Poncho Backpacker

Threw it in my daypack and forgot it was there until a sudden downpour on the trail—it unfolded easily and kept my pack dry underneath. The lightweight material made it barely noticeable to carry, which is exactly what I need for emergency weather.

It does the job in a light drizzle and packs down tiny, which is handy. Still, the material feels a bit cheap and it doesn't breathe at all, so I got sweaty underneath even on a mild hike. Fine for emergencies, but I wouldn't count on it for a full day of heavy rain.