large travel umbrella

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Travel Accessories

The 10 Best Travel Umbrellas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Trust us: getting stuck in a downpour will not have you singing in the rain.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You May Also Need

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure/Elena Garcia

Today’s forecast calls for never getting caught in the rain. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets, trekking through scenic landscapes, or simply commuting to work, having the right travel umbrella can make all the difference in staying dry and comfortable. From lightweight and compact options ideal for keeping in a bag at all times to larger umbrellas that can cover both you and your travel partner, we've rounded up the best umbrellas to suit every traveler's needs. 

Our Travel + Leisure team tested 18 travel umbrellas to assess ease of use, protection, durability, portability, and value. We evaluated and compared each option based on overall construction, packability, performance in wet weather and windy conditions, coverage, drying time, and sturdiness. (Read more about our comprehensive testing process below). We will continue testing our picks for six more months to ensure each option’s reliability and durability, and we will update this article if anything should change. Scroll down below to find your next travel umbrella guaranteed to make sure you never get caught in the rain.

Best Overall

Weatherman travel umbrella.

We were impressed by this umbrella’s performance and sturdiness.

The price tag is worth it — but not if you’re prone to losing umbrellas.

There’s nothing quite as humbling as an umbrella that flips inside out at the slight whisper of wind, leaving you awkwardly trying to flip it back as you stand in the rain, but this Weatherman umbrella proved its worth during testing. Our team member took this product out during an intense storm in San Francisco akin to a hurricane complete with “purple winds,” and this umbrella stepped up to the challenge like a true hero. It made it through strong winds and rough handling like a champ without popping inside out. Our team member reported back, “It felt like the wind was going to pick me off the ground and the umbrella survived that!”

It also dried quickly and showed no signs of wear. The grip was comfortable, and the umbrella provided ample protection from the rain. Weighing under a pound and just shy of a foot long when unopened, it’s the perfect size to throw into a bag or backpack without feeling like it’s even there. The color options are impressive with 11 styles to choose from, ranging from classic black to fluorescent pink. When it comes to weathering storms with style and reliability, this umbrella takes the cake, leaving flimsy alternatives in the dust. It’s a worthwhile investment, but if you’re notorious for misplacing umbrellas, then you may want to think twice — or at least be extra careful.

The Details: 11.8 inches (closed) | 38-inch diameter (open) | 14 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia

Best Compact

Davek mini umbrella.

This is the smallest, most lightweight option on our list.

This umbrella is not suitable for more than one person.

Compact and lightweight, the Davek Mini Umbrella is the perfect choice to bring anywhere with you as an “emergency” umbrella, slipping effortlessly into coat pockets or fanny packs without weighing you down. We were impressed that this option is only seven inches long when not in use (for reference, that’s as tall as an iPhone 13 Pro Max). Despite its smaller size, its robust mechanics, sturdiness, quality, and forecasted longevity make it a worthy investment at $60.  Plus, with a range of 10 vibrant colors to choose from, it adds a touch of fun to rainy days. This umbrella is perfect for solo strolls but not ideal for sharing with a friend — unless you're comfortable with a little cozy closeness.

The Details: 7 inches (closed) | 34-inch diameter (open) | 8 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Manual

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker

Best for Two People

Shedrain jumbo compact umbrella.

This umbrella provides more than ample coverage for two people.

We wish the handle was longer, although that’s not a deal breaker.

Bigger isn’t always better, but in this case, it might very well be. Despite its jumbo size, this umbrella is easy to handle and comfortably fits two individuals. With a spacious canopy and sturdy construction, it's a reliable shield against the elements, even boasting windproof capabilities up to 75 mph. It is on the longer side at 15 inches when closed, but it’s still compact enough to fit in a small carry-on suitcase . We love that it comes with a rubber wristlet so you can easily throw it on your wrist or hook it onto the outside of your bag when not in use. Bonus points: it only takes this umbrella about 10 minutes to fully air dry. 

The Details: 15 inches (closed) | 54-inch diameter (open) | 1.35 pounds | Steel frame | Auto-open

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager

Best Quick-dry

Totes titan umbrella.

Overall, we recommend this umbrella for its portability, durability, and ease of use, in addition to standing out as a top choice for water repellency and fast drying.

We would suggest improving the closing mechanics for a smoother operation.

Say goodbye to leaving your soaking wet umbrella out to dry overnight. The standout feature of this umbrella is how quick it dries after use, only needing minutes to fully dry. Despite facing moderate rain and strong winds of 25-28 mph, this umbrella held its ground admirably. Its one-handed, button-operated opening proved to be smooth, though closing required a bit more force. With a generous 43-inch canopy, it provided ample coverage for one person. The sturdy frame and solid mechanics withstood the wind during testing, offering a secure grip with its textured handle. Compact and lightweight at just 11 inches when folded, it's easily portable for on-the-go use. 

The Details: 11 inches (closed) | 43-inch diameter (open) | Aluminum frame | Auto-open

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott

Most Affordable

Sy compact travel umbrella.

For how compact it is, we were impressed at how wide the canopy was when open, providing great coverage from getting wet.

Minor improvements could include enlarging the closure loop for easier fastening.

If you’re searching for affordability, durability, and style, then look no further. As the most budget-friendly option on this list, this umbrella impressed with its user-friendly design and effectiveness in repelling water. Its easy one-button opening and closing mechanism, though requiring a bit of muscle to fully close, was easy to operate. The comfortable handle added to its appeal, enhancing grip and comfort. Portable and lightweight, it easily fits into various bags without adding bulk. There are multiple colors and prints to choose from, providing an option for every taste. 

