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!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I swear by my Dutch made Senz umbrella



The company say they can take a wind of 80 - 100kph depending on style but, quite honestly, if it's that windy I'm staying inside!

As for attaching it to the rucksack straps I found this worked well:



It's just a couple of lengths of shock cord and some cord grips spaced on the straps to your liking.

 

[francesbe]

I lost my hands-free attachment and bungoe cords that were designed for my umbrella. I used a handful of small velcro straps that were part of my general emergency kit (honestly, they were my entire emergency kit) and they worked reasonably well, as did shoving umbrella handle down my shirt and using my bra to hold it.

 

[lt56ny]

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

I have a question. Is this for sun or rain or both protection.
If only for sun may I suggest an alternative solution. I never leave home for a camino without it.

Sun Runner Cap | Outdoor Research

The Sun Runner Cap utilizes UPF 40+ materials, mesh side panels, a removable cape, and a wicking sweatband for sunny days spent on the trail or at the lake.

www.outdoorresearch.com

This is a super lightweight hat. I can protect your head neck and face almost 100% from the sun. If you do not want the skirt you can unbutton it and remove it. If it is hot you can dunk the hat in water and it will really cool you down. When it is dirty and really sweaty you can put it in with your wash. No need to put it in the dryer it dries quickly. I love it.

 

[Stellamaris]

Reading your post made me wonder about may be getting an umbrella. I am planning Vasco/meseta/Salvador/Norte for september 2025 and a bit worried about the rain then.
You could have a look at geartrade.ca bon chemin

Six Moons - Silver Shadow Carbon Trekking Umbrella

6.8 oz - 193 g Trekking Umbrella Redesigned for 2019 we have expanded the Silver Shadow into a line of umbrellas that offers a variety of options and prices. Walking across deserts in the blazing sun or through summer rain showers shouldn't be a misery. The Silver Shadow Series provides a large...

geartrade.ca

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have this awesome inexpensive ultralite 4oz. umbrella that I've used on the Sanabres and Invierno last year.

G4Free Travel Umbrella Compact Ultralight UPF 50+ UV Protection Umbrella Carbon Fiber Super Slim Small Mini Sun Umbrellas https://a.co/d/5ifaa6x

 

[JerryStroebele]

I considered my Zpacks UV umbrella a most essential part of my Camino gear and used it "religiously" for both rain and sun. Instead of the one recommended hands free shoulder strap clip I used two in a row to keep the umbrella from excess bouncing around in the wind. For decades of wilderness walking here in Alaska I always used just one pole and the same now for the Camino. This year I did not transfer the hands free clips to my new backpack because I really wasn't using them that much. I preferred to carry it with my "sun side" hand to optimize the shade, and ditto, angled as necessary for maximum effective rain protection. In a real wet blow I need to hold it with both hands. It never inverted. But, in October in O Pedrouzo it mysteriously disappeared from outside the bar I stopped in. Mostly out of curiosity I have ordered the Euroschirm "telescoping" umbrella from Ivar. Buen Camino

 

[AllisonMarie]

Reading your post made me wonder about may be getting an umbrella. I am planning Vasco/meseta/Salvador/Norte for september 2025 and a bit worried about the rain then.
You could have a look at geartrade.ca bon chemin

Six Moons - Silver Shadow Carbon Trekking Umbrella

6.8 oz - 193 g Trekking Umbrella Redesigned for 2019 we have expanded the Silver Shadow into a line of umbrellas that offers a variety of options and prices. Walking across deserts in the blazing sun or through summer rain showers shouldn't be a misery. The Silver Shadow Series provides a large...

geartrade.ca

This is the umbrella that a young wilderness trek leading relative recommends as indispensable and well made. I’m thinking of ordering one.

 

[t2andreo]

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

Post #9 in this thread has an excellent method for holding an umbrella in place. I use a bright lime yellow golf umbrella I purchased in Decathlon some years back. The shaft is a bit longer than an inexpensive hand held folding umbrella.

