Rain Jacket vs Poncho: What Should You Really Take on a Himalayan Trek?
Let’s start with the humble poncho.
Many trekkers—especially those new to trekking—find ponchos convenient. And for good reason:
- A poncho covers your entire body along with your backpack, keeping both dry.
- You can tuck your hands inside, keeping gloves or mittens from getting wet.
- It's usually lighter and more affordable than a rain jacket and pants combo.
- It packs down easily—one piece to manage, not three.
But there’s a catch. While the poncho gives you full-body coverage, it’s not the most comfortable when you’re moving on tricky terrain. It tends to flap in the wind, can block your view of the trail (especially around your feet), and restricts leg movement on steep ascents or descents.
That’s something we’ve heard repeatedly from our trek leaders—who trek almost daily, in all kinds of weather.
