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.