View Full Version : Thoughts on umbrella?
I’m 3 days out from starting my northbound hike from Springer and am having second thoughts on brining my zpacks umbrella. Sure it’s light and would help against the sun and rain but is it worth the cost of carrying? I guess I could take it and if I don’t think it’s worth it then just toss it in a hiker box. Appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
LoneStranger
04-12-2021, 11:16
I think it comes down to how you feel about the weight when you aren't using it and how much use you think you'll get from it. Sort of like everything else :)
Personally I really like the sun shade on road walks and hiking in light rain with my hood down and rain jacket open. It also makes a decent wind break when cooking and a darn good rain catcher when turned upside down. I'm willing to put up with it riding on my pack on long distance trips, but tend not to bring it for shorter ones.
blue indian
04-12-2021, 11:24
I would would start with it, if you havent used it within a week or two then you probably wont. Just send it home
IMO walking with any kind of rainjacket on above 60 degrees kinda sucks. Throw in the humidity on the AT after spring/summer storms and it really sucks
I bet you will use it more than you think
I don't leave home without it. It doesn't work perfectly in all conditions, but neither does anything else. When I'm using it on the trail, I invariably get envious comments.
Big_Old_Dog
04-12-2021, 12:05
I am starting my hike in almost 2 weeks. My thoughts are I would rather have raingear until more up the trail because around now it could be cold rain and then hypothermia is my main concern. 35-40F sideways rain during transition season isn't my idea of a good time for an umbrella although in combination with a rainsuit and if the wind isn't too high, I found it helpful but just not worth the additional weight. It is in the pile of stuff on the basement rug that did not make the cut. Getting into the dogdays of summer? I think so...
Once temperatures are up there, I think a 4-5 oz UV umbrella makes great sense. Out west, it would be super in the sun to not only block UV rays but also keep you cooler and thus, less water consumption making it worth its weight.
We carry a brolly that's 5.5 ounces (Raines skinny mini) and stowes easily. So many advantages of keeping rain off you versus having it drip all over you. Plus often you don't need to wear rain gear under a brolly, so you don't get drenched in sweat. You pass people who look like drenched rats in their cagoules and they say they look at you sadly. Also, it extends back far enough to keep some rain off your pack. Of course you need raingear too, if you run into a worst-case storm. But we've found those to be uncommon (and you know they're coming if you follow forecasts), most rain is fairly light.
Traveler
04-12-2021, 12:22
Sometimes circumstances become the decision point where the question can be asked "what would I pay to have an umbrella right now". Or conversely when using an umbrella, "I wonder what I would do if I didn't have this umbrella today".
FWIW - I have asked both of the above questions and found my answers, I tend to carry a light umbrella that I have modified a holder for on my pack to keep hands free. I like it a lot, especially when doing long stretches in the sun. I agree with Deadeye that no gear is perfect for all conditions, but the bumbershoot works fairly well for me in most conditions I want to use it. My advice would be to bring it until you have had a chance to use it a few times in various conditions. If you don't like it, you will probably find someone to trade something for it, or worse case, hiker boxes are at most shelters.
Good luck!
LoneStranger
04-12-2021, 12:35
I am starting my hike in almost 2 weeks. My thoughts are I would rather have raingear until more up the trail because around now it could be cold rain and then hypothermia is my main concern. 35-40F sideways rain during transition season isn't my idea of a good time for an umbrella although in combination with a rainsuit and if the wind isn't too high, I found it helpful but just not worth the additional weight. It is in the pile of stuff on the basement rug that did not make the cut. Getting into the dogdays of summer? I think so...
Once temperatures are up there, I think a 4-5 oz UV umbrella makes great sense. Out west, it would be super in the sun to not only block UV rays but also keep you cooler and thus, less water consumption making it worth its weight.
Horizontal rain is not umbrella weather at any temp. You still want to have rain gear that is appropriate for that stuff even when carrying the umbrella. I don't use mine when it is windy because hands free mounts don't hold it still and I'm not putting down my poles.