I run the umbrella off one shoulder, with the shaft passed UNDER my sternum strap. Then I use something like the solution in post #9 of this thread to also fasten at least part of the shaft to my shoulder strap.

Finally, I run the wrist loop through the rucksack waist belt to prevent the umbrella from getting blown up and out by a breeze. Given the one-meter diameter of the canopy, the rush of wind from a passing truck can suck the umbrella out.

All this said, on Camino in 2018, a fellow pilgrim simply pulled a collapsible Totes brand umbrella from his rucksack side pocket, extended it, then stuck it through his sternum strap and over one shoulder. Evidently, the inexpensive umbrella is light enough for this. He seemed pleased with this arrangement.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Sanman]

I swear by my Dutch made Senz umbrella

View attachment 182318

The company say they can take a wind of 80 - 100kph depending on style but, quite honestly, if it's that windy I'm staying inside!

As for attaching it to the rucksack straps I found this worked well:

View attachment 182319View attachment 182320

It's just a couple of lengths of shock cord and some cord grips spaced on the straps to your liking.

Thx James I wiull definitley check it out - really appreciate the recos and the

I swear by my Dutch made Senz umbrella

View attachment 182318

The company say they can take a wind of 80 - 100kph depending on style but, quite honestly, if it's that windy I'm staying inside!

As for attaching it to the rucksack straps I found this worked well:

View attachment 182319View attachment 182320

It's just a couple of lengths of shock cord and some cord grips spaced on the straps to your liking.

Thx so much for the reco and the pics!!

 

[Sanman]

I have a question. Is this for sun or rain or both protection.
If only for sun may I suggest an alternative solution. I never leave home for a camino without it.

Sun Runner Cap | Outdoor Research

The Sun Runner Cap utilizes UPF 40+ materials, mesh side panels, a removable cape, and a wicking sweatband for sunny days spent on the trail or at the lake.

www.outdoorresearch.com

This is a super lightweight hat. I can protect your head neck and face almost 100% from the sun. If you do not want the skirt you can unbutton it and remove it. If it is hot you can dunk the hat in water and it will really cool you down. When it is dirty and really sweaty you can put it in with your wash. No need to put it in the dryer it dries quickly. I love it.

Sun and rain

 

[Sanman]

Reading your post made me wonder about may be getting an umbrella. I am planning Vasco/meseta/Salvador/Norte for september 2025 and a bit worried about the rain then.
You could have a look at geartrade.ca bon chemin

Six Moons - Silver Shadow Carbon Trekking Umbrella

6.8 oz - 193 g Trekking Umbrella Redesigned for 2019 we have expanded the Silver Shadow into a line of umbrellas that offers a variety of options and prices. Walking across deserts in the blazing sun or through summer rain showers shouldn't be a misery. The Silver Shadow Series provides a large...

geartrade.ca

I don't walk without a clip on umbrella anymore., Great fior sun and rain

 

[Sanman]

I have this awesome inexpensive ultralite 4oz. umbrella that I've used on the Sanabres and Invierno last year.

G4Free Travel Umbrella Compact Ultralight UPF 50+ UV Protection Umbrella Carbon Fiber Super Slim Small Mini Sun Umbrellas https://a.co/d/5ifaa6x

Thx!!

