This is my uncoolest piece of equipment, and I don’t care what any of you think or say (I’m looking at you Greg), it’s brilliant. Depending on the conditions, it can do different things.
In South East Asia I’d put it on during some of the tropical downpours. I’d stay dry and also cool. A rain jacket is simply not an option in this situation as it just creates an instant sauna and you’ll be as wet on the inside of the jacket as the outside. The poncho allows airflow and generally keeps me dry.
In colder weather it does the same job and keeps your warm clothes quite dry in the process. It does this though some smart design. There are hand / finger loops at the front where you can attach it to your hands, then when you grab the handlebars, the poncho doesn’t flap up in the wind. There’s also a waist strap that you tie up to keep everything stable.
There are also some side clips, but I’ve never been able to successfully keep them clipped up while riding. I don’t think I need them though.
In cold wet and windy weather, I had wet weather gloves and my rain jacket, with the poncho over the top. In Ireland in November, I was able to ride for a couple of hours into the wind and driving rain without getting soaked.
Although I wouldn’t use it in crazy windy weather, It means the difference between a soaking and being just damp around the edges.
Rating – Daggy but excellent