I felt kinda stupid the first time I used an umbrella on a hike, now I think it's stupid not to. Saved me from rain and sun. Best piece of gear I ever bought.
Hey, hi. Your comments are so relatable, even if a person doesn't hike. I'm 71.. my Dad taught me to always take an umbrella and a pea whistle with me anytime I went out into the woods. I live in NB, Canada... everywhere is woods...lol. I never knew why, but I did what I was told. Six years ago, while fishing a small creek, I happened to get in between a mother black bear and her twin cubs. She "fake" charged me a couple of times, and she was really pissed. ...... long story,..... but, I popped the umbrella, held it out in front of me, blew that whistle with everything I had ... and apparently I'm still alive. I'm not exactly sure what happened, as I was hiding behind an umbrella, blowing a whistle. True story.
Oh, you missed the mosquito netting trick during a lunch break! I (sometimes) take an ultralight netting tent for my tarp and drape it over the umbrella on really buggy days.
you can do this same thing draping mesh over a large brim hat just the same, and you would retain use of your arm/hand. i love me an umbrella in the city etc or when going to work, but if you are hiking, backpacking or anything close then it's a crutch to carry, unless it is so multi faceted purpose wise that it is a must take. like if you incorporated all kinds of other gar in the tube of the umbrella and the fabric was also removable and served as a fly or tarp, etc etc. otherwise there is no way around carrying an umbrella is dangerous as it removes your arm/hand from the equation and also becomes an object of potential injury given it's rigid nature if you fall or slide for a distance. there are more creative solutions to everything an umbrella does. now if you are simply a hipster urban hiker then ig carry an umbrella, but if you are going into the woods for real in any capacity even for a day. there are better choices to be made here gear wise
ya know what else makes a great spider web shield? keeping your eyes open and walking slowly, and with purpose. sometimes not having to pay attention to your surroundings is a negative equipment wise, mr. sunday stroll. this is why ppl like you and their umbrellas account for 905 of wilderness rescue operations
For those who wear glasses it's very hard to see when water gets on them. An umbrella keeps the water off. Also, you can get umbrella hats that sit on your head using an elastic strap and don't have a handle. They come in different sizes and I got a small one to test. It works great and is pretty wind resistant on my local walks in the rain. They do look a bit strange, but if I'm on the trail I wouldn't care. With both hands free you can use trekking poles, cook, etc with no problem.
My umbrella was a life saver on my 2019 thru hike of the Arizona Trail, both for sun protection in the southern half and the 8 days of cold rain/rain snow that I had further north. I would say that in cold conditions an umbrella alone is not a replacement for a rain jacket. I was surprised how wet I got with my full size Gossamer Gear umbrella snugged down as close to me as possible. As a two trekking pole girl I experimented with some hands free setups with some success if it wasn't windy, or if I wasn't using it as a sun block-- using as shade it really requires a lot of adjustment to keep in right position as a trail rarely keeps you in a straight line. On my AZT hike it was a clear winner and one of my top pieces of gear; however, I do not regularly take it on hikes into my local Uinta Mountain range for a couple of primary reasons: 1. It's not that hot; a wide brim hat is more comfortable. 2. If the forecast isn't showing extended rain I'm not going to bring it. It's definitely got a place in my kit, but not on every trip. Desert heat, absolutely. Extended rain potential, yes, in conjunction with a rain jacket. I think that I would choose yes to the umbrella on any extended thru hike situation, but shorter trips I let the climate and the weather forecast dictate if it comes along or not. I've made some modifications to rain ponchos/capes that make them a great alternative (I'd even say superior )to a rain jacket setup. Ponchos and capes don't have to be a hot mess in the blowing wind-- add a belt and you have a breathable jacket, kilt and pack cover all in one for around 6 ozs. In cold weather you will need to tuck your arms in (no trekking poles) or make some waterproof/breathable arm sleeves for full coverage.
Jill Adams. Greetings from AlbaNY. Thanks for your wisdom. I especially liked what you had to say about the rain poncho, vis-à-vis the belt solution.🙏❤️I use a longer umbrella with a pointed metal tip, long enough to be a tall trekking pole. Metal tip feels like a modicum of protection. ❤️ Hands-free hiking. Umbrella attachment. My bra is its harness. The handle part of the umbrella gets tucked against my skin, and my bra holds it between “the girls.” A second attachment point higher up is also needed (backpack shoulder attachment). 🙏Another way I use my umbrella (without a backpack) is on on my gear strap (a la Susanne Williams). When not in use, I attach the umbrella crosswise (in front)(along with my machete) to my gear strap. 🙏My gear strap is worn loosely on my body, so often times I will swing that umbrella (so it’s parallel to the ground), making a great arm rest for while I’m walking.
my wife and I each took an umbrella on our 4 day canoe trip down the Missouri....they were amazing for sun shade and a windbreaker while cooking....we also got hit with a thunderstorm and were laughing at the rain while hiding under our umbrellas....great video man!
