Umbrellas

[Sanman]

Need help with an Umbrella upgrade

Pretty excited. Locked into The Francés (again) walking to Ponferrada and then connecting to the Invierno to SDC starting early April - so weather will be unpredictable.

I found a clip on (to the backback/hands free) great for rain and sun BUT... the one i have used has broken twice. It was a Euroschirm (German) telescopic

It was expensive (over $100)...very disappointing and frustrating as it broke during a brutal rainstorm walking the St Guilhem Way

Any advice for a tried and true light weight hands free (clips to the backpack) greatly appreciated. Lots of choice online but I would like something field tested by a member!

Thx

Sandy
Less Talking - More Walking - my slogan for 2025

 

[SYates]

@t2andreo Can you help?
BC SY

 

[Tincatinker]

Sandy, the umbrella I bought for €8 in a “China” store in Pamplona in 2012 is still going strong. It’s hand held, not hands free but that has meant that when the weather and wind has got brutal down the years I’ve just furled my friend and sucked up the consequences.

Lightweight will deal with light weather. There’s an implication in the description. Smiths https://www.james-smith.co.uk/ will build you an umbrella to meet your requirements, except that they do decline the hands free concept. Robust enough for a winter hike in Europe, or a Monsoon season further East & South. But just like a motorcycle or an horse there’s an expectation that you’ll be in charge.

Sorry I can’t help with your question

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I carry an inexpensive very lightweight umbrella and hold it propped up against my shoulder/backpack. I only use one hiking pole it's no problem for me. If you already had a $100 Euroshirm umbrella "bite the dust", I doubt there is an umbrella made that will last forever in gale force winds, especially if you have it attached and can not angle it against various wind directions and velocity. If there were such an umbrella, I doubt you would choose to bring it due to its weight.

 

[Robo]

Need help with an Umbrella upgrade

Pretty excited. Locked into The Francés (again) walking to Ponferrada and then connecting to the Invierno to SDC starting early April - so weather will be unpredictable.

I found a clip on (to the backback/hands free) great for rain and sun BUT... the one i have used has broken twice. It was a Euroschirm (German) telescopic

It was expensive (over $100)...very disappointing and frustrating as it broke during a brutal rainstorm walking the St Guilhem Way

Any advice for a tried and true light weight hands free (clips to the backpack) greatly appreciated. Lots of choice online but I would like something field tested by a member!

Thx

Sandy
Less Talking - More Walking - my slogan for 2025

Sorry to hear of the demise of your Euroschirm.
I've always liked them as they are fairly durable.
Easily popping back the right way if inverted for example.

We've had ours for 10 years and not had any issues, but I suppose it's all in how they are used.
We have the short ones and use clips to hold them in place, so we are hands free.

1. We don't use ours in anything but light-moderate winds. They tend to invert, unless you get the 'angle of attack' to the wind just right. Though turning to face the opposite way usually pops them back out.
2. We use them mainly for sun protection, relying on our rain jackets/pants for rain.
3. Though I did use mine last year in the rain (as the wind was light), the benefit being my glasses did not get wet.
4. They only get used on Camino, (as with all our gear) so as to avoid damage and prolong their life.

I'm not sure there is much to compete with the Euroschirm, but I'll be interested to see what others suggest.

I agree with your preference for hands free. I would not bother with one if I had to hold it. (we use 2 poles at all times)

 

[Sanman]

Sandy, the umbrella I bought for €8 in a “China” store in Pamplona in 2012 is still going strong. It’s hand held, not hands free but that has meant that when the weather and wind has got brutal down the years I’ve just furled my friend and sucked up the consequences.

Lightweight will deal with light weather. There’s an implication in the description. Smiths https://www.james-smith.co.uk/ will build you an umbrella to meet your requirements, except that they do decline the hands free concept. Robust enough for a winter hike in Europe, or a Monsoon season further East & South. But just like a motorcycle or an horse there’s an expectation that you’ll be in charge.

Sorry I can’t help with your question

No problem i did enjoy reading your response, got a good chuckle.

This was a good umbrella, strong but obviously a design flaw. And I have discovered that on more than a few of my adventures when it's raining, and I have a very steep descent and it's rocky and slippery 2 hands on the hiking poles are necessary...call me old fashion or just old...

I have sucked up many a consequence, put my scottish shoulder "into er" but like riding coach, the paper thin rain jacket or the top bunk in the albergue i have "been there done that" but sometimes there's a way to trade up and a clip on brawley is the way to go for me.

And not to get political but if i can I like to buy local I am willing to pay more for the pleasure

Thx for taking the time to answer - bring on Francis/Invierno i will be ready with two free hands!

 

[Sanman]

I carry an inexpensive very lightweight umbrella and hold it propped up against my shoulder/backpack. I only use one hiking pole it's no problem for me. If you already had a $100 Euroshirm umbrella "bite the dust", I doubt there is an umbrella made that will last forever in gale force winds, especially if you have it attached and can not angle it against various wind directions and velocity. If there were such an umbrella, I doubt you would choose to bring it due to its weight.

Thx Chrissy - Alas I am stubborn and plan to try and find a substitute...but if not my duct tape has helped me through many a crisis. This umbrella could clip to either shoulder and be slightly angled - great for rain and the blazing sun

And I have found on many a trip on those sharp, slippery steep descents two hands on the poles are necessary for me.

Anyway, I will find another umbrella whether it will work or not there's only one way to find out!

 

[Sanman]

Sorry to hear of the demise of your Euroschirm.
I've always liked them as they are fairly durable.
Easily popping back the right way if inverted for example.

We've had ours for 10 years and not had any issues, but I suppose it's all in how they are used.
We have the short ones and use clips to hold them in place, so we are hands free.

1. We don't use ours in anything but light-moderate winds. They tend to invert, unless you get the 'angle of attack' to the wind just right. Though turning to face the opposite way usually pops them back out.
2. We use them mainly for sun protection, relying on our rain jackets/pants for rain.
3. Though I did use mine last year in the rain (as the wind was light), the benefit being my glasses did not get wet.
4. They only get used on Camino, (as with all our gear) so as to avoid damage and prolong their life.

I'm not sure there is much to compete with the Euroschirm, but I'll be interested to see what others suggest.

I agree with your preference for hands free. I would not bother with one if I had to hold it. (we use 2 poles at all times)

Robo - we are of the same mind. The umbrella has been a huge blessing in the rain and sun. The problem i have had is the plastic ring at the top, it seems to break down and then on one trip the actual handle broke - granted it was a full on storm. No matter I will keep looking and if push comes to shove I will dust it off and bring the ultimate survival tool - gaffer tape - used it last time to hold up my brawley! Bon Chemin!