These are about the same weight and strength as most disposable rain ponchos, but they have sleeves and a draw string in the hood. Anyone who has used the dollor store ponchos knows that they are good enough and I take them to the amusement parks with me so I don't have to pay the big fee for theirs. But, they don't have sleeves and a lot of rain gets in around the neck and arm holes. These are really nice. However, they aren't really made for larger people, so a poncho might suit them better. I Love These!