The Details: 10.8 inches (closed) | 37.5-inch diameter (open) | 12.2 ounces | Aluminum frame | Auto-open

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven

Best Inverted Design

Siepasa inverted reverse upside down umbrella.

This umbrella is lightweight, sturdy, and reliable when it’s windy.

Given the inverted design, it is too large to fit into an average backpack, tote, or carry-on suitcase.

There are a whopping 44 design options to choose from with this stylish umbrella, featuring a solid color, print, or pattern on the inside of the canopy. We thought it was too large to carry in most day-to-day bags, but it would make a great option to keep in a car. In fact, its inverted design makes it especially easy to close when entering a car, while the button-operated opening mechanism provides smooth and hassle-free operation.

It does also offer hands-free carrying options, such as an oval handle for convenient wrist or bag strap attachment . Some users may find the smooth plastic handle difficult to grip for extended periods. However, the umbrella's ability to stand on its own was a standout feature, adding convenience when setting it down. Despite its lightweight and slim profile, it offered ample coverage for one or even two people, with sturdy construction that held up well against gusts of wind during testing. For what you pay, you get a lightweight, incredibly sturdy umbrella that is easy to use and reliable in the wind.

The Details: 31 inches (closed) | 49-inch diameter (open) | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang

Most Stylish

Gustbuster automatic umbrella.

You can add a custom metal engraving on The Metro’s hardwood handle for a stylish detail.

This umbrella is better suited to fit in a backpack or tote than a smaller purse or pocket.

Have you ever considered adding a personal touch to your umbrella? Well, now you can with the option to engrave on this Gustbuster option. While it is considered a splurge, the ability to customize your umbrella adds a unique flair to an everyday item and also makes a great gift option. We love this umbrella for its ease of use and impressive water repellency. With a simple button operation and secure Velcro closure, it offers convenience and security, although its slightly larger size may make it bulkier to carry compared to smaller travel-size umbrellas. Despite its larger dimensions, it provides ample coverage for one person and possibly two, thanks to its durable construction and sturdy materials.

The Details: 16 inches (closed) | 43-inch diameter (open) | 1.1 pounds | Alloy steel frame | Auto-open

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel

Best Prints

Shedrain compact umbrella.

Lightweight, compact, and available in multiple prints, it fits easily into various bags, making it a versatile choice.

This umbrella is best for one person.

Pick up this ShedRain umbrella if you want to brighten up a sad, rainy day. This travel umbrella comes in a variety of punchy prints, from colorful florals to bold patterns. In terms of performance, the umbrella excelled in repelling rainwater, offering sufficient coverage for one adult and possibly two, although they would need to be close together. While not tested in extremely windy conditions, it still proved sturdy and durable, drying off quickly after we used it, with no signs of wear. Lightweight and compact, it fits easily into various bags, making it versatile for different situations. Priced at under $20, we’d say it’s an affordable option to add to your inventory of travel accessories.

The Details: 12 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 13.6 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada

EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella

This umbrella offers excellent value for its quality and design, outperforming some more expensive brands.

While the umbrella's compact size is convenient for portability, it does not provide sufficient coverage for multiple people during heavy rainfall.

Four words: ballin’ on a budget. With its simple yet functional build and impressive performance compared to pricier alternatives, this travel umbrella earned our praise and recommendation as a budget-friendly, reliable choice for rainy days. Its automatic push-button opening mechanism, ergonomic handle, and compact size made it easy and comfortable to use during testing. Despite its small size when closed, it provides surprisingly ample coverage when open, suitable for one person. The umbrella's quality surpasses typical travel-size umbrellas, with sturdy construction and wind-resistant design. We found that it effectively repelled water and dried quickly after use, maintaining its functionality and appearance after we used it during light rainstorms. Highly portable and lightweight, it fits easily into various bags without taking up much space.

The Details: 11 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 14.4 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung

Best for Sun Protection

Sport-brella versa-brella.

This umbrella’s best feature is its versatility, making it a highly adaptable option for providing shade in various outdoor settings.

It's a clamp-on model, so it's not intended to be used as a handheld umbrella.

Did somebody say beach day? This umbrella is best to take on the go to the beach, pool, park, or anywhere you think you’ll need some extra shade. This umbrella has a 1.5-inch clamp that will hold onto anything, making it versatile for any outdoor situation. While primarily designed for sun protection, it proved durable and provided satisfactory rain coverage for one person, although the lopsided design (one half of the umbrella is longer than the other) required adjustments in windy conditions. The material is durable, but we found that the frame can be flimsy depending on what it's attached to.

The Details: 36 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 1.8 pounds | Aluminum frame | Auto-open

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Other Travel Umbrellas We Liked

Three additional travel umbrellas we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list due to minor issues but still had notable features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Blunt Metro Umbrella : It’s clear that this umbrella’s structure provides durability, but despite its quality build, we found it to be too large for daily commuting and travel. However, this could be an excellent option to keep at home.

Samsonite Windguard Auto Umbrella : The umbrella's durability and quality materials make it feel sturdy and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, providing reliable protection. However, it requires significant force to close, which could be challenging for individuals with limited hand or arm strength. It also only comes in one color option: black.

EuroSchirm Swing Liteflex Ultra-light Weight Trekking Umbrella : This umbrella has a lightweight design and spacious canopy that accommodates two people comfortably, but the high price point and elongated size of the collapsed umbrella limits its portability and affordability compared to other travel umbrellas on the market.

