Recommendations for a good travel umbrella?

[Mal]

This one is a pretty unusual question perhaps, but does anyone have recommendations for good small umbrellas (ie they fold up well) and are strong as well? Something that easily slips into a pocket/backpack etc, but doesn't break as soon as a strong gust of wind occurs...

 

[JetLagged]

This one is a pretty unusual question perhaps, but does anyone have recommendations for good small umbrellas (ie they fold up well) and are strong as well? Something that easily slips into a pocket/backpack etc, but doesn't break as soon as a strong gust of wind occurs...

I really don't think that such an object has been invented - in order to both a) fold, and b) be light-weight, the frames are very thin. Just see all of the discarded broken umbrellas lying around after a heavy wind!

What would likely be better is a light-weight waterproof wind jacket with a hood. I have found that these have multiple benefits:

a) they leave both hands free for taking pictures, shopping, etc
b) suitable ones also cover the backpack that many of us use when travelleing, to hold other essentials
c) they break the wind, so therefore keep you warmer as well as dry. Try some of the better camping stores for some good ideas.

Hope that this helps.

Cheers!

 

[drron]

We buy ours in Tokyo-about Y600 at NRT but cheaper in Tokyo.Have stood up to some reasonably strong winds but at that price who cares.

 

[oz_mark]

There are some strong fold up umbrellas around (gust buster GustBuster - The World's Smartest Umbrella or frontgate (Davek Travel Umbrella - Frontgate), but they don't really fold up far enough to slip into a pocket (and they cost a bit as well!)

 

[anat0l]

Something which is not a cheap Chinese make.

I speaketh from experience. First day out in merry ol' England (London), and one fairly innocuous gust and the umbrella is toast. Luckily our accommodation was merely three seconds walk away from a skip, and there the umbrella found its new home. :-|

 

[newformula]

Davek's do look cool - DAVEK Umbrella - Davek Solo

 

[lovetravellingoz]

What would likely be better is a light-weight waterproof wind jacket with a hood.

I often travel with a jacket too.

However a small brollie is great for the tropics when rain -jackets are often very uncomfortble sauna suits.

They are also handy for when you only have short walks in the rain..ie room to restaurant, or whatever.

 

[zig]

We buy ours in Tokyo-about Y600 at NRT but cheaper in Tokyo.Have stood up to some reasonably strong winds but at that price who cares.

Another vote here for the Japanese brollies. Mine will withstand a reasonable wind, but no umbrella will stand up to very strong winds.

 

[Mal]

I really don't think that such an object has been invented - in order to both a) fold, and b) be light-weight, the frames are very thin. Just see all of the discarded broken umbrellas lying around after a heavy wind!

What would likely be better is a light-weight waterproof wind jacket with a hood. I have found that these have multiple benefits:

Jackets have their disadvantages too. Especially if you're already wearing a coat etc!

I thought with the advent of strong yet flexible materials, then there would be a lot of high quality yet small umbrellas on the market.

There are some strong fold up umbrellas around (gust buster GustBuster - The World's Smartest Umbrella or frontgate (Davek Travel Umbrella - Frontgate), but they don't really fold up far enough to slip into a pocket (and they cost a bit as well!)

The Davek Traveler looks nice (and was also posted again later in the thread). Not sure I can justify $US120.50 (incl. shipping) though.

We buy ours in Tokyo-about Y600 at NRT but cheaper in Tokyo.Have stood up to some reasonably strong winds but at that price who cares.

I've had a couple of Japanese umbrellas and agree - they're pretty good.

 

[notmensa]

I use the Sea to Summit travel umbrella. It's been a constant travel companion for about 3 years now.
Sea to Summit USA - Outdoor, Travel and Backpacking Gear

 

[jessicap382]

Hi

There are wide range of options available. If you are looking to buy it online then I would suggest you to visit Bergmanluggage website. They are mainly in luggage stuff and have huge collection of travel accessories, bags and suitcases.

 

[Mal]

I'm actually leaning towards this umbrella:

Titanium Ultra-Miniflat Umbrella Black by totes ISOTONER

Folded length: 16cm
Weight: 204g
5 section aluminium/titanium frame
High performance lightweight polyester fabric
Canopy diameter: 93cm
Rubberised black handle

I wish I had a wind tunnel to test it out in though

 

[thewinchester]

Personal recommendation is the Shelta 6789 Micro, Extremely compact, only 18cm folded and in Black. Picked it up from DJ's a few years back, and been my faithful companion every winter since.

It's super small and lightweight, fitting right in the bottom of my usual carry-on backpack, and has been tested in that notorious Perth wind tunnel called St Georges Terrace.

The beauty of this umbrella's design that if it does happen to invert when the winds get too strong, you can quickly stop and fix it with no trouble at all. It's designed specifically to make fixing as simple as a quick 'pull' without damaging the frame or structural integrity/lifespan.

 

[Spizz]

I use the Sea to Summit travel umbrella. It's been a constant travel companion for about 3 years now.

Thanks for the tip.