The past few days at Iowa State have had patches of rainfall and showers. It is getting to the fall time of year where rain becomes more common. 

Getting caught in these rain showers is never fun, especially when it’s chillier and you could possibly catch a cold from getting rained on. So, that begs the question: “Which rain protection device should I use?” 

Kat Delphey, a freshman in industrial design, believes that the umbrella is the way to go.

“I’d be more likely to use an umbrella,” Delphey said. “I can just put it in the pocket of my backpack. It’s easy to carry around that way and I can just grab it when I need it.”

Delphey also dislikes the process of using a rain poncho.

“A rain poncho, that whole thing is going to be wet and then you have to shove it in your backpack,” Delphey said. “It seems a lot messier.” 

Emma Bertrand, a freshman in marketing, also rallies behind team umbrella.

“[I prefer] an umbrella,” Bertrand said. “They’re easier to carry when I don’t need it, and it’s something that I can put in my bag that’s light in case it starts raining out of the blue.” 

Bertrand dislikes using the rain poncho because it is harder to score style points while using one.

“I don’t like coats, they’re just hard to make stylish with an outfit,” Bertrand said. “Usually, I’m already wearing multiple layers so adding a coat on top of that is just a hassle.”

Benjamin Penney, a senior in mechanical engineering, finds using a rain poncho easier than an umbrella. 

“I wear a waterproof jacket,” Penney said. “It keeps my hands free. An umbrella can be kind of in the way at times.”