Our T+L team tested 18 travel umbrellas in everyday scenarios to assess ease of use, protection, durability, portability, and value. We followed a comprehensive examination to evaluate each option, including overall construction, packability, performance in wet weather and windy conditions, coverage, drying time, and sturdiness. We used the umbrellas in a variety of practical scenarios, including rainy and windy days, and tested them while commuting to and from work to determine functionality, versatility, and durability. 

We took notes on how easy it was to open and close the umbrellas and their portability in different sized bags. Special attention was paid to the durability and quality of the umbrellas’ materials, including the fabric, wire structure, handle, and pole, to assess long-term resilience. In wet weather conditions, the umbrellas’ performance was evaluated in terms of its coverage, sturdiness, and comfort. Assessments include whether the umbrella adequately protects from rain, its size when fully open, the comfort of the handle, and stability in windy conditions. If exposed to rain, we also took notes on the time it took for the umbrella to dry completely and any signs of wear and tear. Some options did not make this list due to low-quality materials that blew inside out too easily and didn’t offer adequate coverage in the rain.

Our long-term plan includes testing these umbrellas for an additional six months to monitor each umbrella’s performance and durability in different travel scenarios and weather conditions. As we continue to test the umbrellas in various real-world settings, we will take notes on portability, practicality, and durability, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each travel umbrella’s reliability. We will update these results if our findings should change and as we test new umbrellas.

Tips for Buying Travel Umbrellas

Think about how compact you need it to be.

Before purchasing the travel umbrella that is best for you, take a moment and think about your intended use. Determine whether you need the umbrella for occasional travel or everyday use, as this will influence factors like durability and portability. Assess whether the dimensions — especially the length of it when not in use — and weight of the umbrella suit your preferred method of carrying it, whether in a pocket, purse, backpack, or by its strap/handle.

We recommend opting for umbrellas that are specifically designed for travel since they are often more compact and lightweight compared to regular umbrellas. Additionally, pay attention to the dimensions of the umbrella when it’s fully open. Some travel umbrellas are designed for one person, while others are larger and suitable for two. Choose the size that best fits your needs, whether you prefer individual coverage or sharing with a travel companion.

Prioritize durable materials

When you're on the hunt for a travel umbrella, don't forget about durability. Look out for ones that have durable materials to ensure longevity and reliable performance, including fiberglass, aluminum, or sturdy steel for the frame and ribs. (Pro tip: all of our recommendations on this list are made from one of these three materials.) A strong canopy fabric, preferably with water-repellent coatings, adds to the umbrella's durability and weather resistance.

And, don’t overlook the quality of the handle and grip, as this will make or break your rainy day travels. Choose options with handles made from comfortable, non-slip materials like rubber or foam, ensuring a secure hold even in wet conditions. Ergonomic designs further enhance comfort during prolonged use.

Look for useful features

When purchasing a travel umbrella, look for useful features that enhance convenience and functionality. Consider umbrellas with a carrying strap that allows you to loop it around your wrist while walking, keeping your hands free for other tasks. A rubberized handle provides a secure grip, especially in rainy conditions, reducing the risk of slippage.

Opt for umbrellas with alternate designs such as inverted umbrellas or those made from Teflon-coated materials. Inverted umbrellas fold inward, trapping water inside and preventing drips when closed, while Teflon-coated fabrics repel water and facilitate quicker drying, ideal for on-the-go use.

Additionally, consider other features like automatic open and close mechanisms for effortless operation, windproof designs with reinforced frames and vents to withstand strong winds, and UV protection for added sun safety during outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ideal diameter for a travel umbrella depends on personal preference and intended use, but a common diameter range for travel umbrellas is between 36 to 42 inches when fully opened. This size provides a balance between compactness for portability and sufficient coverage to protect against rain. 

If you plan on using the umbrella for two people, a diameter closer to 48 inches or more would provide sufficient coverage for both individuals. Ultimately, the best diameter for a travel umbrella is one that suits your specific needs and preferences while offering adequate protection from the elements.

An umbrella is considered windproof when it's designed and constructed to withstand strong wind gusts without flipping inside out or breaking. Several key features contribute to making an umbrella windproof, including a sturdy frame and a flexible and durable canopy material that can withstand wind pressure without tearing or collapsing. Even automatic open and close mechanisms ensure quick deployment and retraction, enabling the umbrella to be easily deployed even in sudden gusts of wind.

Yes, you can bring an umbrella on a plane. According to the TSA , umbrellas are allowed for both carry-on and checked baggage, as long as you adhere to size and weight restrictions. In this case, we recommend packing a portable, compact umbrella to avoid any potential hold ups during a security screening.

Staying dry and comfortable on your next adventure takes a lot more than just investing in a travel umbrella, especially if you're visiting cities and countries known for incremental weather. These simple, versatile items will help you tackle any and all elements (without taking up too much precious luggage real estate) so that you can enjoy your vacation no matter the forecast.

Hunter Short Women's Rain Boot : Fitted with a slip-resistant sole, these lightweight rain boots provide the right amount of traction on both wet grass and pavement. Despite being "short," they're still high enough to block out any puddle splashes.

Carhartt 6in Mens Waterproof Wedge Work Boot : These boots, which reigned supreme during our waterproof men's boots tests , are comfortable right out of the box and stay comfy even after prolonged periods of wear. They're coated with Carhartt’s Storm Defender waterproof breathable membrane, which kept our feet dry while trodding through rainy sidewalks and into big, deep puddles.

