In Summary: In 2016 I checked out 5 waterproof ponchos and I choose the Charles River Pacific as the best waterproof poncho to pack in your carry on.While there are more effective ponchos on the market I found the Charles River Pacific was the best travel poncho for carry on guys like me.It won because:It's just the right weightIt keeps you and your backpack dryIt's available in colors other than green!Much of the poncho market is dominated by survivalists and military types which is a pity because they are a great item to include in your carry on packing list. I wish more travel companies made ponchos.Versatility is the key to great travel clothes and a poncho is a very useful and versatile item to have in your bag.Read on to find out more about why ponchos are awesome and why the Charles River won the top pick award.Charles River Pacific Introduction: What's So Good About A Travel Poncho?Smart carry on travelers are always trying to shave weight off their bag and a waterproof rain poncho is one way to do that.

A sweater + rain proof poncho is more versatile than a bulky rain jacket because you can wear the sweater or the poncho separately.Versatility and layers are the key to reducing the weight of your bag. Clint used a wool poncho in the desert but always kept a waterproof poncho handy for the rainy season...I like ponchos even compared to sleeved lightweight windbreakers (or cagoules as the British call them) because a poncho is easy to get on in a hurry.If you get caught in a rain shower it's easy to whip a poncho out of your day pack and be protected from the rain in just seconds.Likewise, a woolen poncho (like Clint might wear) is also a very versatile item to pack.If you are a poncho fan i'd recommend packing both a woolen poncho and a waterproof poncho in your carry on.A good rain poncho can offer some protection to your lower half as well as keeping your top half dry...And the best rain ponchos will even cover a backpack ​so your things don't get wet.Some Ponchos can come down below the knee so you can even sit down on a wet bench if you want.

All in all... a rain poncho is a really handy thing for a traveler, hiker or backpacker to carry.Large waterproof rain ponchos:Won't break like an umbrellaCan keep you dry below the waist tooCan keep your backpack dryYou might become too hot in hot climates FOR KEEPING DRY FOR KEEPING WARMCharles River Apparel Pacific Poncho ReviewThe Charles River Pacific Poncho is a hugely popular waterproof poncho and with good reason.It comes in 14 different colors and with a great little storage pouch. The pouch is roughly 12 x 9.5 x 0.5 inches, it weighs about 1 lb and the whole thing takes up less than a liter of space in your bag.It's long enough to cover your knees when seated even if you are tall. You could easily stuff this poncho into your handbag in case of emergencies.If your have a backpack and it's not too big this poncho will also cover your backpack to protect your things and keep them dry.It comes with a hood with drawstrings for keeping your head dry.​

The Charles River is lightweight but it's not so lightweight that it's like those disposable plastic ponchos. backpack mabulIt's designed to last for a long time.​ rio backpack beach chair costco% 14.5 ozPassable but not great for hot weatherYou still get rain in your face Frogg Toggs Outer Ware Poncho ReviewThe Frogg Toggs poncho is a lighter option than the Charles River but again it's not meant to be disposable.calpak 22 premium laptop backpackThe Frogg Toggs is modestly priced but it's a step up from disposable ponchos. komatsu backpack blowerFor carry on travelers the fact that it's very lightweight is an added bonus. vemma backpack

It's only going to add 8.8 oz to your carry on weight.backpack tibia venoreIf you are going to a mild climate you can skip taking a jacket altogether but keep a lightweight poncho handy just in case of any sudden downpours.​ % Only 8.8 ozMaterial is thin and could be pierced easily Snugpak Patrol Poncho ReviewThe Snugpak Patrol Poncho is a great option for larger guys and even fits guys up to 300 lbs. The truth is though... this isn't really a poncho because it's got sleeves. It's more like a big cagoule but that's no bad thing.The main negative is that it's a little overpriced for what it is. The Charles River is better value at a better price.​​ % Can be compressed really small13.33 ozNo waist cordCan't be opened up and used like a sheetShort in the arms for tall people Mil Tec Poncho ReviewThe Mil-Tec is made in Germany and made to a higher standard than Chinese ponchos.It's a Military style poncho and Military grade.

What this means for the casual carry on traveler is that it's not very stylish but it really gets the job done!If you travel with expensive laptops or camera gear then this will slip over your backpack and keep your gear safe.It ships from Ireland so it's going to take some time to get to you but it will probably be worth the wait.​The reasons this poncho didn't win my top pick was because it only comes in military green and for a carry on traveler obsessed with weight it's 7.5 oz heavier than the Charles River Pacific.But if that doesn't bother you this might be the one to get.​For "best poncho" it's the winner but for "best travel poncho" it runs second place.​ % 22 ozTakes a long time to ship to usaGreen or green JTENG Poncho ReviewThe ghostly looking JTENG Poncho is another military style poncho available in camouflage or green.Sadly this is probably too heavy to be a useful carry on poncho. It's 1.8 lbs and for me that's getting to the stage where the fantastic benefits of a travel poncho are out weighed by the negative effects of the weight.