...I'm not putting down my poles.
That might be the #1 issue some have with the umbrella. I'm a one-stick or no-stick person.
Like all gear, it’s a personal choice. I would not use it on the AT. However, if I ever did the PCT I would definitely take it for Sun as much as Rain. I am planning on taking it on my Buckeye Trail Thru Hike for the Road walk and rail to trail bike paths. If I am not using it enough, I will send home. It is expensive enough to ship and not put into a Hiker Box. Good Luck figuring out your decision.
GolfHiker
04-12-2021, 14:01
I concur with gbolt. That said, when I bought my umbrella ( Go Lite) a few years back, I had to jerryrig the thing onto my shoulder strap to make it hands free, which I did. I know that you can now buy some version(s) of the umbrella holder which may or may not work better than what I have. I’ve always found it hard to get full coverage ( both arms), and when it’s a bit windy, not so good. As for sun protection on the AT, IMO it’s just not necessary, as they’re are not enough road miles to justify.
in the end, like all my gear, I want it to work when I need it, and I’ll never say an Umbrella is a bad thing, just another of our many gear choice trade offs.
Teacher & Snacktime
04-12-2021, 16:31
As for sun protection on the AT, IMO it’s just not necessary, as they’re are not enough road miles to justify.
For we the ultra sun-sensitive, it's not so much the road walks as the balds that present a problem. I'm hiking Max Patch and some others this years, so yes, I bought an umbrella. Unfortunately my extra-short torso makes the current hands-free set-up completely unworkable. Zpacks is trying to help out and I'm sure with the right combination of straps, clips, velcro and stubbornness we will work something out.
It's a pain in the tukus, but I hope worth it in the end...the other end ;).
Its been building and Building using them on the AT. TRy one see if you use it often or not then you can hold on to it or make a donation. I am use to rain I can be half wet and it doesnt bother me...
Thank you for all the thoughtful replies! I think I’m going to leave it home. If I find I really need it I can always politely ask the wife to ship it along with all the other crap she will be handling on my behalf. Cheers!
Good choice to leave it at home. I brought one on a section hike once and didn't realize how thick the AT growth can be and it took extra effort to keep from constantly snagging it. There is also very little prolonged sun exposure on the AT, not like the PCT anyway - a place where your umbrella would shine. Also, an umbrella will do jack squat when you cross the Roan Highlands and have wind blowing sideways at you at 50mph.
HooKooDooKu
04-13-2021, 01:15
Not sure what I would do for a long thru hike...
But when I go camping in GSMNP, if there's a likelyhood of rain, I carry a small umbrella.
If I try to hike in a rain coat, I'm just going to get soaked from the inside from sweat. But with an umbrella, I get the most ventilation possible and (if it's not a driving rain or strong winds) keeps my upper torso and backpack reasonably dry (but hiking for hours under an umbrella will find the small leaks they all seem to have, so you won't stay 100% dry). The only down side is to keep weight down, I carry a very small umbrella, so to stay at all dry, you have to hold it in just the right position, which means you have to put away at least one hiking pole.
colorado_rob
04-13-2021, 07:56
Just yet another data point: I've carried one (the light Go-lite silver one) on many hikes and have appreciated having it, but mostly for sun protection (PCT, CDT, CT), but it sure is nice as well in heavy rains as that first layer of protection. Out here in CO, for example, in the summer we have a brief but sometimes heavy rain on many afternoons, and it's really handy then.
On the AT however, I just don't think it's worth it, for reasons already stated, though it really is close to a 50/50 thing.
After several sections of the Mid Atlantic AT I absolutely would not leave home without my Golite style silver carbonfiber umbrella. Besides rain and sun protection I find its great when you need to shelter from a rain storm beyond just waiting it out.
Since I use a Big Agnes tent its only a couple minutes to throw up the Fast fly to have some real shelter. Of course pitching any tent is difficult with one hand so I rely on a FrogTogs set to stay dry and the umbrella then is used to shield the backside of my backpack while the rain cover handles the outside.
