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Anonymous Raccoon

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May 30, 2024

best hiking sun umbrella

During my research, I reviewed seven discussions from Reddit and an article from GreenBelly. All sources were relevant to the query, focusing on sun umbrellas suitable for hiking. There was substantial consensus among users regarding the practicality and benefits of using umbrellas for sun protection during hikes. However, the preferences for specific brands or models varied, suggesting a degree of subjectivity and individual preference. Given my research, there is a moderate level of certainty in the information presented below.

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Gossamer Gear's Umbrellas

Gossamer Gear's Umbrellas

Gossamer Gear's umbrellas, such as the Liteflex Hiking Chrome Umbrella and the Lighttrek, were often recommended in the discussions. The Liteflex Hiking Chrome Umbrella was particularly praised for its vent system that handles wind effectively, especially above the tree line where the shade from the umbrella is particularly useful. The Lighttrek model, on the other hand, has a strap to clip onto hands, making it a practical choice for hikers who prefer a hands-free design. One user mentioned using the Gossamer Gear umbrella on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and found it useful for blocking wind and providing rain protection in conjunction with a tarp shelter. Another user suggested using Gossamer Gear's hands-free clips for attaching the umbrella to the backpack. However, one downside of these umbrellas is their smaller diameters, fewer ribs, and thinner stretchers, which can make them less durable.
Montbell's Ultralight Trekking Umbrella

Montbell's Ultralight Trekking Umbrella

Montbell's Ultralight Trekking Umbrella is another recommended option. One user noted that it worked well for them on the CDT. However, another user found its quality to be subpar, although they praised Montbell's customer service. Montbell's umbrellas are lightweight, making them a popular choice among ultralight hikers.
EuroSCHIRM Swing Liteflex Trek

EuroSCHIRM Swing Liteflex Trek

The EuroSCHIRM Swing Liteflex Trek umbrella was often mentioned and praised in the discussions. According to the GreenBelly article, the EuroSCHIRM Swing Liteflex Trek is a good option, sharing the same weight, length, diameter, canopy material, and UPF rating as the Gossamer Gear model. It's worth noting that one user mentioned that this umbrella was able to withstand the strong wind during Hurricane Hugo.

Other Umbrella Options

Other notable options include the Amvel Pentagon67, which is the lightest umbrella at 67g, but it might not be durable enough for backcountry use. The SnowPeak Ultra-Light Umbrella is another option, which is made of carbon and aluminum and weighs only 4.7 ounces. Lastly, the Fulton Aerolite is a lightweight option at 86g, but it may not provide enough coverage in strong winds or directional rain.

Umbrella Usage Considerations

While umbrellas can provide some sun protection, they are not advisable in areas with strong winds or thick brush. One user suggested that an umbrella can be useful in rainy and humid hikes, but possibly less useful in windy conditions or when the likelihood of rain is low. Another user mentioned that an umbrella can be used for sun protection in hot areas as well. It's also worth noting that the material composition of the umbrella canopy can impact its effectiveness in heat, rain, and sun protection, with PVC and polyester being effective sun shields. Overall, the choice of a hiking umbrella depends on individual preferences, hiking conditions, and specific needs for sun and rain protection.

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Research

"An umbrella - The most underrated bit of kit I think there is when hiking"