I have an 18” fishing umbrella that I use as a walking pole, but the great advantage of having a zip around the top.This allows a waterproof curtain to zip around forming an instant tent which is great to cook out of the wind & rain either on its own or as a porch to a bivvy or small tent. I have camped overnight several times in the comfort of my lightweight umbrella in tent mode.
I am afraid I don’t have a link it was purchased over 7 years ago. It does have a stake & tilt is primarily designed for fishing,but as I said doubles up as a walking pole.
Used a cheap folding one when climbing Kilimanjaro, the first day was rain, the next two mornings were also wet. The expedition leader had a bunch of umbrellas sent up on a resupply run for everyone who didnt have one, came in handy on the really hot days as well
What a great video! Umbrellas are so versatile and come in handy in so many different ways, they really should be considered an essential part of your kit. Besides the obvious uses for personal rain, wind and sun protection I’ve used my umbrella for all sorts of other things including: additional weather protection at the entrance to my tent or tarp; as a pole or lifter to increase room inside my tarp shelter; for self defence against aggressive dogs; to help work my way through dense thicket; as a signalling device to get attention from other hikers; to collect water; as a portable mini blind for watching birds and wildlife without being seen; as an audio amplifier held at ear level to help you hear sounds from far away; as a windscreen for my stove; as a handle for another hiker to grab onto; as a scratching device to draw land nav maps on the ground; as a signal panel suspended from a branch at eye level allowing me to wander out around my camp in dense forest up to 100 meters or so without risking getting lost; to protect gear or firewood from getting wet; as a container to gather wild edibles or other collectibles; as a poking device to see how rotten a tree is; as a gear bag either inverted on the ground to hold gear off the ground or suspended inverted off the ground by a rope tied to the handle and even as a mini sail fixed to a thwart when canoeing downwind. I also think it would be nice if someone would invent a hybrid umbrella / extendible walking stick with features that would allow you to deploy the umbrella or walking stick independently or both at the same time if that’s what you happen to need in the moment.
Wow!!! This comment combined with the video is amazing!! Talk about a multi-use tool for a minimalist. A comment here implied theu had an umbrella that does double as a walking stick. They said it's a fishing umbrella but didn't have a link.
A guy in Glacier Nat'l. Park was being charged by a grizzly bear and when the bear was 20 feet away, the guy opened his umbrella and waited for the bear to take him down. Nothing happened. When he looked, the bear was running in the opposite direction, scared to death! I imagine he needed new undies and also went to church the next Sunday!
We used to think umbrellas were silly backpacking equipment until we discovered the ones that keep the heat off you. In really hot weather we use the umbrella most of the time as it stops a lot of sunburn and heat getting to us. It is great for sitting and having lunch whether it is raining or hot. Umbrella with cape and kilt is great in summer if raining. In freezing winter, cold weather rain pants, kilt, rain jacket and cape to cut wind and umbrella, absolutely great. The layering of wet weather gear sounds crazy, but these days with the dyneema kilt and cape, the weight is not really an issue. The only bits that really get wet are our hands. Another reason we are for umbrellas, is that in hot dry weather, we have sewn a flyscreen that pulls over the open umbrella and reaches the ground while we are sitting for lunch. No bug protein in your sandwiches. (Someone called it an umbrella flyscreen condom) At night, we put up the umbrella with the flyscreen over it over our heads, pin it to the ground with a couple of tent stakes and just sleep out on the ground in our sleeping bag. That stops the bugs annoying us while we sleep. Great for sleeping during day also. It is also good to have when there is a slight cool breeze outside, as the umbrella can shield us as a windbreak. Some of our friends use it in the same way under tarps to stop bugs and cool breezes. Some of our friends also have the ability to gather the bottom of the flyscreen around themselves while they walk (they thread elastic through the flynet), but we find that annoying, so have not done so. They are great to pee behind also if there are no trees to go behind, such as in a desert. Line up pack one side and umbrella on the other side and strategically place yourself behind them and do your business. Another reason is they are a great windbreak for when we are using a campstove for cooking. We also have velcro strips to attach the umbrella to the shoulder strap of the pack. That frees up the hands to use the trekking poles. The velcro is easy to open if needed, or to change sides due to a change in breeze or to change the angle of the umbrella against breezes coming at an angle. The same velcro can be used to attach the umbrella to the pack when it is not required. The velcro pieces are permanently attached to the carbon fiber handle of the umbrella and are made to freely slide up and down the handle as required. In really super windy weather though, the umbrella is packed away. We are reminded of what it was like before we used the umbrella. That doesn't happen a lot, usually on ridges or at the beach. We try to wait for good weather for walking those areas. If stealth camping in a car in a town or city, rather than putting up reflectix on the windows, we use the umbrella put up over our head while we sleep, and then the luggage cover is pulled over the bottom of our sleeping bag. Much stealthier as people think the umbrella is just drying and they only see the luggage cover. (We also have limotinted windows) We have a sun roof on our car, so in hot weather if camping out in the bush, we open that, and then use the umbrella with the flyscreen condom pulled over it over the top of the sun roof. We tie it down to the roof rack and use magnets to hold down the flyscreen on the outside of the roof. Allows air flow out through the top of the vehicle, keeping the car much cooler. We use the umbrella so much now, we tend to blow through one in a few years of backpacking and base camping. They usually lose the reflective coating on them and become not so good in the hot weather so get relegated to day walks. We do like your idea of catching the water in them - didn't know that one, thanks very much. That's in the noggin for future use.
