When planning a trip, whether it be just a weekend away, or a much longer adventure, choosing what to take to minimize your luggage is always on every travellers mind.
And for those that plan for all occasions, including the weather, they understand that covering all bases is essential, but wet weather gear also takes up valuable room in your luggage.
So whether you take a rain jacket, rain poncho or just an umbrella really comes down to a few things…availability to store the item in your luggage, convenience at having to carry it around, and of course, the elements in which you might need to use them.
For example, if you’re travelling by train or bus, especially if it is wet at the time of travel, the bulky rain jacket can be quite cumbersome for getting on and off in crowded areas, and the umbrella is almost guaranteed to annoy somebody when open in crowded spaces while open, and can also be tricky to carry if you’re hands are full.
The rain poncho is ideal due to its lightweight biodegradable material, and is comfortable enough to leave on or easy to take off and roll up for storage if you do plan on wearing it again. The other advantage of the rain poncho, apart from its very handy built in hood, is the fact that it is more affordable than both an umbrella or rain jacket, so if you no longer need it on your journey you can dispose of it very easily.
Rain ponchos are also designed as a one-size-fits-all style, so while it may not be fashionably figure-hugging, it will fit everyone easily and certainly keep you dry!
Of course, which one to choose will also depend on your destination. For example, if you were planning to go out hiking or in a high weather warning area, then an umbrella or rain poncho are probably not the best choice in these circumstances.
However for a day watching the big game or your favourite music artists at a large outdoor concert, the rain poncho is definitely going to be your best bet.
So when choosing between a rain jacket, rain poncho or umbrella, consider how you plan to travel, the number of people that might be there and the surrounds in which you’ll be going to, and then make the choice which suits you best.