 

[Sanman]

I considered my Zpacks UV umbrella a most essential part of my Camino gear and used it "religiously" for both rain and sun. Instead of the one recommended hands free shoulder strap clip I used two in a row to keep the umbrella from excess bouncing around in the wind. For decades of wilderness walking here in Alaska I always used just one pole and the same now for the Camino. This year I did not transfer the hands free clips to my new backpack because I really wasn't using them that much. I preferred to carry it with my "sun side" hand to optimize the shade, and ditto, angled as necessary for maximum effective rain protection. In a real wet blow I need to hold it with both hands. It never inverted. But, in October in O Pedrouzo it mysteriously disappeared from outside the bar I stopped in. Mostly out of curiosity I have ordered the Euroschirm "telescoping" umbrella from Ivar. Buen Camino

Thx Jerry - good luck with yours! Can't wait to hit the trail again

 

[JerryStroebele]

Me either. Back on the Mozárabe in late February! Buen Camino

 

[BlackRocker57]

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 about the demise of your Euroschirm hiking umbrella ... I have the «telescope» hands-free model and I know of nothing better or more reliable ... BUT you might like to check out my summary here [updated last year but, sadly, not for 2024 ... and does not include the dutch one] ... good luck with your epic search

 

[BlackRocker57]

p.s. you might care to read this assessment of the Senz umbrella by the folk at GearLab [who test and review outdoor gear] : <https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/umbrella/senz-smart-s>

 

[trecile]

sorry to hear about the demise of your Euroschirm hiking umbrella ... I have the «telescope» hands-free model and I know of nothing better or more reliable ... BUT you might like to check out my summary here [updated last year but, sadly, not for 2024 ... and does not include the dutch one] ... good luck with your epic search

Wow, thanks for such a great comparison list!

After quite a few Caminos with my trusty Euroschirm Telescope handsfree umbrella it was starting to look a little worse for wear, so last year when I was in Santiago I bought a new one from Ivar. It is the heaviest item in my backpack, but it has been very reliable for me, even on windy days. I think that the tempered fiberglass ribs don't break as easily as aluminum ribs. On days with high winds I don't use it.

A few years ago I rigged up a Euroschirm Light Trek Ultra umbrella which is about half the weight, but one of the aluminum ribs broke in the first strong wind it was exposed to.

 

[BlackRocker57]

Wow, thanks for such a great comparison list!

After quite a few Caminos with my trusty Euroschirm Telescope handsfree umbrella it was starting to look a little worse for wear, so last year when I was in Santiago I bought a new one from Ivar. It is the heaviest item in my backpack, but it has been very reliable for me, even on windy days. I think that the tempered fiberglass ribs don't break as easily as aluminum ribs. On days with high winds I don't use it.

A few years ago I rigged up a Euroschirm Light Trek Ultra umbrella which is about half the weight, but one of the aluminum ribs broke in the first strong wind it was exposed to.

for mine [also the heaviest item but then what is piece-of-mind worth?] it is the strongest hiking umbrella out there and incredibly reliable ... after using the clips for a number of years I now mostly use the zpacks [or Gossamer Gear] bungee cords to attach the umbrella to my backback straps ...

 

[trecile]

for mine [also the heaviest item but then what is piece-of-mind worth?] it is the strongest hiking umbrella out there and incredibly reliable ... after using the clips for a number of years I have now mostly use the zpacks [or Gossamer Gear] bungee cords to attach the umbrella to my backback straps ...

I love the clips! So easy to snap the umbrella handle in and out. And the extra long handle attached to the hip belt adds stability that you can't achieve easily when attaching a shorter handled umbrella to just the shoulder straps.

 

[Sanman]

sorry to hear about the demise of your Euroschirm hiking umbrella ... I have the «telescope» hands-free model and I know of nothing better or more reliable ... BUT you might like to check out my summary here [updated last year but, sadly, not for 2024 ... and does not include the dutch one] ... good luck with your epic search

Amazing thx so much!!

 

[JustJack]

Personally I've never been happy with trying to make my umbrella hands-free. Too much variability in the wind direction etc for it to be effective. But I am a big fan of umbrellas overall, for both sun and rain, and I have always been puzzled why more pilgrims don't use them. I shake my head as I walk by groups of pilgrims struggling to unpack their ponchos and put them on, or taking off those dripping wet things and repacking them, while I simply push the button on my collapsible umbrella and stroll past them without breaking a stride...