Rain suit vs. poncho?

[hammockBlazn]

Same here poncho all the way.

[fishbait]

I found the wet from the rain - wet from your sweat scenario to be true with my Froggtogg Driducks UL Poncho. It made one heck of a vapor barrier, helped to keep me warm on a chilli day and made a lousy door for my tarp on a windy night.

[1066vik]

I like my DDR mil-surp hooded rain cape and a pair of rain pants.

[docterusa]

I was on a hike, and we found a great place to hang. All was clear, but all of a sudden the clouds came in and started to pour.. Thanks to my Poncho, I was able to use it to cover my UQ.. The problem with FL rain is when it comes in it is like a mini hurricane for a short time... That poncho is also awesome for the rain and hikes... Might be a little heavier but I would never go anywhere with out it...

[SteelerNation]

Different approach, I guess, but I carry a golite umbrella that I use when the wind isn't too terrible or the trail too overhung. I usually carry an eVent rain jacket for the times when the umbrella won't work and the moisture control hasn't been too bad because the wind is rocking.

SN

[Wise Old Owl]

Oh well please do not quote me ... Folks - sales of Poncho are so way down... and Gortex and event and others is so over the top... this is out-of-touch.



I am a huge fan of the poncho.. but you cannot give it away! I took time to read the tread... but oh well.

[brambor]

in new england during warmer 6 months { may,june,july,august,september,october} I preffer a poncho, sometimes coupled with patagonia houdini for additional windbreaker/warmth preserver. it is lighter than my rainjackets and it covers over my backpack. it is quick to deploy and quick to remove. it may not be as stylish as a goretex whizbang and it may make you look like Igor from Young Frankenstein but those are the only disadvantages I could think of.

In the colder months when Goretex actually breathes better and when warmth is a lifesaver I wear Jacket and pants. last weekend I hiked two 4000 footers in New Hampshire and we had 4 inches of snow and strong winds. I would not use only a poncho in those conditions. You need more complete windbreaker.Remember you can trap warmth better even if your wool layers underneath are wet. when it is snowing the backpack protection is adequate and can be improved with a pack cover if necessary.

[TFC Rick]

Thanks for all the input folks. My wife told me to just carry both. Looks like that may not be such a bad idea after all the feedback.