10 Best Travel Umbrellas In 2023

How To Choose A Travel Umbrella — Buying Guide

Canopy Size

While it’s obvious that a larger canopy gives us more coverage and therefore better protection, going with the largest portable umbrella isn’t always the best choice. One of the important things about this type of umbrella is its compact size when packed, and an extra-large canopy means it might not fit in your bag the way you would like.

Most travel umbrellas have canopies that are around 37 inches in diameter and have an arc of around 42 inches. Even though this is significantly smaller than many non-folding models, it’s necessary so it can be packed to 10-12 inches in length. To give you more options, we have also featured both smaller and larger portable umbrellas, but keep in mind that a 40-inch canopy isn’t going to pack very small.

Umbrella Weight

Much like size, weight is very important in a small umbrella’s design. Since you’ll be carrying it with you all the time, the umbrella should be as light as possible (without compromising quality). Unlike the much heavier straight umbrellas, the best mini umbrellas usually weigh anywhere between 10 and 14 ounces.

For some travelers, lighter always means better. This is why you can find models like the Vumos or Yui Galleria mini umbrellas that weigh well under 8 ounces. Still, keep in that materials used to dictate the weight of your small umbrella, and that going with the lightest one might mean sacrificing durability in the long run.

Frame and Canopy Materials

The quality of materials used is very important on a small umbrella, on the account that it has lots of joints and the opening and closing mechanism is a bit more complicated. This is why we advise that you don’t compromise on materials, even if it means you have to pay a few extra bucks.

Frame: For the shaft, most travel umbrellas use some type of metal alloy. Aluminum is a good choice because it’s lightweight and corrosion-resistant (you can pack the umbrella when it’s wet). If you want added durability, it’s best to go with a steel shaft, but make sure it has a protective coating so it doesn’t rust.

When talking about the ribs (spokes), they need to be much more flexible than the shaft. This is why, instead of aluminum, a good option for the ribs is fiberglass. Since the ribs on portable umbrellas have at least two joints, adding some flexibility to the mix is desirable (especially in windy conditions). 

Canopy: Synthetic fabrics are generally used to make the canopy, either nylon or polyester. In addition to these two, you’ll also come across PVC canopies on some models. It goes without saying that, regardless of the material, a canopy should be fully waterproof.

To help it repel water, many manufacturers apply a coating of Teflon (or something similar) on it. This is a huge bonus because, instead of soaking in, the water forms into beads and rolls. It also helps the umbrella dry faster and prevents mildew from forming.

Strength and Durability

Both strength and durability are closely related to the materials used to make the umbrella. An umbrella with a steel frame and a nylon canopy will be very strong but perhaps too heavy to carry. On the other hand, small travel umbrellas with reinforced fiberglass frames and polyester canopies have shown impressive strength in windy conditions, all while keeping the weight fairly low. 

In relation to this, the best travel umbrellas can withstand being dropped, shoved, and opened and closed countless times. We really appreciate it when the manufacturer gives a generous warranty on their product, and some models we featured come with a lifetime warranty. This goes to show that they believe in the quality, and you can use the windproof umbrella worry-free knowing that you’re covered if anything happens. 

Grip Design

The grip (handle) design impacts how comfortable your umbrella is to use. Even though we’re talking about small umbrellas here, they should still be pleasant to hold. An ergonomically shaped handle not only makes the umbrella more comfortable to carry but also gives you a firmer grip when the wind starts pulling on it.

Besides just the shape, it’s good when the grip is rubberized or covered with foam to prevent it from accidentally slipping away. A useful feature on the umbrella handle might be a wrist strap – it prevents you from dropping the umbrella or the wind from blowing it out of your hand.

You might also like: Underwater Camera Housings

Protection from Rain and Wind

The main task of any umbrella is protecting you from the weather. How good it will do its job depends on all the factors we discussed so far. To give you optimal rain protection, the canopy should be large in diameter and made from waterproof materials (polyester with Teflon for example).

As for wind protection, the best mini travel umbrella should have a strong but flexible frame (aluminum, fiberglass) that can withstand wind gusts without flipping or breaking.

Portability and Ease of Use

The idea behind all travel umbrellas was to create rain protection that is easy to bring with you. For this reason, the most efficient travel umbrella shouldn’t be very large. As we mentioned when discussing size, most models measure 10 to 12 inches when folded. Going with an umbrella longer than that might make it inconvenient and less portable.

On top of this, you should have an easy time opening and closing the umbrella once you take it out of your bag. In this regard, it’s best that you go with a model that has an automatic open and close system. It’s also an advantage if your windproof umbrella comes with a sleeve because you can pack a wet umbrella and put it back in the bag without getting the other stuff wet.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

Regardless of where you’re going, a portable umbrella is great to have in your bag. You won’t even notice it most of the time, but it will keep you from getting soaked if rain surprises you. Top rated compact umbrellas are going to last very long and even come with an auto open and close feature for even easier use. Hopefully, our guide has helped you find the perfect model that will make sure you always stay dry.

More Watergear Water Protection Reviews:

• Waterproof Duct Tapes
• Waterproof Wallets
• Waterproof Phone Cases
• Waterproofing Sprays
• Waterproof Cast Covers
• Dry Bags
• Waterproof Duffel Bags

More Umbrellas Reviews:

• Pool Umbrellas
• Beach Umbrella