Love umbrella hiking & backpacking! Haven't run into too many people who "get it," though! My GoLite umbrella finally bit the dust and I need to make a decision on what to replace it with. Excellent video I can use to explain to others.
Yeah, I use an umbrella on hikes too and I agree with pretty much all your excellent points. In the rain I'll often still wear a rain jacket to protect from sideways spray, brushing through wet bushes, and also for when I have to put the umbrella away for a moment. The great thing is that I can leave the jacket hood down and the front unzipped most of the way while I'm using the umbrella. Also, I'm a big fan of attaching the umbrella to my pack strap and I have a method to do it very quickly on either strap with shock cord and a toggle and I can even angle it around on the fly if the rain or sun changes angle. Then my hands are free and if I need to move the umbrella I just flick the toggle and undo my sternum strap and it's free. Nice for long stretches so my hands can be free to snack or check the map or take a picture or just rest them in my jacket pockets.
SE hiking - Rain skirt and umbrella for the win!!! On well maintained, eastern trails, I’ve found many more pluses than minuses. I can use my hands free setup 90% of the time in those long green tunnels. As someone who works hard to lower base weight, half a pound seemed like an extravagance but as a heavy sweating glasses wearer, the weight penalty is more than compensated for by the increased comfort, safety and convenience. You nailed both the pros and the cons.
An umbrella is such an underrated and under used item these days. I was laughed at when I said I was taking my umbrella out wild camping. Glad I’m not the only one using an umbrella. 👍
You are underselling the utility of the umbrella by holding on to it while you hike - I have been using a Swing umbrella like yours for the past five years, but I've rarely needed to hold onto it. I hike in the west, and have mostly used it for sun and occasionally rain in areas without dense trees imposing into the trail, and I agree with you that if there is brush or too many branches, you need to hold onto it to maneuver it. I do like that it will spin when brushing past an object, which helps reduce wear and punctures. And, like you, I just take it down in high winds. If I could not attach it to my front straps (on either side depending on sun, rain, or wind direction) and have a way to hold it either straight up or at an inner or outer angle, I would not use one. And no a fancy setup with Velcro etc. is needed to make it work, but it has to release and mount very easily... Two weeks ago I did the Mount Hood Timberline trail on one the hottest couple of days of the summer and I loved having my head uncovered (with no sunscreen) to keep cool. I see very few people on the PCT using one, though I see more stuck away in backpacks than I used to. I still get comments from passing hikers all the time, and many people state they've never seen a hiker with an umbrella. People often ask how I mount it and how cumbersome it must be to take on and off - I just take if off for them in about 5 seconds and remount it in about 20 seconds (I've timed it and those times are about average). I do see some pretty funky mounts when encountering others (I come across someone with an umbrella while hiking every week or two at most) and I'm then the one wondering how they manage such a cumbersome attachment. Two or three years ago I saw a video with almost my exact mounting system, but from what I've gathered reading about others experiences and watching videos, getting a proper mounting system is the biggest hurdle. I'm so used to having it up when I hike that I forget it's there - I get half way through taking off my pack, then realize I forgot to take it down at least once a day while hiking. Truly, the only negative experience I can say I've had with it is that twice I've walked briskly into a stout branch that was facing me and been knocked off my feet - but those are not bad odds in thousands of miles of hiking in the shade. When I bought my umbrella five years ago (it's still going strong with just some of the silver wearing off - Swing does make a practically bullet proof umbrella!) I bought a second one for my wife, but she refused to use it. On this last hike to the Timberline, with it forecasted to be so hot, she decided to give it a try - she could not believe she had not done so sooner... Another convert :)
Depends on the track and terrain of course and therefore whether it's even worth it in the first place, but I agree with your comment about not having to always hold the umbrella. It would be a pain if that were the case. Many years ago I rigged up (i.e shoved it into my chest straps) a hands-free umbrella while doing some very wet but otherwise straightforward mountain tracks in China - it made a big difference to comfort not having to wear a raincoat. I was using just an ordinary short-handled tourist umbrella bought for close to zilch at the start of the trip. I would not have bothered with a long umbrella which would have been a pain to carry around for a month, but the short was great and used as much in sun as rain. I wouldn't carry one for use in the mountains where I live now but for a warmer climate, overall I suspect umbrellas might be underrated.