It also gets used as rain and wind shelter for cooking. While camping I always pick places with "furniture" and the umbrella gets used to keep at least one piece dry so I dont have to sit on a sodden log. I've also used it to keep a vestibule area dry while keeping the fly open for ventilation. How about those 4am potty runs when its raining? Easy with an umbrella and no wet sleeping bag from your wet clothes.
All these uses require a little ingenuity to keep the umbrella in place but those are part of any hiking/camping experience. For sun/rain use I have 2 small velcro straps I use to hold the umbrella to my backpack shoulder straps in the front. The butt end goes into a pocket on my EXOS which has wide straps and on my Levity it just getting wrapped tightly with the velcro. So I have both hands free for hiking poles.
Like most hiking gear its value is directly related to how much thought you put into making it useful. Or put another way the umbrella solves problems with sun, rain and wind and you have to solve the problems of deploying it to that end.
Big_Old_Dog
04-13-2021, 08:15
Horizontal rain is not umbrella weather at any temp. You still want to have rain gear that is appropriate for that stuff even when carrying the umbrella. I don't use mine when it is windy because hands free mounts don't hold it still and I'm not putting down my poles.
Yes, I think that is called transitional weather aka early Spring
One of my favorite pieces of gear.
Gambit McCrae
04-13-2021, 10:30
for spring summer and fall I am sold on the umbrella. I however am not satisfied with JUST the umbrella. I am looking for something like a pack poncho to use with the umbrella during rougher weather. Winter time I will stick with the safety of goretex jacket and pants. But the breathablility of an umbrella just cant be beat to keep the annoying sprinkles off my sensory radar when temperature is not a threat.
Update: I just purchased a frogg togg poncho that proves to have enough material to cover pack, and at 20 bucks I can trim it down/ fabricate it and if it doesnt work out there isnt a big loss. I think this paired with the umbrella will be my new go to.
for spring summer and fall I am sold on the umbrella. I however am not satisfied with JUST the umbrella. I am looking for something like a pack poncho to use with the umbrella during rougher weather. Winter time I will stick with the safety of goretex jacket and pants. But the breathablility of an umbrella just cant be beat to keep the annoying sprinkles off my sensory radar when temperature is not a threat.
Update: I just purchased a frogg togg poncho that proves to have enough material to cover pack, and at 20 bucks I can trim it down/ fabricate it and if it doesnt work out there isnt a big loss. I think this paired with the umbrella will be my new go to.
Exactly how I see it. Trouble is, rain gear is like stoves - I keep experimenting, but 20 bucks a pop for frogg toggs is hard to beat.
HooKooDooKu
04-13-2021, 16:20
for spring summer and fall I am sold on the umbrella. I however am not satisfied with JUST the umbrella. I am looking for something like a pack poncho to use with the umbrella during rougher weather. Winter time I will stick with the safety of goretex jacket and pants. But the breathablility of an umbrella just cant be beat to keep the annoying sprinkles off my sensory radar when temperature is not a threat.
The bulk of my camping trips are in GSMNP where I ALWAYS pack a goretex jacket and pants, and OPTIONALLY bring an umbrella if I EXPECT rain.
For the annoying sprinkles, I often find I'm good enough just tossing my goretex jacker over my pack and head. The umbrella comes out for "rain".
I'm usually not hiking in both COLD and WET weather, so I seldom find my self in a position where I need to hike in goretext. But once I get to camp, I put on the goretex to help use my body heat to warm up and dry clothing (with the goretex allowing the moisture from wet cloths escape).
Which reminds me, I also ALWAY carry a wool hat year round. Can't beat it for its warmth to weight ratio, and I've found the extra warmth sometimes needed even in summer if you're wet and at higher elevations in GSMNP.
I've been using a gossamer umbrella and a rain skirt for the last three years. Still carry a rain jacket for those tight spots where the umbrella won't work. The umbrella is a must in my kit now as it keeps me much drier when hiking or in camp. It's also a nice little windscreen for cooking.