Outdoor Research Aspire Women's Super Stretch Jacket : This lightweight, breathable, ultra-comfy jacket keeps water out while allowing for a full range of movement. It's very compact and can easily be folded away in a suitcase or backpack.

Patagonia Torrentshell Men's 3L Jacket : Ultra-breathable and built to last, this everyday rain jacket is fully waterproof and great for active pursuits in warmer climates. If you happen to find yourself someplace colder, it features microfleece pockets to keep your hands cozy.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

An expert on shopping trends and a frequent traveler, Maddie Michalik has been professionally reviewing products since 2014. For this story, she combed through T+L’s detailed testing insights for various travel umbrellas, reading through testing feedback for each umbrella, then referenced product descriptions and additional research to create a comprehensive roundup of the best travel umbrellas today.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

8 Best Travel Umbrellas for Making the Most of a Rainy Vacation

Don't let rain and wind ruin your travels.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

A gloomy day during a family vacation or weekend getaway may be a bummer, but it doesn't have to ruin your itinerary if you pack a top-performing umbrella in your carry-on or suitcase . A travel umbrella is a compact accessory that will help turn a boring, rainy day into one packed with activities — and it'll fit easily into a carry-on, purse or backpack. It's a true travel essential — especially during your destination's rainy season.

To find the best travel umbrellas that stand up to wind and rain, experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab reviewed hundreds of data points from a previous umbrella test and considered models from trending brands.

Our top picks:

best overall travel umbrella

Samsonite windguard umbrella.

best value travel umbrella

Gaoyaing compact travel umbrella with case.

best compact and lightweight travel umbrella

Totes mini manual umbrella.

We test travel products of all kinds from the best beach umbrellas to the best beach chairs and feature top products and destinations in our Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards . When testing umbrellas, we pay close attention to ease of use, performance and durability, and even conduct a spray test to stimulate a light rain shower in Lab. While we haven't tested every travel umbrella in this round-up, we scoured shoppers' reviews to better understand how the product held up in daily life.

Read on to learn more about our top-rated travel umbrellas of all styles and prices, as well as advice on what to consider when shopping for a new mini umbrella.

GH Institute's Executive Director of Strategy & Operations, Lexie Sachs , has been using this smaller version of our top-tested umbrella for the past year. "It’s not the smallest umbrella to pack on the go, but it’s compact enough to easily fit into a tote bag or backpack," she says. The umbrella provides enough coverage to keep you dry, and it's sturdy when the wind and rain pick up. Yellow is a classic color for rainwear, but if you want a more neutral black or a bright pink , the umbrella is available in other colors too. The Samsonite umbrella is also top-rated on Amazon. One five-star review says, "We have had very heavy, windy rainstorms in my area over the past few months. This umbrella has held up very well in the rain and winds."

Dimensions: 12" folded | Weight: 0.82 lbs.

This umbrella is a popular choice on Amazon with over 5,500 reviews. It's also under $10, which means you can stay dry while sticking to your travel budget. What's more? The manufacturer claims the umbrella can fit in a pocket or purse! Choose from over two dozen colors to match your umbrella with your favorite raincoat and rain boots . One satisfied shopper writes, "I knew we would be sightseeing and wanted something compact that I could carry around and pop out when needed. This did the trick!" While this umbrella is super compact and affordable, one GH editor who bought the umbrella for a semester abroad found it to be hard to open and noticed it wasn't as wind-resistant as other models.

Dimensions: ‎7.6" x 4.84" x 2.09" | Weight: 6.7 oz.

When we tested the Totes mini umbrella, we found that it provided good coverage and was compact enough to fit into small purses and bags. While we are fans of this lightweight pick, it is a manual umbrella so you can't open and close via a button. Still, our evaluation found it to be a durable pick and we like the easy-to-grip rubber handle. Choose from seven cute patterns, including polka dots and cheetah print. One five-star review writes, "I took this on my trip to Italy and it worked perfectly without taking up much space in my bag. Love it!"

Dimensions: ‎6.2" x 1.9" x 1.7" | Weight: 8 oz.

Weatherman Travel Umbrella

Although this is one of the more expensive travel umbrellas in our guide, it comes packed with convenient features we love, and can it stand up against gusts of wind. "I’ve used this travel size one a bunch of times and it’s held up really well," says Sachs. We appreciate the auto open/close and comfortable handle plus a wrist strap for easy holding while your hands are full. Despite its small design, the umbrella still provides good coverage. One satisfied shopper writes they took it to Wellington, New Zealand and the Scottish highlands, fairly wet climates, and reported that "it took both total downpours and heavy drizzles with ease."

Dimensions: 13" x 2.5" x 2.5" | Weight: 0.85 lbs

Rifle Paper Co. Garden Party Umbrella

At the end of the day, an umbrella is also an accessory. If you want to make a fashion statement — and not lose track of yours in a crowded umbrella stand — opt for an umbrella with a unique pattern. The five available floral patterns plus a cute option with drawings of houses and trees bring classic teardrop and polka dot patterns to a whole new level. A wooden handle adds to the luxe look and the auto open/close mechanism makes for easy use. We haven't tested this model yet, but one five-star review writes: "This umbrella is just gorgeous. The colors are vivid and bright." It isn't the most expensive umbrella on our list, but it is definitely above average in cost.

Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: Not listed

Repel The Original Portable Travel Umbrella

This Amazon's Choice umbrella has an impressive 72,650 online reviews with an overall 4.5-star rating. One satisfied customer writes, "This umbrella is the best I’ve owned so far. It’s huge and the water slides right off it. You just shake the umbrella and it’s no longer wet." Available in nine colors and packs of one, two, three or four, this Repel umbrella is a popular choice among shoppers — and it's under $25! The brand claims that you can fit it in your pocket or small purse. While we appreciate the size and price point, Lab analysts found it to be less flip-resistant than other models we've tested, with one noting that it inverted during their first time using it.

Dimensions: 11.5" folded | Weight: 15 oz.

Tumi Small Auto Close Umbrella

While this is the most expensive travel umbrella included in our list, the splurge can be worth it if you travel often for work and need a high-quality product that'll look chic in your work backpack . It opens and closes with the push of a button, and the subtle red accents and reflective trim set it apart. We also like the rubberized carrying strap for a better grip, and it won't absorb water. The luxury umbrella would make a practical gift for the frequent traveler in your life.

Dimensions: 11.25" x 2.75" x 2.5" | Weight: 0.74 lbs

Davek is a popular brand among umbrella shoppers on Reddit , and the Mini is its smallest model that can fit in a handbag, clutch or pocket. It's available in 10 solid colors and has nice design features like a stylish handle and color-coordinated carry loop. While we appreciate the lightweight design you can store in your bag, we wish that it was more affordable. The frame appears less sturdy than other pricey models and a manual open/close may not be as easy to use compared to an automatic umbrella. That all said, the sleek and minimalistic umbrella fits in the palm of your hand and is nice and sleek.

Dimensions: 7" folded | Weight: 8 oz.

What to consider when buying a travel umbrella

✔️ Size: A travel umbrella will have a shorter canopy diameter than a full-size umbrella. While you lose some coverage, a smaller model means it takes up less space in your suitcase, purse or work bag. If you have a specific bag you plan to store it in, pay attention to the folded dimensions listed by the manufacturer.

✔️ Weight: Similar to size, travel umbrellas tend to be lighter weight than large umbrellas. This again helps with packing light, but it can mean that the umbrella feels less sturdy and may not hold up as well against rough winds.

✔️ Material: Umbrellas are made of synthetic fabrics (e.g., nylon or polyester) that have waterproof coatings so rain slides off easily.

✔️ Vents: These are small openings in the umbrella's canopy that help wind flow through to decrease the likelihood of your umbrella flips inside out. Note that vents are typically more common in full-size umbrellas.

✔️ Features: There are a few additional features to look out for when choosing the right umbrella for you. When it comes to the opening mechanism, the majority of our top-rated picks have an automatic open/close design so you can simply push a button. A few styles have a manual design that requires you to open and close the umbrella yourself. Another minor feature we like is an included case so you can keep your umbrella covered while traveling.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she works alongside experts to ensure our product guides reflect accurate information and pricing. She has covered a variety of travel accessory categories including the best travel pillows and the best travel journals . To write this article, Elizabeth collaborated with Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at the GH Institute Lexie Sachs , who has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

Product Reviews

The Best Mattresses

The Best Humidifiers for Babies

The Best Cordless Drills

The Best Outdoor TVs

The Best Water Filters

The Best Tagine Pots

The Best Laundry Detergents of 2024

The Best Razors for Women of 2024

The Best Enzyme Cleaners

I Tested Vitamix's Buzzy New Blenders

The Best Futons

The Best Shampoos for Gray Hair

The 10 Best Travel Umbrellas, Tested & Reviewed

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The one thing that I absolutely never forget to pack: a travel umbrella. No matter where I’m going, except for the Wadi Rum or the Sahara Desert maybe, there’s bound to be some inclement weather. Rain, sleet, thunderstorms; no destination is without them. Having an umbrella on hand allows you to keep your travel plans intact, and even see the sights in some places without all the crowds.

However, the task of picking an umbrella is about as daunting as picking a suitcase . With about a million options to choose from and all of them claiming to be “the best travel umbrella,” it’s no wonder so many just pick the cheapest option and go. However, not all umbrellas are created equally—as anyone who has found themselves with one completely inverted during a torrential downpour will tell you. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best travel umbrellas, keeping features like durability, wind-resistance, and size in mind.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Discover the best travel umbrellas:

• Best overall: Weatherman travel umbrella
• Most compact: Davek The Davek mini
• Best for cities: Amy's Automatic umbrella
• Most affordable: Repel windproof travel umbrella
• Most durable: Blunt Metro umbrella
• Best splurge: Pasotti Tropical umbrella
• Most lightweight: Totes mini manual umbrella
• Best patterns: Rifle Paper Company umbrella
• Most wind-resistant: Davek Elite umbrella
• Most sustainable: Totes recycled canopy umbrella

Best overall travel umbrella

Why we love it : Sturdy, wind-resistant, lightweight, and incredibly compact, the Weatherman travel umbrella is undeniably the best on the market. This umbrella has a serious fanbase, with hundreds of nearly perfect reviews on Amazon. It is surprisingly lightweight, and can easily fit in a carry-on or tote bag . It has an automatic open and close feature, a reinforced fiberglass base, and a water-resistant, Teflon-coated fabric. Plus, it shields winds up to 45 MPH and is tough enough to withstand even the heaviest of rainfall.

Worth noting : There aren’t many things to complain about this umbrella, however, it is a bit pricey coming in at $69. However, with a lifetime warranty, it’s well worth the splurge.