@@HumphreyChou96 You just need to attach two elastic shock cords with two cord locks to your shoulder straps. The handle of the Swing umbrella hast ridges so the shock cord can hold the umbrella in place easily. Without the ridges it would probably slip through and you would have to adjust frequently, but with the ridges the setup ist bomb proof.
I'm an older retro - grouch and the idea of carrying an umbrella in the backcountry in lieu of raingear violates this sacred place that I never considered , but just the idea of not feeling like your in a sauna completely blew the door open on that :-) I will definitely be incorporating an umbrella more and more into my outdoor activities !
Hiking around the high mountain deserts of California (PCT 455-702) I found the shade of the umbrella an excellent addition to my base weight. Sometimes the winds were willing, the shade was limited, and the hot sun baking the burned out areas at 90-95 degrees. Sun umbrella's can be worth the weight. Tested the $19.57 Umenice UPF 50+ UV Protection Travel Umbrella that was ultra light weight, and welcome portable shade.
Hi, I am from Germany and I use my umbrella on most hikes. I use it also as a wash basin for me and to wash my clothes if it is difficult to wash in a river due to steep or slippery riverbanks. Mostly with collected rainwater. Perfect in combination with Tom Hennessys rainwater-collectors for hammock tarps . Works perfect, even without hammock, you would not believe how much water you will collect even when it just drizzles. Fun fact: These Chrome Domes are all made in Germany, by Eberhard Göbel Schirmfabrik, no matter if they are printed Golite or SMD or any other brand name. If you like, Eberhard Göbel will print your name or anything else on it. He offers a wide range of different umbrellas for hikers, golfers, fishing etc. in best quality.
@@BackcountryBanter Why not? And with your name a triple crown symbol. I have seen all your vids in the past, I like your style for hiking. You are the reason I switched from a tent to a tarp. Up to today, Ok...sometimes hammocking. I am in grandpa-age now and a hammock is real comfy.
I think Wild has an attachment thingy on his shoulder strap to attach his umbrella so he doesn’t have to hold it. Thank you Tara for the fabulous modeling!
Been hiking with umbrellas for about 8 years now. Sometime just pack a really small light Montbell or my larger Gossamer which looks just like the one in the video. Main reason is as you say: to reduce the impact of perspiration! For me that is huge, all year long. I will never wear a rain jacket, poncho or rain pants while hiking - but perhaps wear a poncho in camp. I live in the PNW rain forest, so the umbrella most commonly used in winter as our summer is essentially drought season. My most recent backpack weekend trip I left the umbrella at home as there was no chance of rain. I use the GossamerGear umbrella clip so I can be hiking without holding the umbrella with my hands too, saving the arm fatigue and enabling trekking pole use.
I went from the 225g Chrome Dome (like you have) to a much lighter 86g Montbell Travel Umbrella. Yes, it has a much smaller canopy, but for the amount I actually use it, the weight savings was the deciding factor. I used the umbrella once on the Walkers Haute Route, once on the Tour Mont Blanc and once on the Tour du Fiz. I was pretty happy to be carrying it on those occasions and would carry it again. The ability to keep rain off your face is such a sanity saver. I still use a lightweight rain jacket and I still carry (but hardly ever use) a rain skirt. So if the wind picks up or the trail is surrounded in bushes, then I just suffer the rain like anyone else. But bringing the umbrella may get you weird looks at first, but then you see the jealousy!
Nice! I haven't met anyone using the Montbell umbrella, it's good to hear that it works well. Thanks! I recently upgraded to the carbon fiber umbrella from Six Moon Designs and have been loving it.
Backcountry Banter I liked the coverage of the Euroschirm, but that weight was a tough pill to swallow for something that gets used rarely. However, when you actually need to use them (for rain more than sun here in the European Alps), you will trade that weight any day. That’s where the Montbell one comes in. At 86g, it’s a weight I’m happy to add. It is large enough to cover my upper body, but unfortunately not quite big enough to cover my backpack. But we all use waterproof pack liners though right?
As teen back in the late 60’s I built a flip over cover that laid back over the top of my Kelty D4 using a spreader bar similar to the standard one but wider. Waterproof nylon extended forward over my head and shoulders... It laid back over the pack when not in use.... simple effective, always handy, you don’t have to hold it...
Been homeless and I have been carrying a umbrella for two decades in the Bush as well as the city, I have used it for all these reasons as well as a hunting blind with my bow
Excellent! I've spent a lot of my adult life homeless and never thought to have an umbrella but realise now that it could be a great self defense item...
@@edgarbleikur1929 They are pretty useless for self defense, very weak. But better than nothing ofc. You CAN get umbrella's made especially for it, but they cost a bit.
