep water out. While it is not 100% waterproof, you can be assured that your torso will remain dry throughout.
Best Features
5.11 Tactical Packable Operator Jacket, Foldable, Water and Wind Resistant
The 5.11 Tactical packable operator jacket is a foldable water and wind-resistant jacket. It is made of 100% polyester and repels water in an excellent way. It is also a stylish looking jacket that will also go with the rest of your outfit, be it work clothes or hiking gear.
What’s Included
- Carry pouch
- Chest pocket
- Elastic sleeves
What I Think
This is a stylish, lightweight and sturdy jacket that will keep you warm and dry on a rainy day. There are also a few different storage options to keep your belongings and other gear dry during the rain.
Common Questions
- Does the jacket come with a hood?
Yes, the jacket comes with a head that can be rolled neatly into the collar when not in use.
- How many pockets does it have?
It has two pockets on the side and one chest pocket.
- Will the jacket keep you warm?
At best, the jacket will protect you from wind and rain but it is not useful in colder climates.
What I Like
- I like how secure and spacious the pockets are.
- This is a lightweight jacket that can be packed neatly into its own pocket.
- It comes in three great colors and offers a variety of sizes.
- The hood fits neatly into the collar, even if it is not detachable.
What I Don’t Like
- The jacket would be a much better product with a lining inside.
- This is still a backup jacket and does not work great if the rain is too heavy.
Even if this is a backup jacket, it is a great jacket to keep in your backpack for everyday use and for light wind and drizzle. It offers some great features, like the secure chest pocket and the hood that tucks neatly into the collar. I would deem it to have some of the best features.
Fan Favorite
Columbia Men’s Watertight II Front-Zip Hooded Rain Jacket
The Columbia Men’s Watertight II Front-Zip Hooded Rain Jacket is a delight to own. It is understandable why so many customers have given it such great reviews because this product really does tick off some important boxes. It is made with 100% nylon and has a 100% polyester lining inside.
What’s Included
- Zippered hand pockets
- Abrasion-resistant chin guard
- Adjustable storm hood
What I Think
This is a stylish looking rain jacket that has understandably caught the attention of the people. This product boasts of a lot of great reviews and I can see why. Not only is it a great looking jacket, but it also has a hood that protects you in a sudden downpour and zippered pockets that keep your personal items safe.
Common Questions
- What kind of lining does the jacket have?
The jacket has a mesh lining that covers its entire interior.
- Can the wrists of the jacket be tightened?
Yes, the wrists have Velcro which allows you to tighten the jacket.
- Is the hood removable?
No, the hood cannot be separated from the rest of the body.
What I Like
- The jacket is available in a variety of different and attractive colors.
- Since it is lined, it also keeps you warm on a slightly chilly day.
- The Velcro ensures that rain does not get through your sleeves.
- The jacket is breathable so it keeps your body cool on a hot, humid day as well.
What I Don’t Like
- The manufacturers call this a packable jacket but it does not seem to be one.
- The jacket does not fit true to size and the sizing chart seems confusing or misleading.
This is still an efficient jacket and the positive reviews outweigh the negative ones. It looks great, does its job more than decently and also keeps you warm in case the mercury dips slightly. The fans recommend this one and so do I.
Stay away from this Product!
Refire Gear Men’s Soft Shell Military Tactical Jacket Outdoor Camouflage Hunting Fleece Hooded Coat
The Refire Gear Men’s Soft Shell Military Tactical Jacket is meant to be a garment that keeps you dry during the rain and warm during winds. It has a medium-weight warm fleece lining and does look extremely promising. However, there is a fair bit left to be desired with this jacket.
To begin with, the zipper seems to be defective in several pieces. It either comes off completely or is not able to hold the jacket together when you do manage to zip it up. The jacket also does not fit true to size and the sizing chart is of little help. The jacket claims to be waterproof, but the rain seems to trickle in through the seams. These are several basic ways in which this jacket does not live up to its promises, of which sizing seems to be the biggest issue that customers are facing. I would recommend steering clear of this jacket. Apart from the faulty jacket that I have described above, the other four jackets that have been reviewed are some of the best in the market. I have attempted to put together the best in different categories so you have a greater variety to pick from and various different factors can be considered. Each of these jackets has something unique and exciting to offer and most importantly, they will keep you dry as a desert on a rainy day. I hope you find something of use from this review. Do not hesitate to write in and let me know which rain gear you picked out for yourself.