Ponchos versus Jackets

[DaniB]

So after reading the thread "which poncho do you prefer", I'm curious as whether people prefer a poncho OR a light-weight waterproof jacket AND WHY?

I'm torn between the two... The poncho photo posted in that thread seems to indicate the poncho covers to your knees. It looks like a backpack could easily be covered under there as well. They only cost about $8-10.

We all might get more long-term use out of a light-weight waterproof jacket, but perhaps they would be bulkier? Definately more expensive!

What other cons and pros are there for these?

Dani

 

[TillyMarigold]

Honestly, we *hate* the feel of plastic on our skin in the Florida humidity. Good quality rain jackets don't stick to you like plastic does, can be rolled up extremely small (we keep both of ours--adult sized--in a 1-gallon zip-loc bag in our bags), and will have vents to keep you from getting too hot (usually there's a vent either on the underside of the arm, or in the body of the jacket at the armpit).

We keep several zip-loc bags in our backpack (a small one for the camera and cell phones that we also use for wet rides, one of snacks, one of a small first aid kit) so everything that's in it, has its own plastic bag and it doesn't matter if the backpack itself gets wet. Plus anything that's small (cell phone, camera, sunglasses) can fit into the inside pocket of the rain jacket.

We live in New Mexico so our summer rains can be even worse than Florida's (really), so our rain jackets get a fair amount of use and they last for years.

If your kids are at an age where they grow really quickly, I might get a poncho for them, because a *good* rain jacket costs $50-100 (and up if you want one that's suitable for, say, hiking the Appalachian Trail).

 

[Thumper_Man]

Honestly, we *hate* the feel of plastic on our skin in the Florida humidity. Good quality rain jackets don't stick to you like plastic does, can be rolled up extremely small (we keep both of ours--adult sized--in a 1-gallon zip-loc bag in our bags), and will have vents to keep you from getting too hot (usually there's a vent either on the underside of the arm, or in the body of the jacket at the armpit).

We keep several zip-loc bags in our backpack (a small one for the camera and cell phones that we also use for wet rides, one of snacks, one of a small first aid kit) so everything that's in it, has its own plastic bag and it doesn't matter if the backpack itself gets wet. Plus anything that's small (cell phone, camera, sunglasses) can fit into the inside pocket of the rain jacket.

We live in New Mexico so our summer rains can be even worse than Florida's (really), so our rain jackets get a fair amount of use and they last for years.

If your kids are at an age where they grow really quickly, I might get a poncho for them, because a *good* rain jacket costs $50-100 (and up if you want one that's suitable for, say, hiking the Appalachian Trail).

I like your location tag. I'm also from NM. Can never figure out why a lot of people don't know that.

Like you, DW and I have some light weight jackets that are waterproof. We found a good deal on some over at JC Penney about 5 years ago. They roll up nicely and fit into our fanny packs for easy carrying. During the monsoon season here, we find ourselves constantly wearing them.

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Both!!

Seriously, we take both. We wear our rain jackets (windbreaker style) in light rains and in the evening when it gets cool. If it starts seriously pouring, I bring out the $1 store ponchos to keep the rain jacket dry. I know that sounds ridiculous, but if your jacket gets soaked it is tough to deal with, espeically if the sun never comes back out to dry it.

 

[gtpoohbear]

We prefer rain jackets whenever possible. Ponchos are so flimsy, and make me feel all sweaty and sticky! A few years ago, we got some nice adult rain jackets from the Disney store- not sure if they still sell them, but I think we paid less than $40 each, and they worked great! The were lightweight enough that we could roll them up into a large ziploc bag and carry them with us in the backpack. Ponchos have ocasionally come in handy in emergencies, but if you can plan ahead for it at all, I would definitley choose a light rain jacket!

 

[LuvSnowWhite]

I am going late April and I have a rain jacket but I might also get a poncho when I'm there. They appear to be nice and long and might be better for the rides like Kali RR.

 

[turkeymama]

I usually wear ponchos, as do the kids. However, when DH and I visited by ourselves one March, I bought a men's rain jacket and it was so much better. I don't think I'll do a poncho again. And since I'm on the not-so-tall side, the larger jacket covered my backpack. Of course, it's more difficult to get to.

 

[Wild4Walt]

The ponchos sound like fun until the wind starts blowing hard - then the poncho is up around your neck and your soaked anyways.

But seriously, I have been there so from that point out I always bring a waterproof rain jacket. It's lightweight enough to carry in my bag or tie around my waist.

 

[Alesia]

Unless it's cold, I'd rather just get wet.

