6 Hiking Umbrellas to Use on Your Next Rainy Hike
Hiking umbrellas have grown in popularity within the past ten years. As a result, more and more hikers are ditching their rain gear and going with a hiking umbrella instead. Due to this, gear companies have started created lightweight, durable and packable umbrella options aimed for the hiker.
So you might be scratching your head at why hikers would prefer an umbrella over a rain jacket. From the numerous blog posts and articles that weigh over the pros and cons of hiking umbrellas, it’s obvious that hiking umbrella users are passionate about the subject. Before delving into the best hiking umbrellas on the market today, let’s quickly look at the pros and cons of using such a contraption while hiking.
Pros of Hiking Umbrellas:
- Hikers can ditch heavy rain gear while hiking in light rain storms.
- Provides shade from the sun and UV rays when not raining.
- Is more breathable than some rain jackets.
- Some umbrellas pack smaller than bulky rain jackets, giving more room in your pack.
- Is great for photographers because it protects your camera from the rain or snow when taking a picture.
- Keeps food dry while snacking in the rain.
Cons of Hiking Umbrellas:
- May not be useful in windy weather.
- Could be a challenge to walk with on narrow or brushy trails.
- Makes using two trekking poles challenging unless you clip or finagle the umbrella to your pack.
Now obviously hiking umbrellas have a place in the hiking community. However always consider the conditions and the trail before deciding on bringing your hiking umbrella. Without further ado, here are the best hiking umbrellas on the market today.
1. Siliconized Nylon Trekking Umbrella by Sea to Summit
Sea to Summit created this hiking umbrella that has a rubber handle and aluminum shaft. Furthermore, this umbrella does come with a mesh tote bag that has clips for attaching onto shoulder straps or a belt.
MSRP: $44.95 USD
Weight: 8.5 oz
Canopy size: 38 in
Shop Siliconized Nylon Trekking Umbrella
2. Silver Shadow Trekking Umbrella by Six Moon Designs
This hiking umbrella has a silver surface meant to reflect sunlight during hot and sunny days. Also the umbrella is coated with Teflon for waterproofness. In addition, the handle is actually made of fiberglass covered with foam, which lacks metal parts, to reduce the risk of a lightning strike.
MSRP: $44 USD
Weight: 8 oz
Canopy size: 38 in
3. Snow Peak Ultra-light Umbrella
This umbrella is made of polyester Teflon with a carbon and aluminum shaft. As a result, this umbrella by Snow Peak is the second lightest umbrella on this list.
MSRP: $49.95 USD
Weight: 4.7 oz
Canopy size: 33 in
4. Montbell U.L. Trekking Umbrella
Montbell’s U.L. Trekking Umbrella is made of nylon that is treated with Polkatex® DWR treatment for waterproofness. Most noteworthy however is the weight of this umbrella; it is the lightest umbrella on this list.
MSRP: $48 USD
Weight: 4.5 oz
Canopy size: 34.6 in
Brand Alternatives: Trekking Umbrella, Long Tail Trekking Umbrella, Reflec Trekking Umbrella
5. Euroschirm Light Trek Umbrella
Made with polyester coated with Teflon, this hiking umbrella has double stitched seams and an aluminum shaft. Especially relevant is the fact that the frame’s parts are resistant to corrosion and decay. Furthermore the umbrella does come with a nylon case.
MSRP: $49 USD
Weight: 8.5 oz
Canopy size: 38 in
Brand Alternatives: Euroschirm has numerous hiking umbrellas. These two umbrellas seem to be highly popular and recommended, Birdiepal Swing Liteflex and Swing Handsfree.
6. Liteflex Hiking (Chrome) Umbrella by Gossamer Gear
Gossamer Gear is the “Original Chrome Dome Umbrella” (see Honorable Mention below to understand what that means). This is the only umbrella on this list that claims to be thru-hiker tested and approved. The Liteflex Hiking Chrome Umbrella, which is made of polyester with Teflon coating, lowers the “feel of the sun up to 15 degrees,” according to the Gossamer Gear website.
MSRP: $39.99 USD
Weight: 8 oz
Canopy size: 39”
Honorable Mention:
GoLite Chrome Dome
This hiking umbrella comes highly recommended. However GoLite is no longer a company so this umbrella cannot be bought directly from the company. Gossamer Gear’s Liteflex Hiking (Chrome) Umbrella is said to be the same design as GoLite’s Chrome Dome. GoLite’s Chrome Dome version is apparently available for purchase on used gear sites and sites like Amazon.
What are your thoughts on hiking umbrellas? Tell us what you think about this rain gear option in the comments below!
Sources:
http://www.barefootjake.com/2014/04/golite-chrome-dome-vs-sea-to-summit.html
https://hikelighter.com/2013/03/06/snow-peak-ultra-light-umbrella/
http://www.thehikinglife.com/2016/01/review-montbell-ul-trekking-umbrella/
https://www.tenpoundbackpack.com/posts/hiking-umbrella
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