  • Living in the UK, an umbrella saved the speaker’s on a few occasions while hiking through Scotland where it rains heavily for multiple days
  • Without an umbrella, the speaker would be reliant on waterproof gear, which with enough rain will eventually become sodden
  • Umbrellas can be helpful during rainy and humid hikes but are not advisable in areas with strong winds or thick brush
  • Using an umbrella in windy weather can be done effectively by clipping it to a backpack
  • The Euroschirm UL and 6 Moons umbrella were mentioned as good options for hiking
  • Hiking partners may make fun of an umbrella
  • An alternative to umbrellas, such as rain skirts, are becoming more common
  • Hiking companions wished they had an umbrella while trekking the JMT and cooking dinner
  • An umbrella can be used for sun protection in hot areas as well
  • Wearing waterproof gear is preferred by some hikers to using an umbrella
  • hiking through the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, the brush is too thick for an umbrella
  • gear selection depends greatly on the location
  • Umbrellas can provide cooler shade than a hat
  • A poncho was suggested as an alternative to other waterproof gear
  • Rain-proof gear can become soaked after walking in heavy Scottish rain all day
  • The speaker prefers waterproof gear to free up space for walking poles
  • Umbrellas can be helpful while hiking riverbeds
  • Umbrellas can be helpful in bush-free trails in sunny and hot areas
  • Scotland may be too windy for umbrella use
  • A Norrona Recon jacket, Berghaus Paclite Goretex pants, Rab Goretex Gaiters, and Zamberlan Tofane GTX Boots were mentioned as waterproof gear
  • Umbrella use depends on the climate of the hike
  • Umbrella deployment was too difficult in Scotland due to windy conditions
  • Hiking companions made fun of the speaker for carrying an umbrella on a rainy trip to Scotland
  • People in the US may find the umbrella impractical in narrow, underused or overgrown trails with tree branches
  • The umbrella can be helpful for cooking in the rain and being out in hot areas
  • Umbrellas are not recommended during heavy bush areas
  • The umbrella was no use during a trip to Scotland because it was too windy to deploy it.
  • The umbrella is useful for shade during hikes
  • Umbrellas are the most breathable rain gear available.

"Thoughts on Umbrellas"

  • Hikers have different opinions on using umbrellas for sun protection while hiking.
  • Not using trekking poles make the use of umbrellas easier.
  • The weight of the umbrella is an important consideration.
  • Some hikers find that umbrellas do not provide a significant cooling effect while hiking in hot weather.
  • Using umbrellas may allow one to eliminate the need for sunscreen, hat, or poncho.
  • Chrome umbrellas may provide more shade than non-chrome umbrellas.
  • Umbrellas can be attached to backpacks or held in hands.
  • Umbrellas can protect the user from wind, rain, and provide privacy during breaks.
  • A user found that their euroschirm kept them dry in strong wind during Hurricane Hugo.
  • The 7d fabric was durable and looked new after prolonged use.
  • Some hikers rig their umbrellas to their shoulder straps using twist ties.
  • Non-chrome umbrellas may provide enough sun protection as a long-sleeved shirt and pants, and a hat.
  • Using an umbrella may provide a mental boost, even if it does not provide significant physical relief.
  • The Montbell umbrella models have differing weights, features, and properties.
  • A user mentioned the Snow Peak ultra-light grey umbrella.
  • Hikers using two poles and a hat instead of an umbrella in cooler, less UV-intensive weather.
  • The Montbell chrome umbrella is perceived to perform better than non-chrome umbrellas.
  • One hiker tried an umbrella on the PCT but did not feel like it made a difference.
  • Umbrella use may come down to personal preference.

"https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/best-hiking-umbrellas"

  • Hiking umbrellas can be useful for sun and rain protection, as well as other purposes such as spider web clearing, wildlife defense, and makeshift shelters or anchors for tarps.
  • Umbrellas can help decrease temperatures by up to 15 degrees by deflecting UV rays.
  • Collapsible umbrellas are lighter but less durable compared to full-size (stick) umbrellas.
  • Consider the size and weight of the umbrella; the bigger it is, the more weight it adds to the pack.
  • Material composition of the umbrella canopy impacts its effectiveness in heat, rain, and sun protection. PVC and polyester are both lightweight and can be very effective sun shields. Nylon is stronger than the other two, but shrinks in humid conditions which can make it difficult to open and close the umbrella.
  • When choosing an umbrella, the “ribs” (the part that breaks most commonly) should be made of steel or iron, with solid rivets (connecting pieces) rather than hollow ones.
  • Umbrellas with wooden handles are sturdy yet heavy, while plastic- and EVA hard foam-handled umbrellas are lighter.
  • Umbrellas should not be used in wind, lightning, or icy conditions.
  • Recommended umbrellas for hiking include Gossamer Gear Liteflex Chrome Hiking Umbrella, EuroSCHIRM Swing Liteflex Trek, and SnowPeak Ultra-Light Umbrella.
  • Gossamer Gear model weighs 8 ounces, has a 25.2 inch length and 39.4 in canopy diameter, is made of polyester, and has 50+ UPF.
  • EuroSCHIRM Swing Liteflex Trek has the same weight, length, diameter, canopy material and UPF rating as Gossamer Gear model, but costs $53.
  • SnowPeak Ultra-Light Umbrella weighs 4.7 ounces, has a 21 inch length and 33 in canopy diameter, and is made of carbon and aluminum.
  • The canopy material affects weight and durability. PVC canopies are the heaviest, while polyester and nylon umbrellas are lightweight.
  • Silver and black canopies are effective at deflecting the sun, with silver reflecting the sun’s rays and black absorbing them.
  • Umbrellas can be breathable rain gear alternatives in hot conditions.
  • Umbrellas can become micro-shelters during hazardous weather.
  • Features to consider when buying an umbrella include the diameter of the canopy, handle length, and rib number and material.
  • Hooks on umbrella handles are

