Heatwave in May or pouring rain in the middle of August, we see it all and need to be prepared for whatever the weather throws at us. However, the last thing that comes to mind when it comes to hiking gear is an umbrella! But don’t be a fool, umbrellas are becoming trendy and start finding their place on the hiker’s backpacking list. In this article, I will show you the best hiking umbrellas for your next adventure and why you should use one. So come under my umbrella… ella… ella… hey! ☂️
At a Glance: Best Hiking Umbrellas
If you are in a hurry, here is a summary of the best hiking umbrellas. I go into more details in this article.
No
Why should you use a hiking umbrella?
Before we dive into the best hiking umbrellas, let’s answer some questions and look at their benefits.
1 – Sun protection
When we think about an umbrella, we straight away associate it with rain. However, a hiking umbrella can also protect you from the sun and the damages caused by the ultraviolet.
All umbrellas are not born equals. While a classic umbrella UPF rating is 30 +, the hiking umbrellas are rated 50+ which means that they block 99% of the sunray. As they reflect the sunlight, the temperate is 15 degrees less than the outside temperate under the canopy. Just imagine what it would feel like when hiking by 30 degrees!
This also means that you sweat less and therefore you drink less. As a result, you can carry less water than you would normally have (and take fewer toilets breaks). The lighter your backpack is, the faster you can walk.
Hiking with an umbrella will make the summer heat more enjoyable!
To know more about tips for hiking in the summer heat, click here.
2 – Rain protection
When it starts raining, the common thing to do is to put on a rain jacket and a pair of over trousers. However, none of these options is perfectly breathable or ventilated, even if the technology has made tremendous progress.
As you add more layers while it is already hot outside, you start sweating more which creates condensation and your clothes which are protected from the rain from the outside start getting damped from the inside.
With an umbrella, no need to add layers (which is the last thing we want to do when it is hot and humid)! The canopy protects you from the rain and offers the ventilation and breathability your body needs to stay cool and sweat less.
So now think. Which one weight more: An umbrella or your rain gear?
3 – Shelter, defence and saving grace
An umbrella not only protects you from the sun and the rain but can be used as s a defence weapon against wildlife. Even though it is not that typical to encounter animals on a hike near London, we do sometimes have to cross through farmland and we never know how animals could respond to our presence. The element of surprise of an umbrella opening in front of their face can definitely work in your favour.
It can also act as a last-minute shelter should it start snowing (quite unlikely in the South of the UK), hailing (much more likely) or pouring down so heavily that you can’t keep going (extremely likely). Additionally, it will provide you with a safe place to read your map either on paper or on your phone, but equally with a dry spot for lunch as your sandwich can’t get wet under an umbrella.
Lastly, should you hurt yourself or simply forgot your trekking poles at home, an umbrella can be used to lean on.
4 – When not to use it
When hiking in the summer, the weather can turn really quickly, and the bright blue sky suddenly becomes a big black cloud with thunder and lightning. Make sure you do not keep your umbrella open in such weather conditions as the frame attracts lightning and it very well may be fatal.
Using a king umbrella is ideal for open fields or above tree line trails but not for forested areas. It can get trapped in the branches and cause damages, tears and holes in the canopy.
Finally, a hiking umbrella cannot be used in ice conditions. As for the vegetation, the ice can be the cause of damages on the canopy but more importantly, you need your two hands to use your ice peak, so how are you gonna hold the umbrella?
What to look for when buying a hiking umbrella
Before we dive into the factors to consider when looking to buy a hiking umbrella, let’s have a look at the anatomy of an umbrella to familiarise ourselves with the vocabulary. This will make the following buyer’s guide easier to understand.
When choosing a hiking umbrella there are a few factors to take into consideration.
1 – Weight
There are two types of hiking umbrellas:
- The stick which is a full size umbrella
- The collapsible umbrella which is smaller
As the stick is bulkier it is heavier than the small collapsible umbrella.
A good rule of thumb is that a hiking umbrella should weigh between 6 to 8 ounces (170 to 226 grams) but you can find some models weighing up to 0.45kg.
In all cases, for all the benefits you would get from carrying one of those, doesn’t it worth the extra weight?
2 – Canopy
Size
When looking to buy a hiking umbrella, you need to look at the size of the canopy.
The bigger the diameter of the canopy is the more coverage you would get. However, it will be heavier than a small size canopy and less resistant to the wind as it gives the wind more surface to push the umbrella towards the ground rather than lifting it.
Material
You can find canopies made of three different types of fabrics: Nylon, Polyester or PVC.
- PVC is resistant and durable but it is also the heaviest of the three.
- Nylon is the most resistant of them all but it shrinks with humidity which is not ideal for rain gear.
- Polyester is lightweight, resistant to tears and cost-effective however it is not waterproof (again not ideal for rain gear). It will need PU or Teflon coating for waterproofing.
With the waterproofing coating, Polyester is, therefore, the best choice for a canopy.
3 – Packability
There is not only the weight that impacts the comfort on the trails but the packability as well.
The stick is long and bulky so the only way for you to pack it when not in use is to attach it to loops on your backpack or alternatively use it as a trekking pole.
If you opt for a collapsible model, you can fold it and place it in your backpack or on the side pockets for easy access in case the sun (or rain) comes back.
4 – Durability
Of course you don’t want to buy a new hiking umbrella every now and again.
The stick umbrella is more durable as the shaft is made of one piece. On the contrary, the shaft of a collapsible umbrella is weaker as made of several pieces and can bend or break in windy weather conditions.
When looking for a hiking umbrella, check the fabric used for the frame. Avoid frames made of still iron or brass as they rust which is quite inconvenient for a raining piece of equipment. Instead, opt for frames made of fibreglass or aluminium which are light and do not rust.