Agree with all your points. An unbrella even works in quite strong winds provided the wind direction does not veer too fast . The extra plus, is combining an umbrella with a tarp at night - jamming it in the hole where the wind is blowing the rain from. Works a treat. I had a Thai umbrella once, they call a "glot" . You can hang it from a branch, extend it, unscrew the center pole, drape it with a mosquito net or light tarp and have plenty of room to lie down. (Not in a monsoon oc)
Nicholas Crane, an English explorer and TV presenter is famous for always carrying an umbrella. He says he got the idea when working with Spanish Shepherds who used them as portable Sun Shelters when watching their flocks in the mountains. I have carried one for many years, I think you have covered most of the reasons why in your excellent vid. Another common use is as a sail when canoeing in light wind. Many thanks for posting.
A very informative review. I see this was put out a few years ago. I am based in Cambridge UK, I have been walking across lots of bits of Norfolk, Wales and Scotland. As well as EU, Canada and Spain. The first time I saw an umbrella being used was with Nicholas Crane, the TV presenter. I also see his names mentioned on he. I came across a large Sports one, I keep it for country walks, fishing trips. But it went missing. I am now searching for a strong, reliable replacement. Cheers take care.
I’ve carried an umbrella with me on all hikes; short and long. It is much faster to deploy than digging out my Frog Togo’s out of my pack. One criteria for all of my packs is to have two mesh pockets on the sides; one for a water bottle and the other for my umbrella. I first started carrying one because I couldn’t afford a rain suit.
As part of my edc I carry my flipstick cane and my ul poncho from wilderness innovations and amazingly they both fit in my propper usmc assault pouch. But if I was going on a long walk then I would carry my silver umbrella also.
If you buy a ul poncho from wilderness innovations then ask for the stuff sack that the honeycomb poncho comes in. And if you buy the honeycomb poncho then ask for the stuff sack that the hd poncho comes in. And if you buy the hd poncho then ask for a bigger stuff sack for it.
Did some research and got a German Brand umbrella which works well. I like the fact that it comes with connectors to the back pack straps. It's also a mini tent for my back pack outside my tent at night. Here in Australia it provides some protection from fauna such as drop bears and our really fierce magpies in mating season.
Great topic. I don't recall anyone else ever discussing the pros and cons of using an umbrella on the trail, and as someone who has been thinking about doing that, this has certainly given me more information to consider. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your videos when you both get back to finishing your AT hike. Stay well.
Great video, been using them for years. I use an umbrella hat for hands Free. They're many sizes and styles. I take, use 3 different styles.. 2 - Hat Umbrellas 1 - hook handle. 1- Compact Staying dry is really important. I buy a bunch of the compacts and give the to people on the trailhead. The Thank you notes on my car says everything.
First time I saw people hiking / walking with umbrellas was in Japan in the late 1980s. Here I was with my high tech rain gear with all the Japanese walkers were just using umbrellas. My GoreTex gear got a timeout as I found umbrella much more functional in Japanese summer climate. Also, way before they became popular in USA, Japan had super compact folding umbrella so it was so easy to carry and just pop out as needed.
Thank you for putting umbrellas on my radar!!! This might have to be my next gear purchase since I am in PNW and rock rain gear all the time. Thank you kindly.
I use the Six Moons Designs Silver Shadow Mini, and I use it mainly to avoid having to wear a rain jacket, just like you mentioned. I have also used it for snow and sun protection, which for me were bonuses at first but now I bring my umbrella every hike!
Well done! An umbrella is like a bandana. So many uses and perks. Far outweighs the cons! And your presentation was very well thought out and delivered! Thanks!
I love using an umbrella. I've always used a cheap one that weighs a pound or less and when it breaks I just buy another. All your positives is exactly why I like using an umbrella. Thanks for another great video.
Great gear review Joe! I live east of Los Angeles so I’m out backpacking in Joshua Tree frequently. Using an umbrella adds two weeks to a month of backpacking to the spring season. The umbrella just about creates it’s own climate. The PCT area above LA can get some good snow storms so, like you said, if you rig it at the head of the tarp it keeps out the driving snow. Also, the Six Moons Design umbrella is an extremely well made piece of gear, very satisfying to use.
in my opinion a trekking umbrella is definitely worth carrying they're so light you taught a old dog a new trick about catching water with my trekking umbrella thank you. I use mine for sun almost as much as rain sometimes and when I cowboy camp I use it to cover my head and face looking forward to more videos 😉
Yup, I use it that way to! I bivy camp and use it instead of faffing about with a tarp. Mine is bigger than the one in the video, so it also doubles as a trecking pole. It's also comforting to have if, god forbid, I was attacked.
discovered using an umbrella years ago and haven’t gone backpacking or canoeing without one since. definitely saved me on a grand canyon trip. this mountain boy underestimated the sun and scale of the canyon. i would have been in trouble without my umbrella. i have used an umbrella for sun as often as for rain. essential! great to see this video.
I would consider my umbrella to be a luxury item, BUT the umbrella and the camping pillow are the two luxury items I NEVER hit the trail without. As you say, the umbrella is not usable in every situtation, but when it is, it is a game-changing piece of gear, and potentially a lifesaving one. The amount of protection it gives you in the sun simply cannot be overstated. Long desert sections are far less risky when you carry your own shade around with you.
