Poncho or umbrella?

[Pans]

Debating this conundrum at the moment. Deciding whether to take ponchos or fold up umbrellas in our daily bags. I guess pros and cons to both but would be interested in what fellow dibbers do.

[TinselAngel]

I never bother with either - would rather take shelter or just get wet, but I know a lot of locals prefer umbrellas because you don’t get as hot - ponchos are like wearing a plastic bag.

[sha9]

I’m not a fan of umbrellas in general. They’re useless if it’s windy and annoying in a crowd. I’d go for a poncho.

[Tigger71]

We went a few weeks ago and I tried both options - pros and cons to each:

Umbrella:
I bought an UV umbrella (Amazon) before we left. It provides rain protection and could give shade where there was none in scorching conditions.
Pros: small, easy to get out and put away. dries quickly. Can provide wind protection if windy. Keeps you mostly dry.
Cons: In crowds its difficult to use - you dont want to poke someone with it. You have to hold it so hands not free. If it is raining really heavily you can still get more wet than with a poncho.

Poncho:
Pros: covers backpack and you so when you take it off you are as dry as you can be. It keeps hands free (especially felt this was an advantage if it rained for hours). You can keep it on during rides (assuming ride is partially outdoor and is running during rain).
Cons: It does get hot under it. It can be difficult to pack away. Takes a long time to dry in a hotel room.

[toonarmani]

We took ponchos and never took them out of the bag, just dodged the rain or got slightly wet.

If in the parks I would avoid a brolly.

[Smilesonfaces]

Neither. Just get wet. Couldn’t be bothered with an umbrella and ponchos are just hot and uncomfortable. Get wet, you soon dry.

[parkgirl]

I saw far more people with umbrellas last year than ever before. Was thinking I may go that way instead of a sweaty poncho!

[lizzie145]

With umbrellas it keeps the rain from dripping down your bottom half, ponchos drip towards feet

[Voldemort]

Poncho - easier to pop in your bag. And in crowds doesn’t get in the way. Or just pop in a shop or attraction if it starts raining.

Also if it’s windy it’s tricky with an umbrella.

[Stitch & Smudge]

I prefer neither, however a poncho doesn’t attract lightning.