"[Request] Looking for a high quality and compact sun shade umbrella"

  • User posted a request for recommendations for high-quality and compact sun shade umbrellas suitable for taking on vacation to warmer regions.
  • The user specifically states that he needs a hand-held, portable umbrella for walking around that can be easily stowed when not in use.
  • User reports that most of the products he was able to find on his own had numerous reviews and reports of shoddy quality and falling apart quickly after light use.
  • One user recommended Shibumi Shades which, while lightweight and easy to deploy, is not a portable sun umbrella.
  • Another user recommended the Blunt Metro umbrella, which was extremely compact and lightweight and offered good protection from the sun.
  • A third user mentioned the Liteflex Hiking umbrella by Gossamer Gear as being well reviewed and a potential purchase option.
  • A fourth user recommended the Blunt UV umbrella, which is rated SPF 50 and sturdy. This umbrella handles wind really well. They usually carry it in their backpack.
  • Limited edition Blunt umbrellas with artist-designed patterns are also mentioned.
  • A user is seeking recommendations but mentioned that the Blunt Metro UV umbrella only ships to Australia.
  • Users who recommended Blunt umbrellas reported satisfaction with their performance and durability over time, many of whom used them as daily umbrellas.
  • The Blunt Metro UV umbrella is specifically noted as suitable for hiking and is recommended for that purpose.
  • User reports that they have been using parasols for years, with the Blunt UV umbrella specifically their daily umbrella/parasol.
  • The Blunt UV umbrella is not the smallest umbrella they had but is noted as the sturdiest, handling winds from the Antarctic at times.
  • The Blunt UV umbrella comes with a case/bag that makes it easy to store when not in use.

"How Sunscreen Works"

Not used in article

"Umbrella Recommendation.. for ultralight?!?!"

  • User is looking for recommendations for ultralight umbrellas below 7oz
  • Several users recommend HMG’s and Montbell’s Ultralight Trekking Umbrella
  • Gossamer Gear’s Liteflex Hiking Chrome Umbrella and Knirps US0.50 are also recommended
  • One user suggests modifying umbrellas to make them lighter and more wind-resistant, while another recommends adding cords for extra wind protection
  • A few users mention other sun protection options, such as wide-brimmed hats
  • One user found Montbell’s umbrella to have subpar quality, but praised their customer service
  • Another user had a negative customer service experience with Montbell after receiving damaged wind pants
  • Users note some of the lightweight umbrellas have smaller diameters, fewer ribs, and thinner stretchers which can make them less durable
  • Some users recommend Gossamer Gear’s Lighttrek, which has a strap to clip onto hands
  • One user used Gossamer Gear’s umbrella on the CDT and found it useful for blocking wind and providing rain protection in conjunction with a tarp shelter
  • Fulton Aerolite is another lightweight option at 86g, but may not provide enough coverage in strong winds or directional rain
  • Users posted links to resources and lists that compare weights and features of various ultralight umbrellas
  • One user recommends Amvel Pentagon67, the lightest umbrella at 67g, but notes it may not be durable enough for backcountry use
  • The Amvel umbrella could be purchased on Japanese Amazon
  • Some users mention being pleased with customer service from various manufacturers, including Montbell and Gossamer Gear
  • Some users express dissatisfaction with certain brands or products, highlighting the variability in individual experiences with gear
  • Some users warn that while umbrellas can provide some sun protection, they are not a replacement for sunscreen and other protective measures.

