Umbrellas - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

Some hikers use an umbrella. What kind or size of umbrella do you use. We are considering using an umbrella, but don’t know what to take. Thank you in advance for any responses.

Eager Beaver

#2

What you’ll need if you really want to use an umbrella on the trail is a good lightweight trekking umbrella. Most standard umbrellas have one of two drawbacks that make them rather less suitable: 1) they’re too heavy, which generally applies to larger models like golf umbrellas that have good coverage and are sturdy or 2) they’re small and flimsy. Trekking umbrellas do not usually have these problems, being constructed to cover well (usually using a fairly deep dome design), be durable under wilderness conditions, and still be lightweight.

So which one? While there are models that work well from Golite and Montbell, I’d recommend the Birdepal Swing Liteflex, which is what I carry. The specs are better than any of the others and it is a very well-made piece of equipment. Hope this helps.

Strategic

#3

there’s not enough space here to tell about how i received my “golite(your world)” umbrella…(just another big ‘thank you’ to my benefactor, “jeff-at-the-fontana-hilton-2006”…you can read about it in our journals!)…but i do like the golite a LOT!..it’s very,VERY durable (stays open by a “tension” method) and is a little bit smaller in diameter (which makes for easier maneuvering in tight places)…in ‘03 we tried “re-building” our “dollar store” umbrellas (per ray jardine instructions), but i think it weakened them too much…they didn’t hold up to snow-laden rhododendrons!..in ‘06, it was inexpensive umbrellas again until the wind on wayah bald “ate” mine…it was soon after i received the gift of my golite…they’re expensive, but oh so worth it!..now, i’ll tell ya…the COMFORT of walkin’ under a cozy little “roof” is WONDERFUL!..the “brollie” also keeps hoarfrost or rime ice from fallin’ down your back when it’s meltin’ off the trees…we used ours to block wind and also as a “parasol” when we wanted protection from the sun on an exposed mountaintop…we had TWO (one for each of us, of course), and together they made a dandy “dressing room” in a crowded shelter!..umbrellas keep you cooler while hiking, too! (no rain jackets and hoods, etc, to overheat you)… and they keep you drier (though in a blowing rain or thick fog, you’re gonna get damp!)…still, you’re protected from that “run-down-your-back-underwear-soaking-sort-of-wet” you can get without an umbrella! :^)…you can tuck the handle under your sternum strap and have both hands free for your hiking poles (but i usually tuck one pole under my arm and hang onto the umbrella…you get used to it real fast!)…you might want to try out an inexpensive one on a rainy “shakedown hike” to see how you like it…i think you will agree, it’s a good way to keep misery at bay when it’s raining!..(and oh!..i forgot to mention how many friends you can make on rainy evenings in the shelters when you loan your “brollie” to fellow hikers on their way to the privy in a downpour!)

maw-ee

#4

that I’ll add on to what I wrote before and what maw-ee wrote:

First, she’s dead-right about the uses of a trekking umbrella, they are very versatile pieces of equipment. There’s nothing better than walking jacketless in the rain on a warm day and I also use mine as a supplemental cover for my pack when I hang it up at night (I’m a hanger myself.) Multi-function for negligible weight is a mighty fine thing.

Second, carrying the thing is not troublesome at all, despite the usual image of managing an umbrella. I have two velcro wireties that keep it furled when in the side pocket of my pack and attach it to my (left) packstrap above and below the sternum strap when deployed. That keeps it stable at the perfect height and angle while leaving my hands free for my poles.

Third, it really will keep you dry no matter how bad the weather gets. My first test (with a standard umbrella too, not a trekker) was during a weekend hike in a hurricane (no joke!) that was blowing through NJ. I stayed as dry as I’ve ever managed on a wet hike while I barely ever broke out my shell (and that for wind, not rain.)

Finally, I forgot to give you any links, which would no doubt be helpful in looking at the different models, so here are the three major manufacturers that I know of:

Birdiepal Their site’s a bit odd so I can’t link directly to the Swing Liteflex page, but use the nav bar on the left of the homepage and it will get you there. They’ll sell and ship direct to you, even in the U.S. Here’s a
review on Backpacking Light.

Golite umbrellas page

Mont-bell Gear Accessories page

Strategic

#5

I thru hiked last year with an umbrella, wind shirt, poly-tee and a down sweater with great results. Thin layers dry out quicker and the weight savings are hard to beat. I was never cold once on the whole trip. Now the heat in Mid-Atlantic was antoher story. I did suffer when the temps got above 90 degrees. Have a great trip.

stealthblew

#6

I have thought about the umbrella, but for me the lightweight raingear came in too handy.
Here is how I used my rainjacket and pants for something other than raindays:

  1. Laundry days I would wear my raingear while washing my other hiking outfit. I really don’t know what I would have worn around town while doing laundry without raingear.
  2. On slackpack days, I would tie my rainjacket around my waist and use it to hold my water, snack, whatever I wanted in my pockets. I didn’t even notice it was there and didn’t need an extra pack for slackpacking.
  3. When I went into town, my raingear was the most presentable pieces of clothing that I had, so I would often wear them to church.
    I can’t do that with an umbrella… so I keep my raingear.

windex

#7

Yes. eagle creek makes a real small one and I bought mine in troutdale or somewhere next to a Kroger. I started with one I stole from work, (neglected lost and found). I found it most valuable in a rain when one needs to relieve oneself.

pizza

#8

Wow! What a boat load of information. We will be taking an umbrella, which one at this time, I don’t know. Thanks again.

Eager Beaver

#9

Umbrella on the AT?? Have you ever hiked in the rain? It can be fun, you know (as long as it’s under three days straight)… Just think about how you begged your mom to let you play in the rain when you were a youngster.
I guess, I look at it as, I’m going to get wet regardless, so what the hell.
Can’t get to Maine unless you hike in the rain!

Bubble Boy