I’ve seen pictures of the Umbrella Lady and other hikers who use umbrellas. Is the idea that you slip the umbrella into a custom sleeve in the pack or are these hikers holding their umbrellas in their hands? If it’s the former can you use any pack or does it have to be designed in a particular way? Are special umbrellas like the GoLite umbrella used? Yes, a whole bunch of questions!
Thanks again.
Brian O.
I’ve used umbrellas extensively and are my first choice of rain protection in the absence of wind and dense vegetation.
I carry it in my hand.
No umbrella lasts long and price seems to have no bearing on life. I use the lightest one I can find - which is also the cheapest. My current one weighs 215 gms (7.5 oz), opens out to 900mm (35"), cost USD $1.50 and folds into three so that it is only 260mm (10") long when folded.
Kea
I use mine extensively, and it works well. I do not hold it in my hand. Gumby and Coyote Beck, thru hikers on the AT last year, showed my how to attach it to my shoulder strap with a tiny bungee. It rides just above the top of my head, and I stay cool and dry. In very hard rain, I have put on a rain jacket to keep my arms dry, but have never had to zip it up to stay dry. Mine is a Montbell, around 7 oz, I believe. Before the umbrella, I used to sweat excessively in a rainsuit, eventually becoming somewhat dehydrated and hypothermic.
Duffy
I buy a long-handled Walmart cheapy, usually around 1 lb. I like them a bit heavier b/c they don’t succumb to wind and bushes as much and last longer overall. I have only used the umbrella on the PCT in the desert – lined it with a sheet of mylar (on the top using duct tape) – and loved it. Definitely the way to go in all day heat and sun. A lot of PCT hikers have gotten away from them, but I don’t know why. I also stick the handle down into my pack and it rides there hands-free. I really want to try one in the rain next, as I can see the advantages there, too.
Nocona
I use an umbrella as my primary rain cover too, and I’m mostly an eastern hiker (AT and various PA area trails.) I started using a small folder (about 6.5oz, 32" dia.) and carrying it. I’ve since finally been converted to a trekking pole user, so now I’m switched to a larger, golf-type umbrella, the lightest I could find with a decent diameter (about 10oz and 42") with the handle cut off (I have a slip-on foam one) and piece of nylon tape sewn into the upper back panel of my pack, just below the lift strap.
I shove the handle-less shaft down into the sleeve and it stays just above my head and slightly tilted back. When not in use I stow it in the left side pocket, shoved down through the compression strap at the top. I find that most of the time this is all I need, and it gives me a canopy to do other things (like dig in my pack) under.
Strategic
Umbrellas are like anything else; try it and see if it works for you! I smirked at first, but after using one I won’t hike without it now! Carrying it in your hand isn’t bad, and keeps blood from pooling in your swinging hands. I use mine for rain, extreme sun, and with a custom bug net for tarp camping.
Lint
Eagle creek makes a nice ultra lite umbrella. I bought it in Daleville @ the outfitter next to Kroger. Its definetly the way to go for me. I even lent it out a few times during storms when people needed to go out for h2o and privy.
pizza the hut
what can i say!!!..it’s my favorite (and most versatile) piece of equipment!..we have used the “walmart” type, but i miraculously received the gift of a go-lite at fontana last year (thanks again, jeff!)…you can read that story in our journal!..it’s good to see these posts about the various ways to “attach” a “brollie”…paw-ee and i each had separate ways…i just slipped mine under my sternum strap and sort of held the end at my waistline (though i had also sewn a little “pocket” on the front of my waist belt to hold the handle if i wanted)…i walk with two bamboo poles, so in rain, i’d just tuck my left pole through my strap under my left arm (if i didn’t feel i needed but one pole to hike the terrain)…hiking under the brollie is SOOOOO comfortable!..about the only time i now use my little sil-nylon rain jacket is for wind (or for an extra layer if it’s extremely cold…i agree with lint…TRY IT!
maw-ee