Finally don’t forget to check the rivets (the part that holds the ribs and the stretchers together). It SHOULD NOT be see-through but made of solid metal.
Tip: In case your canopy gets tears after some time, fix it with duck tape to extend its lifespan.
5 – Handle
The last factor to take into consideration when looking to buy a hiking umbrella is the handle.
Avoid the hook-shaped handles. Even though the shape makes it easier to attach it to the backpack when not in use, it is heavier and bulkier to hold. Instead, opt for a straight shape and a grip with hard foam for comfort.
For better ease of use, pick an umbrella with an open and close push open button, especially if you have suffered injuries on your wrists in the past.
The Best Hiking Umbrellas
It is now time to have a look at the selection of the best hiking umbrellas.
1 – Euroschirm Swing Lifeflex Umbrella
Author’s Pick
Extremely lightweight yet strong, this hiking umbrella can stand winds without breaking for long periods of time thanks to its fibreglass frame. It is also rated UV 50+ to protect you from the sun. The polyester canopy is coated with Teflon to make it waterproof. Additionally, this umbrella comes with an EVA hard foam handle for a better grip and maximum comfort. It is the perfect ally for long backpacking trips and day hikes.
- Weight: 207g
- Canopy diameter: 100 cm
| PRos | CONs |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Does not fold |
| Strong frame | No free return |
| EVA hard foam handle | |
| Waterproof and UV 50 + |
2 – Snow Peak Ultra Light Umbrella
The best for rain protection
This ultralight hiking umbrella is composed of a combination of carbon and aluminium which makes it extremely resistant to winds. The main feature of this umbrella is that it is robust yet also compact. Once folded it measures 21.8 cm (8.6 inches) and can easily fit in your backpack or side pocket. Additionally, it offers great protection against rain with Teflon and PU coating. Its main drawbacks are that the ribs must be clipped one by one to open it and it is rated UPF 30+.
- Weight: 133 grams (4.7 ounces)
- Canopy diameter: 83 cm (33 inches)
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Clip ribs manually one by one |
| Robust | UPF 30+ |
| Great protection against the rain | |
| Compact |
3 – Umenice Protection Travel Umbrella
The best for simplicity
A good option if you are looking for a basic model. The Umenice umbrella is made of an aluminium frame which is lightweight. The model is compact but once folded measures 29 cm (11.6 inches) which is quite long. Thanks to its PU coating you will also be protected from the rain. This model is rated UPF 50+ so you will be protected from the UV ray. Bonuses: it comes with a case and is available in two colours. The downside is that it is not windproof.
- Weight: 354 grams (12.5 ounces)
- Canopy diameter: 106 cm (42 inches)
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
| UPF 50 + | Long when folded |
| Waterproof | Not windproof |
| Lightweight | |
| Compact |
4 – G4Free Travel Folding Umbrella
The best for coverage
If you are looking for coverage, then this is the umbrella you need! Comes in two sizes, 106 cm (42 inches) and 116 cm (46 inches), the G4Free umbrella is also UPF rated 50+ and has Teflon coating for waterproofing. It is easy to use with an open and close push button on the handle. Additionally, this model is collapsible and can fit in your backpack. However, this umbrella is heavy and not windproof, so not ideal for multi-day hikes.
- Weight: 425 grams (15 ounces)/ 472 grams (16 ounces)
- Canopy diameter: 99 cm (39 inches)/ 106 cm (42 inches)
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
| Large canopy | Heavy |
| Easy open and close | Not windproof |
| UPF 50+ | |
| Waterpoof |
5 – Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
The best for wind protection
If you are looking for a windproof umbrella, let me introduce you to the Repel model. This compact umbrella measures 29 cm when folded which is quite long and less easy to pack. It is composed of two canopies and 9 flexible ribs so that it does turn inside out when windy. Easy to use with an auto open and close push button, it is also waterproof thanks to its Teflon coating. However, this model is not designed for sun protection. Nonetheless, the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty, so you get peace of mind.
- Weight: 408 grams (13 ounces)
- Canopy diameter: 94 cm (37 inches)
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
| Windproof and waterproof | No UPF |
| Auto open and close | Heavy and long even when folded |
| Cheapest of the selection | |
| Lifetime warranty |
6 – Mountain Warehouse Windproof Umbrella
The strongest
Finally, we end our selection of the best hiking umbrellas with a model from renowned brand Mountain Warehouse. Their umbrella is windproof and waterproof. With a frame in fibreglass, this model is also sturdy and shock-resistant. It dries quickly so you won’t get a wet backpack and is easy to use thanks to the open and close push button. A bonus: it is machine washable.
- Weight: Not specified
- Canopy diameter: Not specified
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
| Windproof | Exists only for men |
| Waterproof | No UPF |
| Sturdy | |
| Machine washable |
7 – Backpack Umbrella Clips
Having an umbrella is great but if you want to use trekking poles or simply enjoy being hand free, you would need to attach the umbrella to your backpack. A good way to do it is to use the drinking tube clips but instead of clipping the hose to it, clip the top part of the shaft and slide the bottom part inside the hook on your shoulder strap. They come in a pack of 10, so if you lose or break one, you can replace it straight away.
Video: To know more about how to fix your umbrella to your backpack using those clips, watch the video below.
Final thoughts on the best hiking umbrellas
In conclusion, whether it rains, shine or blows wind, the hiking umbrella could be the next accessory to add to your packing list. With the trend coming from the US and Australia, it won’t be long before the above list expends with the arrival of new models on the UK market.
Finally, if you have a hiking umbrella, let me know in the comments, I would love to read about your experience.
Likes these umbrellas? Pin them!
Here are a few hiking trails where it would be ideal to carry a hiking umbrella. Have a look at these posts.
Margate to Ramsgate via Broadstairs walk: The Viking Trail