Dimensions:  Open diameter: 38"; Closed length: 12" Weight: 0.85 oz. Carrying sleeve included: Yes

Most compact

Why we love it: When they say mini, they mean mini. The Davek Mini is so small and compact that it fits in the palm of your hand. Measuring less than 7 inches when closed, you can easily stash this umbrella in your carry-on, backpack , or even a jacket pocket. Plus, it weighs less than a pound, making it almost unnoticeable when not in use. Made from reinforced fiberglass, it also comes in 10 bright colors so you can coordinate your umbrella with the rest of your outfit.

Worth noting: Because of its size, the canopy doesn’t provide overwhelming coverage. Additionally, it’s not built for extreme storms and functions best in light showers.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 38"; Closed length: 7"

Weight : 0.8 oz.

Carrying sleeve included : Yes

Best for cities

Why we love it : With a sleek and stylish small wooden or plastic handle, this lightweight umbrella features a wind-defying 8-rib canopy that’s also UPF 50+ certified, meaning it provides adequate sun protection, too. Small enough to walk down the busy streets of Chicago during a rainstorm without the awkward “bump and sideswipe,” it fits easily in a work tote, briefcase, or backpack. Plus, it features an automatic open and close, and comes in over a dozen bright and bold patterns and colorways, making it easy to stand out in a sea of black and blue canopies. It also comes with a five-year global warranty and is pretty affordable at only $40.

Worth noting: It’s small enough to fit in your hand, which means the canopy doesn’t offer premium protection in heavy rainstorms.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 38.1"; Closed length: 21.6"

Weight : 0.76 oz.

Most affordable

Why we love it : You can’t go wrong with this incredibly durable, lightweight, and affordable Repel travel umbrella. With over 36,000 4.5-star Amazon reviews, this is an overwhelming crowd favorite among travelers, worker bees, families, and everyone in between. I tested the durability during a heavy summer rainstorm in Chicago, and it stood up surprisingly well thanks to its 9-rib canopy, heavy-duty Teflon-coated fabric, and non-slip rubber grip. Plus, the automatic open and close feature makes it super easy to go in and out of buildings and restaurants without getting soaked or stuck. Another thing to note was how well it stood up to Chicago’s infamous winds—not bending, flipping, or even flapping during big gusts. The best part? It’s only $27 on Amazon and comes in 10 colors.

Worth noting: We didn’t find any problems with the umbrella, but some reviewers found that it didn’t stand up to heavier winds and isn't as lightweight as other comparable brands.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 42"; Closed length: 11.5"

Weight : 0.93 oz.

Carrying sleeve included : No

Most durable

Why we love it : This heavy-duty umbrella stands up to even the strongest rainstorms, and offers supreme coverage thanks to its patented wind-tip rounded edges, which work like mini umbrellas. It’s also built with a 360-degree spinning canopy which prevents it from breaking when dropped or knocked over. It’s extremely wind-resistant and has been tested to withstand the winds and rains of a category one hurricane. It’s also made from rip-resistant pongee fabric that is also super quick to dry, so you can easily go back indoors without needing a plastic cover.

Worth noting: This umbrella only features six ribs, which means it's smaller than Blunt’s other umbrellas.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 39"; Closed length: 15"

Weight : 0.85 oz.

Best splurge

Why we love it : If looking chic is just as important as staying dry, this is the umbrella for you. Handcrafted by Italian umbrella maker Pasotti, the canopy will stop people in their tracks—with a beautiful tropical pattern in sage, gold, and dark green. When I was walking in downtown Chicago, I had four people stop to ask me about this umbrella (and then a few ask to buy it from me). Although I originally gravitated to this umbrella for its looks, the functionality is why it’s my absolute go-to. The canopy extends 102 centimeters and has a 93 centimeter shaft, meaning I’m not going to get pelted by rain when it’s windy (which is everyday in Chicago).

Worth noting: At $275, this is by far the most expensive on the list.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 40"

Most lightweight

Why we love it : They weren’t kidding when they said this is one of the most lightweight umbrellas on the market, weighing only 8 ounces. Small enough to fit into most purses , carry-ons, totes, and computer bags, this umbrella doesn’t take up any more space than it needs too. One drawback with the size is that you need to activate the canopy manually (no quick release button). However, the handle is sturdy and the canopy provides ample coverage for most light-to-moderate rain storms. I love the fact that it comes in multiple colors and patterns, and the price makes it easy to stock up on a few (only $25 at Amazon).

Worth noting: Due to the size, it’s not super wind-resistant and wouldn’t be a great pick if you’re facing a heavy downpour or storm.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 43"; Closed length: 11.2"

Weight : 7.8 ounces

Best patterns

Why we love it : If you’re someone who buys a bottle of wine based on the label, these umbrellas are for you. Known for its bold, whimsical, and delicate patterns and floral designs, Rifle Paper Company’s umbrellas are true works of art. Each umbrella also features a sleek wooden handle and an automatic open/close feature.

Worth noting: This is not the umbrella to buy if you’re looking for durability, extreme wind resistance, or more bells and whistles. This basic umbrella provides decent coverage in light rain, but isn’t meant for heavy winds or downpours.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 43"; Closed length: 11"

Most wind-resistant

Why we love it : There’s a reason 81 people have given this umbrella a nearly perfect rating on Amazon—it actually holds up. Sure, it may be a splurge at $159, but it is well worth the price tag when you see how it holds up. Surprisingly compact, the canopy extends 50 inches, giving you extreme protection against even heavy rains. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in a carry-on, backpack, or large tote bag. The fabric is 201-thread count, making it luxurious to touch but also extremely powerful against rain. The best feature is the wind-tension frame system, which can withstand heavy winds and prevent inversion. We tested this against a very blustery 55 MPH wind day in Chicago, and there was barely any flapping or movement at all from the tough canopy.

