Umbrellas

Tincatinker said:

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

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Camino Chrissy said:

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.

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Robo said:

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)

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