 

[francie57]

We have used both but prefer the raincoat. We have really nice ones that actually fold up in the pocket of the jacket so we just throw them in a backpack. We usually take a large plastic bag to throw any bags in and then after it stops raining we fold the wet coats and put them in the bag. Don't like the way the ponchos stick to you and blow around in the rain. Also, the hoods on the ponchos have a tendancy to blow off since you can't tie them at all.

 

[PrincessV]

Honestly, we *hate* the feel of plastic on our skin in the Florida humidity. Good quality rain jackets don't stick to you like plastic does, can be rolled up extremely small (we keep both of ours--adult sized--in a 1-gallon zip-loc bag in our bags), and will have vents to keep you from getting too hot (usually there's a vent either on the underside of the arm, or in the body of the jacket at the armpit).

Jackets, hands-down, for all of the reasons above! Also, I live in FL, so rain is an every day occurrence for half the year; no way could I be dealing with ponchos all the time, so my rain jacket gets plenty of use. Mine is from Lands End and my DS7's is from LL Bean. Both are lightweight, packable and waterproof.

 

[goofy's_gurl]

So after reading the thread "which poncho do you prefer", I'm curious as whether people prefer a poncho OR a light-weight waterproof jacket AND WHY?

I'm torn between the two... The poncho photo posted in that thread seems to indicate the poncho covers to your knees. It looks like a backpack could easily be covered under there as well. They only cost about $8-10.

We all might get more long-term use out of a light-weight waterproof jacket, but perhaps they would be bulkier? Definately more expensive!

What other cons and pros are there for these?

Dani

I'll be honest with you. I'd rather get wet with rain then wear either. When your in Florida its always hot and humid and the rain feels good. But i would say get poncho's they'll be easier to carry around in the parks. We got some last year from the dollar store. Or if you want you can buy some in the parks.

 

[disneydiva1313]

I usually get the Disney poncho...however they do not last. They always end up tearing, especially in the front around the neck...so I have to buy a new one each year. I am thinking about just bringing a rain jacket instead.

 

[SignMeUp]

I usually get the Disney poncho...however they do not last. They always end up tearing, especially in the front around the neck...so I have to buy a new one each year. I am thinking about just bringing a rain jacket instead.

I'm pretty sure Disney will replace torn ponchos. Keep your receipt and, if it tears, take it back to have it replaced before you leave. Then you'll have a new one ready for your next trip... save you some $$ too .

 

[gillep]

Both!!

Seriously, we take both. We wear our rain jackets (windbreaker style) in light rains and in the evening when it gets cool. If it starts seriously pouring, I bring out the $1 store ponchos to keep the rain jacket dry. I know that sounds ridiculous, but if your jacket gets soaked it is tough to deal with, espeically if the sun never comes back out to dry it.

I totally agree we always have both but much prefer the rain jackets unless it is some serious rain

 

[entropy63]

I forget to bring one. So if I am at Epcot I will buy something from Helly Hansen in Norway.

 

[branv]

I've been wondering about this since I saw Old Navy advertising a rain poncho for women that has an attached pouch for storing it in. I want to say it was between $15-$20, so I've been tempted. Loathe those ponchos -- they make me feel like Frosty in the greenhouse.

 

[blanq]

We are from MN where it rains plenty. Everyone in my family has a couple of good quality breathable rain jackets (Marmot, Patagonia, etc) that we use a lot. They make the trek to WDW with us on every trip. They roll up to almost nothing. They work great over a sweatshirt for layering and to keep out the wind if it's cold. They have good hoods that won't blow off in the wind. I can't, for the life of me, figure out the draw of those crappy sticky ponchos.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Both - most of the year.

Jackets are good for light to moderate rain. Ponchos are miserable to wear, but protect better in downpours.

Jackets protect from wind.

Sometimes a sweatshirt is the best option - even in light rian. A hooded sweatshirt witha zip front can be very handy at WDW - temps can change dramatically over the course of the day and hoodies are good for that.

A poncho is hard to refold. Often, once everyone has donned thiers, the rain stops. It pays to see a weather report each moring to know if showers will be all day - or just passing. The BEST option, may be just to stand under an overhang for the ten minutes - or grab a bite- hit the bathroom - or roam a gift shop.


Cheap ponchos are a good option if the weather is warm (No jacket needed for wind or cold) and the chance of shower is below 50%. You can keep a small one in your back pocket just in case a thunderstorm downpour catches you offguard.

One thing I think is more important - water shoes. If you will be there during the summer or really rainy weather - something like Crocs are ideal.Wet Sneakers can be miserable and can take days to dry if WDW is very humid.

 

[NMAmy]

Rain jacket. Mine has no lining so if it's warm, I'm fine and if it's cold, then I wear a sweatshirt under it. It costs more but I've had it for several years and wear it often in the spring and fall at home.