![]() It's ideal for formal events, though it's totally great as an everyday carry if you don't mind the fact that you can't keep it in a bag or strap it to your wrist. It's meant for one, but it had no trouble sheltering my partner and me from the elements. The frame system is made of "wind-tension" fiberglass, the shaft is also fiberglass, and the canopy is among the largest in this guide, with a 44-inch diameter. You're getting high-end materials through and through. The curved handle is exceptional, made of top-grain leather, and you get a nice button that tastefully opens the umbrella up (it closes manually). When closed, it's around 3 feet long-hard to store in a bag. I preferred Balios' double-canopy model, which did a surprisingly great job withstanding New York wind gusts, but it's no longer available. At about a foot long, it doesn't take up much room in a backpack, and the wooden handle is a nice touch its generous size offers a comfortable grip. It can automatically open and close with the push of a button-like most automatics, you'll have to manually pull the runner down the steel shaft to completely collapse it. ★ Also great: The Balios Travel Umbrella ($24) is an equally excellent cheap umbrella that costs a little more than the Prostorm. This might not be an issue if your paws aren't as ginormous as mine (I'm 6'4"). My only gripe is the handle-the rubberized material feels nice (it comes with a strap!), but it's tiny in my large hands. It's double-vented with a 38-inch canopy that feels spacious for one person. It has a deeper dome than you'd expect for better protection, and the open/close mechanism works well, though you sometimes have to shake the umbrella to let it fully extend out. The fiberglass and steel frame feels slightly more robust, especially since it has nine ribs to support the canopy than the usual eight. The Prostorm Vented Travel Umbrella is pretty remarkable for the money-it's leagues better than the similarly priced models you'll find in corner stores on rainy days. It's more compact than The Stick, with a 40-inch canopy, but does the same great job of resisting such conditions. If you're in an area with high winds, consider The Collapsible Umbrella ($74). ★ Also great: I like Weatherman's The Stick Umbrella ($84), which is much bigger (44-inch canopy), only opens automatically, and has a vented canopy to allow strong gusts to flow through. It has one of the biggest arced domes to shield you from droplets too. It comes with a great strap, there's a lifetime warranty for any defects, and it has a little zipper pouch so you can store a Bluetooth tracker to help you track it down if you left it at a restaurant. That does mean the canopy is small-a smidge under 38 inches in diameter-making this a strictly one-person umbrella. It's one of the most compact umbrellas we've tested (save the Davek Mini below) and weighs less than a pound. I haven't noticed any issues with the open and close mechanism either. It's sturdy, thanks to its fiberglass ribs and shaft, and the Teflon fabric hasn't shown any signs of wear (it dries quickly!). The Travel Umbrella is my favorite-an umbrella that can automatically open and close is especially helpful as you enter a building while juggling groceries and a cup of coffee. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.Īfter testing a few Weatherman umbrellas for nearly two years, I think the brand offers the best quality for the money. com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). ![]() Updated December 2022: We've added options from ShedRain. Now you just have to remember to bring it with you.īe sure to check our many other guides, including the Best Rain Jackets and our tips on how to re-waterproof your rain jacket. I've researched extensively and tested close to 40 umbrellas for nearly two years-these are our favorites at various price points. ![]() I also think it's worth spending a little more on a high-quality umbrella that will last a while. There are plenty of decent affordable umbrellas, you just need to know which brands to rely on. I've wasted a lot of cash on cheap umbrellas, and I'm here to warn you not to make the same mistake. ![]() A few months later, I'd bring out the same umbrella and it would already have small rips on the canopy or the stretchers would break and make a floppy mess in the wind. That's when I'd usually hit a corner store here in New York City to grab a cheap $20 umbrella. It always seems to rain when you least expect it. ![]()
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