aztimm

I did a forum search for, "umbrella," and the results just dealt with threads where people were asking about luggage that can hold an umbrella. I already have that.

I'm looking for a couple of good umbrellas. I keep one in my roller bag (even when not traveling, so I don't forget to put it in there when I do travel), one in my car, and always good to have a spare somewhere, just in case. With recent weather here, and having just gotten a new car, it seems time to replace my stash.

Most of what I've had in the past are the Totes fold-up, that fit nicely in a roller bag, or even a backpack. I think I picked up a pocket-sized one at Target a few years back. The one that was in my car was broken; one of those 1 broken arm versions that I thought I could keep using, but it eventually got annoying and I threw it out. The one I currently have in my car is one from a conference swag bag; on the first use with a slight breeze it turned inside, so I'm not very hopeful about its long-term use. It seems you never think of getting an umbrella until you need one (or I don't at least), but I thought I'd be a bit proactive this time.

As for size, I'd like it to fold up so it could easily fit in a roller bag or backpack. The pocket size was creative, but not very practical. I like the color black, it doesn't usually show dirt.

My first stop in searching is Amazon. This seems to be a good choice:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...A2WWHFQWREC7KB

This one sounds interesting and gets good reviews. And it seems that rain and darkness often go together:
https://smile.amazon.com/linterna-au...%3A11292772011

I'm not necessarily in a hurry. I don't have any travel planned, but of course it can pop up. More immediately, I'd like to get something decent to keep in my car.
As for price, I can't imagine spending more than $20, unless it does something well beyond what it is supposed to, keep me somewhat dry.

Appreciate any tips.

PAX_fips

I've this one for travel:
http://www.seatosummit.com.au/produc...a/?ref=outdoor

So small and light you can even carry it in coat pocket - yet, it's not for heavy weather or daily use. The lightness comes at a price.

chx1975

Ah yes. That I recognize from the endpiece. http://shop.samsonite.com/accessorie...51697XXXX.html I am not sure exactly who makes these but I have seen it labelled various companies, my first one was a Samsonite, so I keep thinking it might be theirs. Who knows. Anyways! This is the umbrella so small and light you can forget it the bottom of your backpack until you need it.

midu

GustBusters are the best.

https://www.amazon.com/GustBuster-Me...uster+umbrella

frankmu

These are only 3 oz/86 g

https://www.montbell.us/products/dis...5&p_id=1128552

Putnik

I bought this one for my trip to London. Thankfully, I didn't need to use it.
http://www.knirps.com/en/folded/x1/34

chx1975

Please elaborate how they are best. It would seem they are large and heavy compared to what people gather in this thread.

I have a Montbell ultralight down jacket. They make them light, that's for damned sure!

This looks awesome at first sight at second sight it's twice as heavy as the Samsonite I linked and three times as much as the one frankmu linked.

Kgmm77

It depends what you want it for. I keep an umbrella in my bag not for a light shower, but for a torrential downpour when I risk getting absolutely soaked.

As a tall, wide, male, a small folding umbrella that doesn't cover my footprint and will blow inside out in any wind, is of zero use to me. The fact it takes up little space in my bag doesn't matter if its useless.

I use a Totes Big Top. Completely at odds with what others have suggested size wise (although it does give golf umbrella size cover in a much smaller package), but if I use an umbrella, I want to stay pretty much completely dry. Otherwise I'd wear a hat...

jasong83

I'm looking at getting one of these

https://davekny.com/collections/comp...ant=6874230401

or possibly the Tumi mini umbrella.

Worried that any of these may not be large enough to prevent my pants from getting soaked though.

chx1975

It would be very interesting to create a spreadsheet with weight and canopy diameter and then run the numbers. Perhaps a 6-7 oz with a >60" canopy would be winner if such would exist.

pseudo

You start :-)

I'm after a compact umbrella that will fit vertically in my messenger bag (a little less than 12")

TPACjv

Mine is 14 inches with about a 40inch canopy and aluminum bones. Has held up beautifully in high winds and heavy rains.

They have others which are lighter and shorter as well. If you like US brands, try Davek umbrellas as suggested by jasong 83, though they are pricey.

TPACjv

Sounds like you need a trench coat or Makintosh plus the umbrella.

If it's very windy, no umbrella will keep your pants dry.

kb9522

Bit of a thread res...

I usually carry a davek solo in my carry on... but lately I've started to realize it's actually a pretty crappy umbrella. It doesn't do well with even light wind, the thread holding the canopy to the ribs is fraying. There is some kind of issue with the pulley system when using the auto close function too.

Any way, I was thinking about getting a Brigg umbrella... but I've never tried carrying a large umbrella like that before... Any issues with TSA? Europe, China, India, Australia? Will FAs be willing to stow it in the closet even if I'm flying in Y?

ElmhurstNick

I've been very happy with this one, which I am pretty sure I found a review of on FT years ago.

https://www.campmor.com/c/euroschirm...-trek-umbrella

Opens to 38 inches wide, collapses to 10.5x2