Searching for an Umbrella

[mabfan]

The rain yesterday and this morning reminds me that I've been meaning to ask folks if anyone could recommend a good umbrella.

For many years, I've mostly bought relatively inexpensive umbrellas when I need a new one. What I've found, though, is that they tend to be of low quality, usually not lasting very long. A few months ago, I bought a brand-new umbrella at a local drug store to use that week; the very day I opened it, the umbrella fell apart, and I returned it for a refund.

I've been using the same umbrella for years, but one of the spokes is no longer connected to the material, and it's beginning to stick as I open it. I'd really like to get it replaced, and as soon as possible.

Ideally, I'd want an umbrella that can fold up relatively small so I can tuck it under my arm or carry it in a bag when it's dry. Also, it would be nice for it to come with a bag for storing when it is wet and I want to toss it into a bag. But what's more important to me is that it opens up easily, opens up large, and will last. Also, if I can order it on-line, that would be a help; when I went scouring local stores for umbrellas, the selection was sparse.

If anyone has an umbrella to recommend, I'd appreciate it.

Comments

[c1.livejournal.com]

What about repairing the umbrella? If it's lasted this long, your present woes are probably something that could easily be fixed with a little 5 minute epoxy and a bit of WD-40. Indeed, done smartly, your trusty brolly could end up in better shape than when you first bought it.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

To be honest, though, it's not my favorite umbrella. I've been using it only because I don't have another option. I'd prefer a bigger umbrella of a different color.

[42itous.livejournal.com]

After many years of buying cheap drugstore umbrellas and having their spokes break in the first storm, I bought a somewhat more expensive umbrella (between $15 and $20, I think) from Target some years ago and haven't needed to replace it yet. I think the trick is that it's one of those two-tier things with a top layer that flaps in the wind so the whole thing doesn't blow inside out.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

Do you know who manufactures it?

[42itous.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, no. And it's not really what you want: it doesn't fold or come with a bag. I've never heard of an umbrella that both folds and stands up to a stiff wind.

[ruralwriter.livejournal.com]

I've had a two-person umbrella from Travelsmith that collapses to a fairly small size. After having had several invert in the wind, I bought it largely because it was wind-resistant. I've had it...perhaps 15 years now? Wow. Don't know if they still make it - but you might try looking at travel providers.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

This is the one umbrella I found at the Travelsmith site:

http://www.travelsmith.com/flat-pack-vented-umbrella/22387

[ruralwriter.livejournal.com]

It is a different model than mine, but the venting tech looks about the same. It's a shame there are no reviews.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

On the other hand, my brother has recommended this store to me:

http://www.shedrain.com/

[ruralwriter.livejournal.com]

Oooh, cool!

The model I got years ago was pretty similar to this one:
http://www.shedrain.com/shop/umbrellas/windpror-auto-open-close-jumbo-compact-912
If you're ever trying to keep someone else dry at the same time as yourself, it's pretty convenient to have one that large...with the auto up and close...

I really recommend the wind venting...

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

I also was directed to the Totes site from a friend on Facebook:

http://www.totes-isotoner.com/

They've got some good ones there too.