Personally I think umbrellas are underated. You made some interesting points in the use of umbrellas on trail. I wish there was an umbrella with a telescopic handle that could fix into the ground so one could be hands free when needed. With ever increasing temperatures and strong sun an umbrella is almost becoming a vital piece of equipment. We have had to get used to wearing masks as is the norm in parts of Asia before this pandemic and I think umbrellas could also become more popular as Asians have been doing much more commonly than the west.
I hike mainly in SW Florida and sun protection is essential. It’s also humid and hot, so when the rain comes being covered in rain gear makes you a sweatbox. I love my brolly and take it on every hike. If weather is looking ominous I’ll bring a rain jacket as backup but haven’t needed it yet.
I live in Virginia andI use the same umbrella for most of the same reasons. I hammock mostly and will set it up on the ground to help keep rain dripping off the tarp and splashing my gear. When tenting I set it up at the vestibule for extra protection. It's quick to grab for protection when I need to venture out. Been using one since 2000 when I read Ray Jardin book and I was UL.
I love my umbrella, it has been a game changer. I’m an older person who needs trekking poles so I attach my umbrella to my backpack. It took a bit to get the adjustment right but worth the bit of work.
I recently switched from the Golite umbrella to the Montbell long trail umbrella which is collapsible and weights 5oz. Another nice feature is that it is oblong and will cover your pack as well. It does seem more fragile than the Golite, time will tell. I use it in conjunction with a Zpacks poncho (bathtub) 5oz which also covers the pack. I can either use the Poncho on it's own when windy or make it into a skirt to use with umbrella if necessary. Another nice use for the poncho is to protect my air mattress when using shelters. You can also use the bathtub Poncho in conjunction with a tarp.
@@flowersafeheart Water proof backpacks are not 100% waterproof. I would use the poncho in windy cooler weather, it also has other uses. Like keeping your sleeping bag dry when condensation from your single wall tent is dripping down. sleeping out under the stars or in a shelter to protect your sleeping pad. taking a nap in some grass on a warm day to keep the ticks away. The umbrella on warmer less windy days. You can use it in conjunction with poncho folded into a skirt on cooler days. You will need a piece of 550 cord to use as belt. The poncho or umbrella will both cover your pack. I also use my sea to summit pump sack as a dry bag for the contents of my backpack. I also carry a light weight rain jacket and pants. I also carry Gortex socks which can be used to keep your feet warm and dry while hiking in cold weather. Used with very light weight sandles as camp shoe. Hypothermia is no joke. Make sure you bring a sleeping pad rated for the tempitures you are likely to encounter. You can drop the poncho and replace the sleeping pad and bag with lighter versions when weather warms up. You should try and get your pack down around 15lbs base weight in the cooler months and around 12lbs in warmer months. Without any loss in comfort. Good luck.
I love my umbrella. Both Gossamer Gear and now Zpacks sell a hands free umbrella holder for your shoulder strap. I have both and they're great... I'm surprised you don't use one or mentioned it. I use my umbrella in the rain and even 17 days of direct sun on the John Muir Trail.
I love the Silver Shadow so I can avoid the sweatiness of a hat and the yuk of sunscreen on my face and neck. So much cooler in the sun with the reflective feature and dark underside. I have not yet used it in the rain- I don’t camp/hike in the rain!
I live in the Southwest desert & use a silver Euroschirm telescoping backpacking umbrella with pack mounts. It is fantastic in the heat & sun. I can feel a definite difference in my body temperature by having my head covered. It also allows me to not wear a hat which also makes me cooler. I have also used it in the Amazon jungle in rain to avoid the hot sauna of a rain jacket which makes you just as wet.
I started carrying an umbrella for the many reasons you mentioned but the most for me was that I am a warm body type and couldn't stand wearing a rain jacket, I was getting too warm, sweating inside and there was no difference whether I get wet from rain or sweat until I started using an umbrella. Love the feel of breeze running through your body but like you mentioned, there are limitations and I always carry a rain jacket or poncho with me.
@@BackcountryBanter Same for me! Sounds very good! But I'll have to get my baseweight down before I can "afford" an umbrella weightwise...^^ So one Question. You use a rain skirt, umbrella AND a rain jacket?
I'm going to the mountains this summer and I'm a bit worried about the sun. After watching "Camp Life bushcraft"'s video and yours I got myself an EuroSCHIRM TeleScope HandsFree UV protect umbrella. It attaches to a backpack and keeps your hands free to make photo's or to hold trekking poles. The idea I have this in my backpack gives me a lot of peace of mind that I don't have to worry about sun or rain.
