Trekking Umbrellas

TinTin

TinTin

Thru Hiker
I wasted a bit of time yesterday looking at trekking umbrellas so thought I'd save others from wasting time with a bit of information here. This diversion was stimulated by watching a video on the Cape Wrath Trail by "Hounds of Howgate". I saw he was using an umbrella and asked what it was. It turns out it was a Euroschirm Swing Liteflex which weighs around 210g. I thought I NEED on of those! And a Google search brought me back here to Trek-Lite and this thread.

https://www.trek-lite.com/index.php?threads/euroschirm-swing-liteflex-trekking-umbrella.6874/

I figured that surely the Chinese have copied these and went off to Aliexpress to find the £10 clone. Sadly it doesn't exist as far as I can tell. The discussion on the thread above leaves 3 main options. 1. Cheapo high street folding brolly and who cares if it breaks. 2. Euroschirm Swing Liteflex 3. Senz windproof. All 3 can be fixed to a shoulder strap for hands free use.

If you want strong and lightweight with no metal then there's probably only one choice.

Euroschirm Swing Liteflex

UOG have these for £38.99 +delivery
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.c...s-c369/swing-liteflex-trekking-umbrella-p3300

The least expensive place I've found is Alpinetrek £31.95 + delivery
https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/euroschirm-swing-liteflex-umbrella/

Windproof Umbrellas

On the face of it these look like a really good idea for UK conditions where rain often comes with wind. The down side to them is weight

Amazon have a Senz Original
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Senz-Umbrellas-Original-Pure-Black/dp/B00IVHCMVE/ref=pd_sbs_200_1/
£32.62 440g

Argos have a stealth umbrella
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5234682
£27.99 440g boxed

Same one on Amazon, same price.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rob-McAlister-Stormfighter-Windproof-Black/dp/B01BBO758S
One feature of this that might be useful is the long rib is yellow so that you can easily see what orientation it is in.

There's a storm proof umbrella listed on Ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181934902506
£22.99 365g
 
craige

craige

Thru Hiker
Montbell also do some umbrellas. As do sea to summit. Not sure of their relative merits as I'm pretty pleased with my swing liteflex.
 
Shewie

Shewie

Chief Slackpacker
Staff member
I’ve noticed that once a Liteflex gets turned inside out with a good gust they’re never quite the same again, they get a bit soft.

I’ve got a couple of broken spokes on mine so will probably replace it next spring
 
TinTin

TinTin

Thru Hiker
craige said:
Montbell also do some umbrellas. As do sea to summit. Not sure of their relative merits as I'm pretty pleased with my swing liteflex.
Click to expand...
Six Moons do them as well but I didn't spend time looking at others as Liteflex seems to be the standard.

@Shewie do you think you will get another Liteflex?
 
craige

craige

Thru Hiker
I know a few of the US "cottages" sold umbrellas that were rebranded euroschirm... golite, gossamer gear and I think the ones that smd used to sell too. Not sure about what they are selling now.
 
edh

edh

Thru Hiker
I've used my Euroschirm 3+ years; a bit on the PCT, but SoCal not that sunny luckily. It works OK - hands-free with poles is a bit of a PITA for me anyway...it works, but...
...at the end of the day I'm not a huge fan of brollies when hiking. Thus far.

Also used a Senz mini for 4-5 years; non backpacking - really good; need another, they don't last forever.
 
Shewie

Shewie

Chief Slackpacker
Staff member
craige said:
Really? Mines been inside out a fair few times now and never noticed an issue.
Click to expand...

Yeah it’s nowhere near as strong as when I first bought it, it really likes a lean now if I’m bracing against a side wind/shower
 
TinTin

TinTin

Thru Hiker
Those Senz umbrellas are quite impressive. They respond to wind as an aerofoil and find a balance in the wind.

 
WilliamC

WilliamC

Thru Hiker
edh said:
I've used my Euroschirm 3+ years; a bit on the PCT, but SoCal not that sunny luckily. It works OK - hands-free with poles is a bit of a PITA for me anyway...it works, but...
...at the end of the day I'm not a huge fan of brollies when hiking. Thus far.
Click to expand...
I've only used an umbrella while walking on one trip. It worked well for giving shade but it felt somewhat clumsy and the way it obstructed my view annoyed me.
Now I just take one in the height of summer to provide shade on breaks.
 
B

benp1

Trail Blazer
I wonder why they don't have the storm flap type thing at the top that you see on golf umbrellas. They seem to work quite well
 
cathyjc

cathyjc

Thru Hiker
Shewie said:
I’ve noticed that once a Liteflex gets turned inside out with a good gust they’re never quite the same again, they get a bit soft.

I’ve got a couple of broken spokes on mine so will probably replace it next spring
Click to expand...

Tip for mending bent/broken spokes on umbrellas. Glue a double ended knitting needle inside the rib. (they come x4 per set)
You need the correct gauge needle - go to a charity shop and ask for their knitting needle collection - they are often kept under the counter (health and safety :rolleyes:).
 
H

Hd8ekownio24ugh5

Thru Hiker
craige said:
Montbell also do some umbrellas. As do sea to summit. Not sure of their relative merits as I'm pretty pleased with my swing liteflex.
Click to expand...
Yep had the UL Montbell Trek model. About 150 gms? Tiny, 25 cms long packed length I think with short handle. You fold the canopy over itself. Loved it. Broke it (a spar) through my own fault packing it away. Would love another. Used a Korjo travel short handle, about 30 cms packed, one in pretty windy conditions 20 -30 kms in NZ. Still got it but a bit bulky but only weighs 220gms.. About five pounds when I bought it tho'. Not a fan of a brolly that's longer higher packed than my rucksack- would get smashed, caught up on trees.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top