There's a moment on every hiking trip when the sky turns and you realize the rain jacket you almost left at home would have been a very good idea. The Naturehike Multifunction Raincoat aims to be the jacket you always have with you — light enough to forget it's in your pack, functional enough to actually keep you dry. I've been evaluating it as a day-hike and travel layer to see whether it justifies its growing popularity on AliExpress.
Waterproofing and Weather Performance
Waterproof Rating
Naturehike rates this jacket at 3,000mm hydrostatic head pressure. That's a number worth understanding in context: 1,500mm is considered the threshold for light rain protection; 3,000mm handles steady rain comfortably; and serious mountain weather demands 10,000mm or more.
For its intended use cases — day hikes, summer showers, festivals, urban use — 3,000mm is appropriate and adequate. In practice, this jacket handled steady rain for up to 90 minutes in our testing without notable wet-through on the outer shell. Extended heavy downpours will eventually overwhelm it, but that's not what it's designed for.
The shell material is a lightweight nylon ripstop with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating applied to the outer surface. DWR is the key factor for packable rain jackets — it causes water to bead and roll off rather than saturating the outer fabric. Fresh from the factory, the DWR performs well. After 10–15 wash cycles, DWR on budget jackets typically degrades; you can restore performance with a wash-in DWR treatment like Nikwax.
Taped seams would significantly improve waterproofing at the seams themselves, which is where water typically infiltrates before the face fabric fails. The Naturehike uses sealed rather than fully taped seams — adequate for the waterproof rating but worth knowing if you're planning use in sustained heavy rain.
Breathability
This is where ultralight packable rain jackets make real compromises, and the Naturehike is honest about it. The single-layer nylon construction is not a membrane jacket — there's no Gore-Tex or similar breathable membrane. Internal moisture (sweat vapor) builds up during aerobic activity.
For gentle hiking in rain, this is manageable. For sustained uphill effort in the rain, you'll feel clammy inside after 20–30 minutes. The under-arm vents help somewhat — two zippered pit-zips on higher-spec versions allow direct ventilation — but the basic model relies on the front zip and hood for airflow management.
If breathability is your priority for strenuous hiking, look at membrane jackets from Decathlon (Forclaz MT500) or Columbia Watertight II, which offer better moisture vapor transfer at higher price points.
Packability and Weight
Weight
The Naturehike ultralight jacket weighs around 180–220g depending on the size (S–XXL). That's competitive with purpose-built ultralight travel rain jackets from brands like Decathlon's lightest offerings and significantly lighter than waterproof softshells or membrane jackets that start at 350g+.
In practice, 200g is light enough to forget it's in your daypack. It adds no meaningful weight penalty to a 30-liter hiking pack.
Packable Pouch System
The jacket packs into its own hood or an integrated chest pocket, depending on the version. The pack-into-hood design is more elegant — you fold the jacket into the hood, zip it shut, and have a compact self-contained bundle roughly the size of a large orange.
The packed dimensions are approximately 20cm x 15cm x 8cm, which fits in the hip belt pocket of a daypack or a large cargo shorts pocket. This is where the Naturehike genuinely shines compared to similar-spec jackets from outdoor retailers — true pocket portability at a rational price.
Design Details
Hood Design
The hood is helmet-compatible in the sense that it's generously sized and has a single front draw cord. It's not a structured alpine hood with a wire brim — don't expect it to stay put in strong wind without manual adjustment. For hiking and everyday use, it's functional. The hood extends far enough forward to shade your face in light rain without requiring you to look straight down.
The collar height is adequate — it covers the lower neck without requiring you to zip all the way up. The chin guard is a simple fold of fabric rather than a fleece-lined guard, which is a cost-saving measure that most users won't notice unless it's below 10°C.
Pockets and Closure
Most versions include two hand pockets with waterproof zippers. The zipper pulls are substantial enough to operate with gloves on. The main zip is a two-way design on some models, which helps ventilation.
Velcro or elastic cuffs depend on the specific listing — check your seller's product photos carefully as the Naturehike lineup includes multiple variants. Elastic cuffs are preferable for pack-ability as they add no bulk.