I got started on an umbrella for backpacking on exposed desert trails, but quickly found that I LOVE using it in the rain. It's so much quicker when the rain starts and stops as well. You don't have to stop, dig out your rain gear, put it on then do the reverse when the rain stops. With an umbrella, just pop it open or stow and go. I've got to the point I don't even carry rain gear anymore...just an umbrella and kilt. A great idea about catching rainwater.....never thought of using it that way. Great video! Just subscribed.
Excellent presentation on an unusual topic. I loathe getting wet and have been carrying an umbrella in the back country for over 40 years (both backpacking and day hiking) (Sierras, Cascades, Tetons, Yellowstone, Uintas, Wasatch, Denali, Rockies). My gear choice is a compact "golf size" umbrella that has a 50" canopy but collapses to 20". Another reason for carrying an umbrella is fire starting. I pack dry tinder for the rare occasions I make a campfire. An umbrella makes a perfect shield in heavy rain or snowfall.
I'm not very mobile, so don't hike much at all but I wondered why people don't use them. I use one which walking the pup, and I get funny looks. Here in England people use huge fishing umbrellas, which I think would be great for stealth camping. Great video, thank you. The Internet is great for " it's not just me " .
Best hiking gear ever. The fact you cannot always use an umbrella is not a negative point. You don't use your tent when walking. You don't use your umbrella when it's very windy. No piece of gear is perfect and usefull in all conditions.
❤️I use a longer umbrella with a pointed metal tip, long enough to be a tall trekking pole. Metal tip feels like a modicum of protection. ❤️ Hands-free hiking. Umbrella attachment. My bra is its harness. The handle part of the umbrella gets tucked against my skin, and my bra holds it between “the girls.” A second attachment point higher up is also needed (backpack shoulder attachment). 🙏Another way I use my umbrella (without a backpack) is on on my gear strap (a la Susanne Williams). When not in use, I attach the umbrella crosswise (in front)(along with my machete) to my gear strap. 🙏My gear strap is worn loosely on my body, so often times I will swing that umbrella (so it’s parallel to the ground), making a great arm rest for a while I’m walking.
I did some construction work in the pouring rain for a few hours wearing a rain jacket. All the rain ran down to my pants and filled up my boots. I hate rain jackets 😡 I totally agree with you on all points you made, especially that gross, wet, sweaty feeling in a rain jacket. I think an umbrella is essential for every long hike.
I've been an avid umbrella user on hikes here in the East for 30 years or so. After getting soaked in my rain coat or poncho in the Smokies a few times, I tried a travel umbrella and loved it. I now use an older fiberglass Go Lite model. It has been good but the tip was not protected and now leaks after years of use. I want to try one like yours for sun and tip protection. I've proved all your points to be spot on. Even catching water, works like a charm under a rock drip or high light waterfall held over my head to stay dry and still get clean water. Thanks for the vid!
Thanks Joe for the great advise of a umbrella on the trail. I used to use one at Baseball & Soccer games to keep the sun off me. A must have when you are sitting there for hours!! Wow your hair is getting really long!! Love it!! Letting mine grow back out so I can do something with it for Jacob's & Emily's wedding in April!! Much love to all!!
Good points! Ive never ever thought about an umbrella while hiking but why not. They can be very versitile, about the same as I think about a walking atick; after a while using it you cant go without it.
I use an umbrella as part of an experimental system. The umbrella (for upper body if not too windy), poncho (if wind is the problem), rain chaps. We'll see how it work on my section of the SHT next week, iA.
I have used umbrellas for 20 plus years. I recently bought the gossamer gear one you have. I fell in love with them even more. They are a must in my book.
Nice summary video. I started using an umbrella on expeditions in 1991 in the Rockies when another mountaineer hiked past me as I was donning my rain gear. At the hut a few hours later I was drenched with sweat and he was dry as toast. The one other cautionary aspect of umbrellas that should be kept in mind is fairly obvious but let's say it anyway - don't use em in thunderstorms.
I have an ultralight umbrella from the original Ray Jardine "golite" gear. I've had it for over 20 years. It isn't just for hiking, but it's part of my EDC. I love my (tired old) umbrella 🙂
It's between 10°-15°C cooler under an umbrella in the blazing sun, whereas a hat prevents heat from leaving the head. In the rain all waterproofs lead to the walker becoming hot, sweaty and sticky. When we were trekking in the Himalayas all the locals used umbrellas. I've used the umbrella to collect rainwater and I've used it as part of my tarp shelter configuration. I never go trekking without one.
I think you hit all the best reasons for and against. Using them for getting sun coverage when hiking or taking a break are my primary reasons to carry one. I do use it for heavy rain just to deflect some of it. You have said it before...if it's raining you're gonna get wet. The umbrella-kilt combo just takes the edge off.
California hiker here & I use mine for shade. The first backpacking trip I went on, 3 years ago, included a old fire burned area with almost no shade and it kicked my a$$. Lesson learned & I used my sunbrella this past spring to hike the pct aqueduct section. Haven't even used it in rain yet . It's always in my kit.
