Mar 26, 2023
Shot on Canon 600D. Street photography.
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Shot on Canon 600D. Street photography.
Umbrella Buying Guide
Walking in the rain is usually not enjoyable, but a good umbrella can make the experience less miserable by keeping you dry and providing easy storage when not in use. Our top choice is the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella, which is compact yet sturdy with its nine-rib construction that can withstand strong winds. It is also reasonably priced compared to other umbrellas that are twice the cost. choosing a right umbrella can be a task. Here's a guide to help you make a well-informed decision. - Type: There are several types of umbrellas available, including compact, automatic, stick, golf, and beach umbrellas. Choose the type that suits your needs and preferences. - Size: Consider the size of the umbrella when open and closed. A compact umbrella is easy to carry, but it may not provide as much coverage as a larger umbrella. - Coverage: Ensure that the canopy of the umbrella provides sufficient coverage to keep you dry. Look for umbrellas with a wide coverage area and a deep canopy. - Durability: The durability of an umbrella is important, especially if you live in an area with frequent rain and strong winds. Look for umbrellas with sturdy frames and ribs. - Windproof: A windproof umbrella will not turn inside out during strong gusts of wind. Look for umbrellas with vented canopies or double-layered construction. - Handle: The handle of an umbrella should be comfortable to hold and provide a good grip, even when wet. Wooden and rubber handles are popular choices. - Color and Design: Umbrellas are available in a variety of colors and designs. Choose one that matches your style and personality. - Price: Umbrellas can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Consider your budget and choose an umbrella that provides good value for money. Our selection process focused on the umbrella's ability to provide ample coverage, be of manageable size, wind-proof, and good value. We also have four other picks to suit different preferences, including a budget travel umbrella and a high-end stick-style umbrella that offers more coverage made from premium materials.
Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is compact when folded (11.5 inches long) and expands to a sizable canopy (37 inches in diameter) with a touch of a button to protect you from precipitation, except during the windiest conditions. Its textured handle makes it easy for hands of all sizes to grip, and it comes in various colors to make it easier to spot in a crowded umbrella bucket. Repel also offers a lifetime refund or replacement guarantee, but only if you buy directly from them and register the item under its warranty.
AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent
The AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent offers a lower cost alternative to our top pick, especially if you choose the black version. Its vented design and sturdy construction allowed it to withstand even the strongest gusts during testing. However, this umbrella has had stock issues in the past, making it difficult to predict availability. As of winter 2023, stock seems to have stabilized, making it a solid option.
Balios Folding Double Canopy Umbrella
The Balios Folding Double Canopy Umbrella has a premium look and feel with its wooden handle and solid build quality, while still being less expensive than our top pick. However, the handle is more slippery than the Repel umbrella's handle, and there's no wrist strap, so you need to be careful not to drop it. This umbrella held up well to strong winds, and its 37-inch-wide canopy bounced back easily after inverting during testing. It deploys quickly.
The Lewis N. Clark Umbrella
The Lewis N. Clark Umbrella, a previous top pick, remains a great value option. It frequently goes on sale for half the price of our other picks, making it suitable for kids or individuals prone to losing umbrellas. Though it's not as sturdy as our other picks, it's about a quarter-pound lighter and offers better coverage and wind resistance than most sub-$20 umbrellas. It's available in nine colors.
Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella
If you want more coverage than a compact automatic umbrella, stick umbrellas have a wider canopy, protecting more than just your upper torso. The Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella is the most affordable option among the nine we tested. It held up well against strong winds and didn't feel top-heavy, a common issue with this type of umbrella. Though it looks nicer than expected for the price, if you prefer premium materials, consider our other pick, the Davek Elite.
DAVEK ELITE UMBRELLA
The Davek Elite is a more expensive, high-end option with a stitched leather handle, high-quality fiberglass frame, and a 44-inch microfiber canopy. It withstands wind excellently and turns inside out before recovering easily, thanks to its flexible ribs. It's available in three colors and comes with a lifetime guarantee. However, its cane handle measures 5 inches across, which could be difficult for individuals with smaller hands to manage.
Other Umbrellas You Can Consider
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