Hiking with an Umbrella

[tstark]

My brother-in-law were having this exact discussion yesterday. Once we debated the pros and cons, we concluded that it does make sense to hike with an umbrella.

If you need hands free, you can try one of these: http://s7.orientaltrading.com/is/ima...lla-hat~5_580a

[ariel@sierramadreresearch]

I just got back from a month-long research trip to the rainforest in Borneo, while there I climbed Mt. Kinabalu- halfway up we were all fighting altitude sickness and our guide whips out a full-sized umbrella. GOPR6818.jpg

[EmilyHightower]

It's really an interesting article. Found some unique thing after a long time.

[JasonACraft]

I love it now. Took a little getting used to, but he sun shade in all these fields we have is awesome.

[SoaknWet]

I agree! At first I felt a little foolish than the benefits sunk n rain or shine! Now it stays on the pack.

[CeeVee]

Tried 4 versions of hiking with an umbrella. From the sun shade hat to the Euopean harness rig. None are satisfactory. But I did quickly notice: Stay out of the wind or it'll be Mary Poppins time.

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[OneClick]

You could get a windbrella and use it as a hiking staff

[Five Tango]

I just bought a Swing-Trek silver (Chrome Dome without logo). I can see myself enjoying this piece of kit. I'll report back after a few uses.

Ditto,I just bot one because it is reflective and contains no metal.About 8 oz after you throw away the nice sleeve that comes with it.My initial backyard test in a Driving Rain Storm was reasonable impressive as I mostly got wet from the knees down.About the same as my poncho so for summer time I think I will use the umbrella in lieu of the poncho.

[SoaknWet]

Definitely not as HOT as rain gear in the summer and like all equipment they need a little common sense when using.

[Tucson Tom]

I am surprised that this encounters so much resistance. An umbrella has been my go-to rain gear for a number of years and is superior to everything else with some caveats. It is ideal in warm weather where you would be sweating like a pig even in WPB parkas. The only liability is when wind picks up. Keep a good grip and be alert. I just hold the thing. It keeps me dry from the waist up unless there is a lot of wind and then you are going to have bigger problems anyway. If you are concerned about how you look, all I can say is "man up, dude - don't be a sissy and worry about what other people think!"

As far as why I hold it -- in the places I hike there are branches and brush and a constant need to maneuver that would make tying it to the pack unworkable. On a lovely groomed trail, it might be something though. Umbrellas are the bomb.