NO UMBRELLAS ALLOWED PUBLISHER PORTABLE
Best OverallĪt 15 ounces, LifeTek’s all-weather umbrella is light and collapses to a portable 11.5 inches. To make it easier, we’ve gathered some of the best travel umbrellas based on material, size, weight, and durable features including extra ribs, comfy grip, and wind resistance. Our Top PicksĬhoosing a great umbrella without trying it out in rainy weather can be a challenge. When it comes to weight, an umbrella that weighs around 1 pound is ideal. These compact umbrellas are usually between 11.5 and 13 inches in length when closed. They also need to be small and lightweight enough to slip easily into a carry-on bag, weekend duffel, purse, or briefcase without adding bulk or heft. They need to be strong enough to withstand adverse weather conditions, like wind gusts and heavy bouts of rain. Travel umbrellas have a tough balancing act to perform. The grip may contain wood, metal, or plastic, with a rubberized or cushioned grip for comfort. The long shaft is typically made of a lightweight yet strong metal, like aluminum or steel. Some canopies are also coated with Teflon, a chemical membrane that is impermeable to water.Ĭanopies are reinforced with metal or fiberglass resin ribs, which expand when the umbrella is open and collapse when it is closed. Each of these materials is highly waterproof, fast-dryingan, flexible, shrink resistant, and mold resistant.
The most popular canopy materials are nylon, polyester, or pongee fabric. Umbrella canopies need to be waterproof, wind-resistant, and often sun-resistant, too. Many of the best travel umbrella canopies have at least nine ribs.
The thin-rodded ribs attach the canopy to the shaft to keep your umbrella firm and flexible when expanded. However, vents aren’t necessary for a sturdy travel umbrella, especially in versions that are reinforced with extra ribs. Vented umbrellas allow air to pass through and prevent the umbrella from turning inside-out as easily as nonvented models. One canopy feature to consider is vents or gaps along the top that offer additional air flow and wind resistance. Travel umbrellas typically have arcs between 30 and 45 inches wide. This is the outside of the umbrella’s canopy from rib to opposite rib when fully expanded. In the United States, canopy size is measured by its arc. CanopyĪn umbrella’s canopy is the collapsible fabric dome that keeps you dry when it’s spread open. Most umbrellas also have a tie that can wrap around the closed canopy, then be secured with velcro or snaps. And the grip, or handle, is what you hold. The shaft holds everything up above your head. It covers the ribs, which keep the canopy firm and resists wind. The canopy is the part that keeps you dry. Umbrellas consist of four basic components. However, they differ in size and weight, which are key factors that affect the ease of portability. In shape and function, travel umbrellas are no different from full-size umbrellas. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Travel Umbrella BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: LifeTek Windproof Teflon Canopy Travel Umbrella.BEST COMPACT: TradMall 2-Pack Travel Umbrella.BEST DESIGN: Bodyguard Inverted Windproof Umbrella.BEST UPGRADE: The Weatherman Windproof Travel Umbrella.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PFFY 2-Pack Compact Collapsible Travel Umbrella.BEST OVERALL: Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella with Teflon Coating.Read on for shopping considerations and to learn why these travel umbrellas are top performers. Place one in your bag to help keep you dry, and save some stress on your next trip. The best travel umbrella options have the same durable, high-tech engineering as full-size umbrellas, including wind-resistant canopies, quick-dry materials, and easy open-close mechanisms. These umbrellas are slightly smaller than other umbrellas and weigh less than a pound for easy portability. To prevent being caught unprepared, invest in a sturdy and compact travel umbrella to go with your rain jacket. Few people enjoy getting soaked in a sudden storm, especially when toting luggage across an airport parking lot or rushing to a business meeting.