It's so cool to find out this isn't just my idea! They rock and were my experimental solution a couple years back after a miserabley damp hike in cold rain. If the rain always gets through, why not try to keep it off me in the first place? !
I use an umbrella with my tarp, it's my door, closing off the dome configuration. Rainy weather? Totally essential! And great for a much needed shady spot in a wide open area.
I've seen umbrellas used in th Picos De Europa in spain. Especially where they get short sharp showers followed by baking sun. If you could clip it to second tracking pole to give extra long handle it would be less fatiguing on arms.. ....in fact how about two plastic clips having a "3" shape profile that attach to a collapsed pole with velcro strap to ensure a tight fit You could get the handle down to waist height and it would be much easier on the arms.
I used an umbrella for the first time on an AT section hike last year. It was hot & humid. The umbrella was awesome! My upper body was dry and I was not overheated. Most importantly for me: my glasses stayed dry. I also used it under my hammock tarp to keep rain from bouncing over on to my pack; nice to have a dry pack the next morning. The one that I used was a cheap Frogg Toggs umbrella. I don't think they make those anymore. I now want a better umbrella.
Oh yes to backpacking with an umbrella. Especially when it rains when it’s too warm for a rain jacket. Or in scattered showers and it’s too annoying to put a jacket on then take it off. And yes in the sun to keep cool and minimise the likelihood of sunburn. Of course to protect the camera from the rain and the map (whether it’s on my phone or on paper) or, like you’ve said, fetch stuff out of my pack without getting other stuff wet. Amazingly to keep a little warmer with rising heat sitting in the umbrella instead of disappearing away straight away. Has also helped reduce the likelihood of getting caught up in small branches that would have caught on straps or hair. Haven’t used it in the snow or in the tarp entry way, yet and will give the water collection idea a go. Definitely out of the question in severe conditions.
They only time I deploy my rain jacket these days is for warmth/wind shell. So much better than hiking in a sauna. I have a few bungees on my shoulder strap that hold my umbrella pretty stable so it’s nice to hike with it hands free. There are times it’s better to go handheld, but I like the option. I’ve also used it to prop up the head of my bug netting when I wanted to use it in a shelter that was particularly mosquito infested.
I don't hike (wish I still could) but I do use an umbrella in wet weather. It seriously reduces the amount of steam you generate when you get into a vehicle with a wet coat/jacket. I do always look for one that can be recovered from being blown inside out, and I like it to have a cane handle. I wish I could find one that is actually strong enough to be used as a cane, which would also be nice for walking or hiking. I would also like to find one with the silver coating.
Great points. I love mine. Excellent point about staying warmer verses cold rain hitting and constantly running down and sapping your body heat. I once read a study that you lose 3x body heat due to wind, and 7x due to complete water submersion. Although not complete submersion, I bet it’s at least in the 4-5 range.
Yes on the umbrella! Thanks for the great tips! I use mine for my second tarp pole, sun protection, and rain protection. I like the bear scare idea! I tied a string to the tip of mine with a loop that I can clip to the handle strap with a micro-carabiner and it works as a shoulder strap when I'm not wearing my pack and also as a guy line in my tarp system and for clipping it into my day pack. We used an umbrella once to "sail" a row boat back across a bay when we had a tail wind. We called it "Mary Poppinsing" All the best, Scott
I attached upper part of my umbrella to a head band and lower handle to pack strap so I keep hands free for trek poles. Worked great for one hike in Southern Cali. Going to try it some more and see if it holds up.
They are awesome super light weight, great for sun and breaks i have been useing them for over 20+ years in the woods. If it hot out and raining even in the spring they are amazing gear pieces.
Thank you for the great review. I used to backpack with a compact umbrella but it was difficult to use it AND trekking poles at the same time. I've just recently converted to UL backpacking (went from 25 lb. base weight to under 14 lbs., including my new umbrella/clamps) and bought the Z Packs Lotus UL umbrella & Dyneema Pack Cover along with GG Hands-Free Umbrella Clamps. I'm a Melanoma survivor & can't be in the sun on trail for very long. I also sweat too much with a rain jacket so an umbrella is a great alternative. I haven't tried them on the trail yet but tested them out in my offices and LOVE them!
I use a uv blocking umbrella while hiking. I hate rain jacket, rain poncho, and hats. I’d rather use an umbrella for rain and sun protection (or for blocking snow reflecting). Umbrella also protects backpack far better than pack cover or poncho. I have to find an umbrella holder that can be clipped on the shoulder strap so that my hands are free (saw a guy using one on PCT). Umbrella doesn’t do well when windy though.
Glad you did this video. I mostly bring my euroschirm umbrella when hiking, unless I know that the tree line is thick with shade. Half of its use is for the sun!
Have carried an umbrella for many years. There have been times when I did not use it. (Grayson highlands in driving rain and wind) But it is with me on every backpacking trip now. I attach mine to the shoulder strap of my pack so that I can still use my treking poles, or camera.