Tipi Walter
04-14-2021, 17:06
Horizontal rain is not umbrella weather at any temp. You still want to have rain gear that is appropriate for that stuff even when carrying the umbrella. I don't use mine when it is windy because hands free mounts don't hold it still and I'm not putting down my poles.
Good choice to leave it at home. I brought one on a section hike once and didn't realize how thick the AT growth can be and it took extra effort to keep from constantly snagging it. There is also very little prolonged sun exposure on the AT, not like the PCT anyway - a place where your umbrella would shine. Also, an umbrella will do jack squat when you cross the Roan Highlands and have wind blowing sideways at you at 50mph.
Two important negatories for umbrella use in the Southeast. The AT is not called The Green Tunnel without reason---you'll be ducking and dipping and scooting under rhodo and briars and everything else---an umbrella is the last thing I want to be carrying. When I backpack I have one hand on my single hiking pole and one hand perpetually clenched to my Felco pruners.
Anthony18
04-14-2021, 17:49
Used mine on my hike in Spain. Everyone I passed wished they had one. I think they're worth their weight in gold.
You can see me using it here in several scenes... https://youtu.be/XN5zhKMUKgY
...The AT is not called The Green Tunnel without reason---you'll be ducking and dipping and scooting under rhodo and briars and everything else---an umbrella is the last thing I want to be carrying.
Been there, done that, still carry one! Not a perfect solution, but a valuable part of the kit.
Gambit McCrae
04-15-2021, 08:57
THe umbrella does not work 100% of the time but it works for a large majority. From time to time you do have to fold it up, or squeeze it between a tight space but for the most part its a non issue. Not alot of bushwacking involved on the AT....
Did Walter forget that the bulk of his hiking isn't actually on the AT?
As noted by others, there is a lot of personal preference when it comes to umbrellas. If we carry every piece of gear that would be perfect for all conditions, we would have very heavy packs. I find a lot of the choice comes down to what can be expected most of the time. For me, raingear is worthless above about 55F. I sweat too much. It's usually warmer than 55F. Umbrellas are light but fragile. Branches and bushes can damage them, and I am usually looking at my feet when it is raining, so the umbrella suffers some neglect. Most of the time, I am happier with an umbrella, and I am prepared to suffer a bit, or be flexible in some conditions. Being a bit uncomfortable every now and then is part of a long hike, at least the way I do it. So knowing your ability to work with the discomfort every now and then is important. Oops, I'm philosophizing.
In my limited 500 mile experience on the AT between NJ and NC its more likely you'll want an umbrella for fog condensation "tree rain" than not being able to use it from a narrow trail.
Lots of weird weather in the mountains and not a lot of places where you can't use an umbrella. At 6.5oz my 6 Moons Design Carbon Silver Shadow is a must have, I am sure the week I've spent under it would have been much less pleasant without it. I hike to enjoy the trail, not endure the maximum amount of "suck" mother nature can dish out.
THe umbrella does not work 100% of the time but it works for a large majority. From time to time you do have to fold it up, or squeeze it between a tight space but for the most part its a non issue. Not alot of bushwacking involved on the AT....
h. hastings
04-16-2021, 10:29
Won't leave home without my umbrella. Kept me sane on rainy days on the AT and was happy to carry the weight the rest of the time for peace of mind.
earplug94
09-07-2021, 09:42
There was nothing like going through Shenandoah with 4 days of rain and staying fairly dry under my umbrella. Just love it and wont leave home without it.
We always carry brollys on the AT. Most of the time it's all you need, and you can avoid the condensation trap of raingear. We've used Raines Skinny Minny (5 oz) and more recently got a serious $60 trekking one but it hasn't seen much use.
LoneStranger
09-09-2021, 18:58
Whether you're camped in a shelter, tent or under a tarp, those surprise trips to the latrine that always seem to come up in a heavy rain are just the time for an umbrella ;)