How It Compares
Naturehike vs Decathlon Forclaz MT100
The Decathlon Forclaz MT100 is the closest direct comparison in the budget hiking jacket space. The Forclaz costs slightly more than the Naturehike at AliExpress pricing, offers a similar 3,000mm waterproof rating, and has comparably packable construction. The Forclaz's hood adjustment system is more refined (dual-point adjustment versus the Naturehike's single cord), and Decathlon's sizing runs more consistently for Western body types. For users who can access a Decathlon store, the ability to try before buying is a real advantage. For pure AliExpress purchasing, the Naturehike is the equivalent-value pick.
Naturehike vs Columbia Watertight II
The Columbia Watertight II is a step up in price and performance — typically $60–$90 USD at retail. It uses a 2.5-layer construction with better breathability than the Naturehike's single-layer shell, handles harder rain better, and has a more polished fit and finish. If you're hiking in genuinely variable mountain weather and want one jacket that does everything, the Columbia is worth the extra spend. For fair-weather hiking, travel, and festival use where weight and pack size matter most, the Naturehike wins on value.
A genuinely ultralight packable rain jacket that handles steady rain and packs to the size of a grapefruit — excellent value for day hikers, travelers, and festival-goers.
Pros
- ✓True ultralight weight around 200g — negligible pack weight penalty
- ✓Packs into its own hood in under 60 seconds to roughly the size of a large orange
- ✓3,000mm waterproof rating handles steady rain for day-hike duration comfortably
- ✓Ripstop nylon construction resists snagging on brush and branches
- ✓AliExpress pricing significantly undercuts comparable Western-brand packable jackets
Cons
- ✗No breathable membrane means clamminess builds quickly during aerobic hiking — consider Decathlon Forclaz MT500 for strenuous use
- ✗DWR coating will degrade after repeated washing — plan for periodic re-treatment with Nikwax
- ✗Sealed but not fully taped seams — extended heavy rain will eventually find a way in
Buy if...
- •Day hikers who want lightweight weather insurance without carrying a heavy jacket
- •Festival-goers and travelers who need a packable rain layer that fits in a bag pocket
- •Cyclists and urban commuters who want emergency rain protection in a commuter bag
- •Budget-conscious outdoor beginners building their first hiking kit
Skip if...
- •Mountain hikers tackling sustained bad weather — invest in a Gore-Tex or 3-layer membrane jacket instead
- •Anyone doing high-output aerobic activities in the rain who needs real breathability — look at the Decathlon Forclaz MT500 or Arc'teryx Zeta SL if budget allows
- •Cold-weather hikers — this is a rain layer, not an insulation layer; pair it over a fleece in cool conditions
Buying Tips
The Naturehike poncho/raincoat appears on AliExpress in several variants from different sellers — some official Naturehike stores, some third-party resellers. Prices typically run $15–$28 USD depending on the specific listing, seller, and active promotions. AliExpress prices fluctuate, so check the listing for current pricing.
Look for listings that specify the weight and waterproof rating in the product description. Choose your size based on your measurements plus one size if you plan to layer underneath — the Naturehike cuts trim for an Asian fit standard. Western users often find sizing up improves comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Naturehike ultralight rain jacket is rated at 3,000mm hydrostatic head pressure. This is adequate for steady rain in day-hike conditions but not designed for prolonged exposure to heavy alpine precipitation.
It packs into its own hood or integrated pocket to roughly 20cm x 15cm x 8cm — about the size of a large orange. It fits in a hip belt pocket, cargo shorts pocket, or the top compartment of a daypack.
It provides rain and light wind protection but no insulation. For cold or wet weather hiking, layer it over a fleece or down mid-layer. On its own, it is best suited to mild temperatures above 10°C.
Naturehike sizing runs slightly small compared to Western standards. If you're between sizes or plan to layer underneath, size up one from your usual size. Check the measurements table in the listing rather than relying on S/M/L labels alone.
The listing name includes 'poncho' because the generous cut allows it to cover a small daypack as well as your torso — useful for keeping your pack dry in a shower. It's worn and zips like a conventional jacket rather than pulling over the head like a traditional poncho.
