Backpacking umbrellas

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sideways

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Feb 19, 2013
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Do any of you use umbrellas out in the backcountry? I've not tried it yet but have been giving it some thought. I'm thinking it could be a good way to keep the sun and rain off without having to put on a plastic bag. :D

Thought, Experiences? Cheers!
 
I used to work in the field in some very wet places (southeast Alaska and southern Patagonia). Golf umbrellas were the way to go. Not the lightest, but a lot more coverage than your typical little collapsible umbrella (very handy for getting fires started in the rain), and much more stout for wind.
 
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Wind resistance and coverage have been my main considerations too. On any rainy day in the city you see at least a few umbrellas inside out, and that would not be much fun in the field.

Wow, 5.3 oz sounds crazy good, have you tested it in windy conditions yet? Does it hold up to a moderate wind?
 
I've thought about trying it, but I'm always using my hands, either with trekking poles or on terrain for balance. Plus I'm more or less of the mind that if I really want water protection for my person, I'd rather carry something that can handle not just gentle rain, but wind as well, and provide some warmth when I do eventually get wet (poncho or rain clothing). And for only a few ounces more. If I were day hiking the local park, and it was gentle falling stuff and I'd be strolling trails, I think an umbrella would work very well, especially when combined with a windshirt. I don't know that I'd want the umbrella for more of a trek. No direct experience yet though, aside from the occasional daily umbrella use. Ventilation can't be beat, true.

I think the umbrella shines in the portable shade department. I keep meaning to buy one of those GoLite ChromeDome umbrellas, with the reflective outer skin. I think they'd be awesome on hot sunny days, if you have a hand free. $20 8oz of good shade that moves with you :thumbup:

ETA: Looks like they make a more robust version now too, for a little more money and weight.
 
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I should probably add that most of the time I was carrying one, I wasn't backpacking. I was in a sea kayak so weight wasn't an issue, and it was nice to have in camp in places that get up to 300 in. of a rain a year. Otherwise, I've never really carried one or felt a great need.
 
Yeah, that's a lotta rain! Dang, I don't even think the wettest of the Hawaiian islands I grew up on get more than half that... and I thought that was rainy....
 
HikingMano said:
Yeah, that's a lotta rain! Dang, I don't even think the wettest of the Hawaiian islands I grew up on get more than half that... and I thought that was rainy....
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Maybe it just felt like 300 in....:D

Normal where is was in Ak was more like 150-200 in. But I can remember being in the field for 28 days and it rained every day. Tends to redefine your perception of "warm and dry."
 
Oh yeah! :thumbup:

I take back my previous comment, I was thinking to myself "but I thought Kaua'i was one of the wettest places on earth?" Sure enough, I did a quick look up, and one spot on the east side of Mt. Wai'ale'ale gets 460" annual. My own home island has a historic annual precip of up to 280" on the wet side.

ETA: But warm rain is a whole different story from cold rain...
 
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I use hiking sticks, so unless I grow a new arm, no umbrella for me. For backpacking, I just use rain gear (jacket, pants, pack liner/cover).
 
Doesn't parasol mean "protection from sun"? I think as portable shade it could be really useful. Friends who have been to china mentioned that they use a lot of sun umbrellas over there.
 
sideways said:
Doesn't parasol mean "protection from sun"? I think as portable shade it could be really useful. Friends who have been to china mentioned that they use a lot of sun umbrellas over there.
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That it does! good observation :thumbup:
 
ThriftyJoe said:
Got this a couple months ago: http://www.campsaver.com/u-l-trekking-umbrella

Pricey, but you can't beat that weight. Mine weighs 5.3 oz. I believe Ray Jardine recommended a plain old discount store umbrella. I've taken it on a couple day hikes, and it is a very small compact package in my day pack, but I haven't been rained on yet.

Also noticed immediately, with a small umbrella like that I had to get a pack cover for my full size backpack. I don't worry about it for day hiking. I always used an extension poncho before, but last year on one of my trips I ran into intermittent sprinkles all day. Drove me crazy putting that poncho on then taking it off again a few minutes later.
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That is not what I expected from a guy called Thrifty! ;)
 
Street Samurai1978 said:
http://www.bensilver.com/Briggs-English-Umbrellas,1692.html

Add a little class to your hiking trip. And CHAIN it to your pack.
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sideways said:
Remember to bring the monocle and top hat. :)
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Haha, indeed! :)

ThriftyJoe said:
[...]If I were sure I were going to run into hours of rain and some wind, I would probably go back to the old poncho. Think I'm going to get one of these this weekend: http://www.golite.com/Poncho-Tarp-P885.aspx
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Shoot, if I had known you were looking to get one I would have sold you my ID Silponcho! The GoLite ones are good, and a little lighter to boot.
 
Haven't taken one camping, but Gustbuster umbrellas are the best I've ever used for general keeping the rain off. Never had a Gustbuster turn inside out.
 
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