Worth noting: It’s expensive, but comes with a lifetime warranty and replacement guarantee.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 50"; Closed length: 35"

Weight : 1 lb.

Most sustainable

Why we love it : Shopping sustainably is more important now than ever, and that extends to umbrellas, too. Tote’s recycled umbrella is made from 100 percent Recycled PET plastics, equating to about 7.5 recycled water bottles per umbrella. The handle and strap are also made from all renewable resources, like bamboo and hemp, and the production process uses less water overall. In terms of coverage, the Pet umbrella features Tote’s patented NeverWet invisible coating allowing the rain to drip off the umbrella 4 percent faster, leaving you with a drier umbrella once indoors.

Worth noting: Its compact design makes it easy to travel with, however, doesn’t provide a ton of additional coverage beyond your person.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 43"; Closed length: 11.5"

Weight : 1.15 lbs.

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

The 10 Best Travel Umbrellas for Every Type of Traveler

The Editors

We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected] !

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

The best travel umbrella for you largely depends on where and when you’ll often use it. But the last thing you want is to have to test your umbrella for the first time while on vacation.

After dramatic technical failures, we’ve tossed one too many umbrellas into public trash cans (popped hinges! Ripped fabric! Sound familiar?). So, we decided it was high time for a more methodical approach to finding an excellent travel umbrella. We’ve narrowed down the field to 10 umbrellas, which we’re confident packing in our bags when we hit the road.

Best Compact Travel Umbrellas

Traveler type: Carry-on only is your travel mantra, but you want something a little sturdier than traditional budget options.

These compact travel umbrellas are made for travelers who want something small and light that also delivers a higher quality than budget options, with automatic open-and-close functionality and more durable construction.

EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella

As far as compact umbrellas go, this one delivers solid construction for its price tag. The umbrella folds to 11 inches and weighs just over 14 ounces for easy packing. Its not-your-average-mini-umbrella construction, including a double canopy with nine ribs, adds durability in wind gusts.

Davek Solo Umbrella

A bit heavier (1 pound 2 ounces) and longer (11.75 inches) than the EEZ-Y model, the Davek Solo makes up for the added weight and space with a wind-resistant frame designed to withstand more than a breeze. It’s a little pricier than your traditional mini umbrella; however, the brand’s Loss Protection Card offers you 50 percent off a new umbrella if you lose yours, and there’s a lifetime guarantee to protect you in case of mechanical problems.

Most Durable Travel Umbrellas

Traveler type: You don’t mind the extra weight if it means your umbrella won’t turn inside out as often.

If you’re the type of traveler who always seems to be wrestling with your umbrella in the slightest breeze, these umbrellas are for you. These travel umbrellas are made to withstand wind thanks to details like venting systems of overlapping fabric layers, additional springs at joints, and more robust materials.

Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella

While it’s a little longer than other travel umbrellas (14 inches), this Blunt model is still light at just over 12 ounces. It has been designed to withstand winds up to 55 miles per hour and has blunt edges, so it won’t puncture holes in anything when you stash it in your luggage (or hurt passersby in crowded cities). Despite its manual close, we also found that this umbrella had the smoothest opening and closing of any umbrella we’ve ever tried.

GustBuster Metro

Like the Blunt Metro, the GustBuster Metro is designed to withstand 55-mile-per-hour gusts. Its double canopy waterproof construction also makes it one that can protect you from the heavy rains that often accompany the wind. At 16 inches and 1.1 pounds, it’s one of the bigger options on this list, but if you’re looking for your sturdiest option, this is it.

Best Cheap Travel Umbrellas

Traveler type: You always leave your umbrella behind at restaurants, on trains, in cabs….

While these umbrellas aren’t the toughest, you won’t mind losing them. Fortunately, some of the most inexpensive umbrellas are also the lightest and most packable, meaning you’ll almost always have space for them in your luggage or day bag.

Totes TRX Manual Mini Trekker

Coming in at eight ounces and 6.5 inches when folded, this option from Totes is one of the best mini umbrellas—ideal for throwing in your day bag if there’s a chance of rain. It also doubles as a shade source during warmer days with built-in sun guard UPF 50 protection. With nearly a dozen colors and patterns, you can find the one that best matches your travel outfits.

Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrella

This 10-ounce, 10.75-inch-long umbrella will likely turn inside out on you when it gets windy, but the good news is that it’s proven to pop back into shape time and time again easily. It’s also easier to close with an auto open/close button.

Best Travel Umbrellas for Heavy Rain

Traveler type: Even a monsoon won’t stop you from exploring on your trip.

If you know you’re going to a particularly rainy destination or must keep your outfit completely dry in a storm, look for an umbrella with a larger canopy. The tradeoff for better coverage is often a longer umbrella and more weight.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

Coated with Teflon, this umbrella dries faster than umbrellas without a Teflon coating, so you can easily stash it in your bag when the rain (hopefully) stops. The double-vented canopy gives this umbrella extra flex that helps it stand up to powerful gusts. Measuring 11.5 inches long and weighing under a pound, this Repel umbrella is still a relatively small, light option.

Bodyguard Windproof Travel Umbrella

Reinforced with ten flexible ribs for higher winds, this umbrella is another Teflon-coated option, ensuring water runs off your umbrella and not onto you. The 46.5-inch canopy is slightly larger than the Repel’s, giving you added protection (or allowing you to squeeze in another travel companion if you feel like sharing). It is, however, an inch longer.

