Hiking Umbrellas

[ErichFromm]

Just wondering what people's thoughts are on hiking umbrellas.

I understand the benefit is staying dry while not having to worry about ventilation or building up condensation inside rain gear.

On first blush I can't imagine they'd be suited for Australian conditions - too windy (Alpine) and too confined on most trails. You'd either be swept off the top of a mountain mary poppins style or shred the umbrella on a branch.

Anyone used or considered them?

[whitefang]

I have been wanting to get one for a while now, but mostly for sun protection. Though if it's not driving rain I think they would also be excellent to use for rain gear. I can't imagine they'd be great in high winds or confined trails, but where I have been walking and where I plan to walk is definitely not alpine conditions and isn't all that confined so it would work for my purpose.

[norts]

I used one on more short visit to the PCT ( first 400 miles) It was great in the desert. Had to be careful with wind. I could keep hiking when others were sitting in the shade waiting for the midday sun to pass. I have never used it here in Tassie.
I had mine set up so it was attached to my shoulder strap of my pack. That way I had both hands free for walking poles.
Norts

[GPSGuided]

[Aidan]

I'm tempted to grab one of the ones made by Helinox who make those great dismantle able chairs.

https://www.helinox.com.au/trekking-umbrellas.php

I love my original chair "1" and am hoping for similar utility from their umbrella

[ErichFromm]

It would work! Just wrap a noose around your neck and affix it to the umbrella so it doesn't fly away.

[vicrev]

All jokes aside,anything to help prevent melanomas works for me,I have carried & used one heaps of times in Europe & Aus.takes a bit of getting used to walking with it...Over 30c i would not be without it ,also when its bucketing down for days it certainly makes things a lot more comfortable....Macho Aussies seem to have a thing about umbrellas & consider it sissy to carry & use one(I used to till I saw the benefits).......once again for each his own ........

[Hallu]

When I was in Australia I always had an umbrella and it's fine for hiking on flat terrain. I had a regular umbrella, not even a profiled one for sustaining high wind. It proved useful in places like Wilsons Prom' or Tasmania. But now that I'm in the French Alps, I never hike in the rain, it's way too dangerous (slippery tracks, thunderstorms, low visibility...) so no umbrella anymore.

[ErichFromm]

All jokes aside,anything to help prevent melanomas works for me,I have carried & used one heaps of times in Europe & Aus.takes a bit of getting used to walking with it...Over 30c i would not be without it ,also when its bucketing down for days it certainly makes things a lot more comfortable....Macho Aussies seem to have a thing about umbrellas & consider it sissy to carry & use one(I used to till I saw the benefits).......once again for each his own ........

What's the benefit of an umbrella over a hat in this scenario?

[GPSGuided]

What's the benefit of an umbrella over a hat in this scenario?

Doesn't make a sweaty head, doesn't wreck the hairdo.

[norts]

I reckon it is a couple of degrees at least cooler. You get shade over the top half of your body. I was able to walk with out a hat, still kept wearing my long sleeves and sun gloves though.
norts

[GPSGuided]

The use of sun umbrellas is actually quite common in S/E and East Asia. Obviously it works.

[Zone-5]

I carry a tiny Mont-Bell ultra light trekking umbrella on every hike. It just won't turn inside out in a strong wind. Tough as...

http://ridgelineimages.com/equipment/mo ... la-review/

[sim1oz]

I've got the Montbell and Helinox umbrellas. They are both good. The Helinox handle fell off so it is not as comfortable to carry anymore, but still attaches to my pack for handsfree. The handle screws onto the metal shaft, just make sure it doesn't come loose.

I've only used them for rain. The Montbell is super light and handy to have when there will probably be rain. When there will definitely be rain, especially lots, I take the Helinox as it has more coverage and is easier to use. I really only use them when we stop to eat or drink or warm up food as it is nice to stay dry. My walking gear keeps my hands dry (great waterproof mitts) so i don't want to get them wet and then put my gloves and mitts back on.

[kyle]

Ive got a small relatively lightweight umbrella that Ill pack in if its looking rainy. Well worth the weight to go along with the rain jacket especially if theres a toasty fire to stand next to outlasting the rain/drizzle/showers. You can stand next to the fire and rotate to keep the clothing dry with the umbrella up. Rather than heading to bed with soaking wet clothes they're toasty and dry.

[radson]

Umbrellas in certain conditions (not too windy and walkable terrain ) are the ultimate waterproof breathable combo of protection from the rain

[ErichFromm]

Umbrellas in certain conditions (not too windy and walkable terrain ) are the ultimate waterproof breathable combo of protection from the rain

Yep - that's the benefit. The question is whether many Australian hikes fall into the "not too windy and walkable" category...

Outside of a few mild day walks I can't remember any walks I've done that match this criteria

[andrewa]

I normally take one - more recently an umbrella hat, as pictured, but not red and white, and without the hand gestures! Most common use for me is either when standing around in the rain in the evenings in NZ river valleys, or for eating lunch in the rain. I reckon the umbrella hat is great - unfortunately the quality of the nylon is crap. Planning a redesign with cuben fibre!