Rain Ponchos

http://www.golite.com/Poncho-Tarp-P885.aspx

I don't own this poncho yet but it seems to be a nice compromise of low weight, fair price, and a good reputation for quality.

GoLite has done a good job for a production poncho and that is what I use for day hikes. Sea to Summit, Integral Designs and Equinox make them too. Mountain Laurel Designs is a "cottage" gear maker that has a good poncho design for a shelter and a couple more.

If you are planning on using a poncho for rain gear and primary shelter, the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape is the way to go.

Do get one that has a longer back so it will cover your pack and still be long enough to cover the backs of your legs. If the front and back are even, it won't be worth much as a backpacking poncho. The extra length makes for a better shelter option too. That longer back section should have some snaps or Velcro so you can fold it up to wear without a pack. A simple belt made from light cord will help to keep the poncho under control in the wind and catching on your heels.

There is so little Golite makes that interests me, but I do think they make a great poncho for the money. I bought one of the older 10oz models for $50 and used it for 2 seasons as my rain gear/pack cover/ground sheet and it has held up great. It is long though, and I used a makeshift elastic cord belt to help control it in windy conditions. With a little practice and some field experience I feel comfortable using it as rain gear in high winds. I never used the Golite poncho as my primary shelter, but did play around with various pitches. It is a pretty minimal shelter that is beyond my limited tarping experience. I have up-graded to a Zpacks Poncho/ground sheet that is a lot more expensive but in a totally different league regarding weight, utility and craftsmanship. If money is the primary factor, you will be happy with the Golite. If you become a poncho convert like me, you can always upgrade to a cuben poncho later.

The GoLite is the best designed for the price point and weight. I'm pretty picky about ponchos because I frequently have to wait out storms. The GoLite is pretty good and is my "go-to" poncho on all my hikes. I got mine for a good price when they first went to direct sales – don't know if the price is still competitive or not.

Thanks for the info !!

The Packa concept works very well.
We do have an MYOG article on ponchos like that too.

Cheers