"Hot sun: Black hat, white hat, no hat, umbrella, prelim temperature results"

  • The transcript discusses the effect of hat color on temperature and comfort while hiking in hot weather.
  • An experiment is described where black and white hats are tested for temperature differences with Govee wireless recording thermometers.
  • The experiment concludes that a white or platinum hat is better for staying cool in the summer than a black hat, while a black hat may be better for the winter.
  • Hats with a wide brim are suggested for added sun protection, and the Marmot Precip Eco Safari floppy wide brim hat is specifically mentioned.
  • The importance of using an umbrella for shade is emphasized, as it provides the coolest head temperature, while hats are less effective for staying cool.
  • Multiple comments discuss the importance and benefits of using an umbrella while hiking, including one commenter who uses the Gossamer Gear umbrella attached to their pack.
  • Tips for staying cool in hot weather while wearing black clothing are discussed, including adding thicker layers to prevent the sun’s radiation from being absorbed by the skin and the importance of sweat evaporation.
  • UV protection and the importance of wearing sunscreen are mentioned, especially when wearing clothing or hats that do not cover all exposed skin.
  • The transcripts allusions to using an umbrella for shade when hiking could be relevant to finding the best hiking sun umbrella. However, the transcript does not directly address this query.
  • Some comments on the thread joke about the effects of wearing red hats, but this is not directly related to the query.

"DeputySean's Quest For The Best Clothing To Wear In The Hot Sun."

  • The original poster seeks advice about the best clothing for hiking in high heat with lots of sun exposure in the Sierra and high desert.
  • The poster is specifically interested in the current market for ultralight sun shirts that have a collar, are quarter or half zip, long sleeved, keep you cool in high heat, are breathable and ultralight or thin, UPF 15 or higher, and made of synthetic material.
  • The poster is trying out various products, including the Outdoor Research Echo Quarter Zip, Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake half zip, Patagonia Capilene Lightweight quarter zip 2018, Columbia Silver Ridge button-up, Arc’teryx Skyline LS button-up, Arc’teryx Cormac Half Zip, and Eddie Bauer Guide button-up, and is considering options that include OR Astroman long-sleeve button-up, Patagonia Tropic Comfort zip up, KUIU Ultra Tiburon Hybrid quarter zip, Mountain Hardwear Canyon button-up, RailRiders button-up sun shirts, and the Bugs Away Halo button-up by Exofficio.
  • The poster is interested in both knit and woven options, separating them into two different categories, depending on whether they are better for bushwhacking or provide better sun protection in the heat.
  • Other clothing mentioned in the post include pants (KUIU Tiburons, Arc’teryx Incendo, OR Astroman, OR Ferrosi, Mountain Hardwear Trail Senders, Eddie Bauer Guide, NW Alpine Volo, and KETL Vent Lightweight Active Pants) and other items for sun protection and heat-reduction (sun gloves, neck gaiters, thin wool socks, and wide-brim sun hats).
  • The effects of wearing a sun hoodie versus a long-sleeve collared shirt are not discussed, and the poster refuses to wear sunscreen.
  • Users in the comments suggest European hiking umbrellas, such as the Euroschrim Light Treker Ultra, as a potential solution for sun protection.
  • Montbell Little Silver Sunumbrella is also mentioned as a possible option.
  • Other users discuss the effectiveness of umbrellas in windy conditions and their practicality in ridgelines and peaks of the Sierra mountains. Some suggest using an umbrella with gossamer gear hands-free clips.
  • There are recommendations for neck gaiters, including Buff Coolnet UV+, OR Echo Ubertube, Chaos Tube, and BlackStrap Daily Tube. The Darn Tough Stride no-cushion and

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