umbrella?

[scubabob]

i went out today for a brief stroll and it was somewhat drizzly and wintery and i met another hiker of the female variety walking the other way with an umbrella. as this was just a short, day trip i thought it was a good idea. does anyone else take these and if so would you take one of a longer, multi day trip? they can be compact and weight very little and could be kept on the outside of the pack as it doesnt matter if it gets wet. Any ideas?

[mountnman]

Sea to summit make a "Pocket Umbrella"

http://www.seatosummit.com.au/showdetail.php?Code=AUMBMINI

I haven't used one personally though.

[casey79]

Ive has one of these http://www.seatosummit.com.au/showdetail.php?Code=AUMB for years. Works great for around the camp when you want to get out of your (insert name of water proof/breathable) rain coat. Also very good for when your overseas in SE Asia where its high humidity.

[johnw]

Sea to summit make a "Pocket Umbrella"
http://www.seatosummit.com.au/showdetail.php?Code=AUMBMINI

Almost always have one of these in my daypack. Handy for easy walks on open tracks, but remember umbrellas become useless once you start getting into encroaching scrub, or in windy conditions. The weekend before last it had been bucketing down but I still wanted to get out for a walk, preferably without bothering with WW gear (cool but very humid). So I chose a couple of really easy short ones near each other in (mostly) open terrain, and took an old golf umbrella. Worked quite well in consistent drizzle and light showers. For multi-day or overnight trips I can't remember taking one, but the pocket version isn't very heavy and could possibly be useful at times.

[rowan]

An umbrella is a great idea. Theyseem a bit out of place in a bush environment but they make things so much more pleasant when raining, even if you are wearing waterproof gear. I once met a guy on a hike with a bright pink one. Looked weird in the bush but who cares out there,lol

Cheers,
Rowan

[jose]

They are also great for shade on really hot days when walking on boardwalk, through button grass plains or for a shady lunch break etc. Friends of mine take golf umbrellas and add a stopper to the tip and use them like a walking pole but, like walking poles, they can be a nuisance in other conditions

[Son of a Beach]

There's a moderately long topic discussing the use of an umbrella for bushwalking here: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=3333