One of those bothersome items that you "um and ah" about packing in your luggage when you are heading off into the blue yonder; whether you pack an umbrella or not can have serious consequences. Think along the lines of spending a whole day in drenched clothing and the associated wet rubbing of trousers on your nether regions whilst exploring that bucket-list historical monument, you will be super sore and sorry.
Mind numbing options:
Why Not To Pack An Umbrella
- Umbrellas are bulky and heavy, apart from not being easy to pack.
- They are just a nuisance item that one tends to leave behind in a shop, in the loo, on a bus/train/plane or in a cafe, especially if you have frequent senior moments.
- Umbrellas confuse their intended use as being a human aid and have mass international gatherings in lost and found departments around the world, so why bother packing one.
- You can run into a shop wherever you may be and buy one if it begins to rain.
- The hotel will provide an umbrella if its raining.
Why To Pack An Umbrella
- Convenience in case of an unexpected rain shower or downpour, so you don't have to make a mad dash for cover.
- It will make an excellent sun shade so you don't get "hat hair" when you are trying to impress fellow travelers with your stylish good looks.
- You can pick your favourite colour without having to make do with what is available in a shop.
- An umbrella can make a good weapon if need be.
- Hotels have been known to run out of umbrellas for its guests.
- You won't have to panic buy and maybe pay a fortune for a crappy umbrella that breaks the moment a gust of wind hits it.
- It can act as a good memory exercise - not to leave it behind.
Think a bit longer about being prepared:
A good quality travel umbrella need not be a rogue item that you wish you had never bothered to pack. They have been created for travel purposes, unlike their whimpy counterparts that you use on an everyday basis. A travel umbrella is made for "travel" - sturdy, super easy to store in a bag, backpack or suitcase, even around your wrist. It will be portable, lightweight, durable and made from steel, aluminium or fibreglass.
5 of the best travel umbrellas
1. Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
With a life time guarantee, the Repel Windproof umbrella is super light (less than 0.45kg), measures 29cms for easy packing and has a 9 resin-reinforced fibreglass rib construction to defy the most dastardly wind storm. It is Teflon waterproof coated and dries in a flash. Ergonomic and slip-proof, the rubberised handle with a wrist strap allows for easy carrying.
2. EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella
Foldable, compact and lightweight, it has a double canopy construction, which allows the wind to pass through the vents without turning it inside out. Crafted from stainless steel and fibreglass, the EEZ-Y Compact Travel umbrella is coated with water repellent and has a slip resistant handle. You can open and close the umbrella with the simple press of a button.
3. Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella
Featuring a 3-fold telescopic shaft which collapses into 30cms in length, the Rain-Mate Compact opens into a massive 106cm canopy. It has a rubberised handle and an automatic open/close mechanism. This umbrella has 9 reinforced fibreglass ribs to resist screaming gales and harsh outdoor conditions. You get a lifetime replacement guarantee; so don't leave it behind for someone else to claim.
4. LifeTek Travel Umbrella
This is one for the travelling business-person, the LifeTek Travel Umbrella offers a larger canopy than the normal umbrella, is stylish and durable with easy one-handed operation, so you don't have to juggle a briefcase. Created from micro-weave 210T fabric, it gives UV protection, as well as durability. The canopy is treated with Teflon coating making it water repellent and quick to dry. With a 9-rib design, a 3-fold telescoping shaft and a non-slip handle, the LifeTek travel umbrella comes with a 2-year replacement guarantee.
5. Bodyguard Newest 10 Ribs Travel Umbrella
Folding down to 29cms, the Bodyguard Umbrella is loaded with the perfect features for a travel umbrella. The canopy gives you 117cms of protection (big enough to fit 3 people if need be) and with its 10 fiberglass ribs; no howling gale is going to flip it inside out. Simple one-handed operation will have you covered from the wet in mere moments. With an ergonomic handle that is slip-resistant, it won't get blown out of your hand. Just don't leave it in a loo in the back of beyond for the natives to purloin.