Best Large Umbrellas for Couples

Traveler type: You and your companion don’t mind huddling together to stay out of the rain.

Ultra-packable umbrellas are often designed for one person, meaning if you’re traveling with family, you might want to equip each member with their own. However, vacationers traveling in pairs can get around packing multiples with these umbrellas designed to shelter two.

Prospo 62 Inch Large Travel Umbrella

With an oversized canopy (62 inches), this umbrella has plenty of room to fit two but folds up to only 15 inches so it won’t take up space in your bag. 

Kalolary 62 Inch Extra Oversize Large Compact Golf Umbrella

With a 62-inch diameter, this umbrella has plenty of room for two people. The best part? It closes up to 11.8 inches, putting it on par with more compact travel umbrellas. While it’s a bit heavier at just over a pound, the size of it open outweighs the extra weight.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Greece: 8-Nt, Small-Group Tour, Incl. Aegina,...

Amsterdam to Copenhagen: Luxe, 18-Night Northern...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Trending on SmarterTravel

• Meet the Team
• Our Manifesto
• Work with Us
• Budget Travel
• Personal Development
• Work & Travel
• United Kingdom
• More of Europe
• Philippines
• More of Southeast Asia
• More of South America
• More of Central America
• South Korea
• More of Asia
• More of North America
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands
• More of Oceania
• South Africa
• More of Africa
• More of the Middle East
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Gear

Home » Gear » The Best Travel Umbrella To Keep You Dry in 2024

The Best Travel Umbrella To Keep You Dry in 2024

When you’re on the road, the only weather guarantee you can count on is the fact that nobody can predict what’s coming. Forecasts are subject to change, and things can go from sunny to sour in a heartbeat.

For high-spirited travellers, a bit of rain is nothing a good hot choccy can’t fix, but for some of the gear we take with us everywhere we go, a poorly-timed shower can erase hard drives and permanently destroy expensive equipment.

Luckily, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad planning. Travellers ready for anything won’t leave the house without a good Travel Umbrella to better protect their bags, gear, and phone from all sorts of weather.

Even tropical paradises change quickly in the rainy season, and before you know it, the clouds start rolling in. We’ve all felt the feeling of horror as the first few drops land around you and knowing you won’t make it home in time!! This is where a good quality umbrella comes in!!

Carry peace of mind with you wherever you go with one of the best travel umbrellas on the market. These slimline protection fit in any gear bag or campervan and can quickly step in to save the day.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

In A Hurry? Check out these travel umbrellas.

How to choose the perfect travel umbrella, faq about the best travel umbrella.

• Buy Us a Coffee!
• #1 – Best Overall:  Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
• #2 – Most Portable:  HERO Travel Umbrella
• #3 – Best Windproof Umbrella: Goothdurs Windproof Travel Umbrella
• #4 – Most Convenient: LANBRELLA Inverted Umbrella
• #5 – Most Stylish:  Kate Spade Raindrop Travel Umbrella
• #6 – Best Lightweight:  Umenice Automatic Travel Umbrella
• #7 – Best Casing:  Bodyguard travel Umbrella
• #8 – Most Variety:  Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrella
• #9 – Best Quick Dry:  EEZ-Y Travel Umbrella
• #10 – Most Affordable:  Amazon Basics Automatic Travel Umbrella

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

• > Lightweight
• > Fully reversible designs

HERO Travel Umbrella

• > Comprehensive and robust ribs
• > Teflon coverage

Goothdurs Windproof Travel Umbrella

• > Colorful design scheme
• > Pongee material

LANBRELLA Inverted Umbrella

• > Inverted design
• > Handle slips

Kate Spade Raindrop Travel Umbrella

• > Convenient wrist strap
• > Automatic open capabilities

Umenice Automatic Travel Umbrella

• > Made out of steel and fiberglass materials

BodyGuard Travel Umbrella

• > Ten ribs to provide more wind resistance
• > Included leather case

Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrella

• > Variety of fun colors
• > Lightweight rain protection

EEZ-Y Travel Umbrella

• > Vented double canopy
• > affordable and variety of protection features

AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella

• > Button-operated open and close features

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

#1 – Best Overall: Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is our pick for best overall compact travel umbrella.

• 11.5 inches long
• 36.5 inches wide

The Repel windproof travel umbrella sets the bar high. This umbrella is lightweight, strong, and even offers fully reversible designs that can withstand windy weather. The repel brand has earned acclaim across the world for its durability and quality design, and this travel umbrella is its flagship model. 

Let’s be honest, using an umbrella in blustery weather is a nightmare, but this windproof umbrella with its double canopy can repel strong winds without blowing inside out! When you’re looking for a compact travel umbrella you often have to compromise but here, no way!

Thanks to their lifetime replacement guarantee, this affordable umbrella should be the last one you ever have to buy. In addition, the Repel windproof travel umbrella package comes with a travel case so your rain protection can easily fit into the most miniature carry-on bags. 

Taking up less space than a raincoat and providing enough coverage for you and your bags, this top-of-the-line lightweight travel umbrella is a safe choice and it’ll stand up to way more than just light rain.

#2 – Most Portable: HERO Travel Umbrella

Meet the most portable umbrella: HERO Travel Umbrella

• 13.74 inches long
• 40 inches Wide

Gunning for the crown is this upstart travel umbrella, a new option that has turned heads as quickly as kept them dry. 

We can be heroes with the right equipment in our pocket, and the convenient hardshell case allows your lightweight travel umbrella to be protected while compacting down to fit into even the smallest pack, even a travel purse .

Once unravelled, the travel umbrella promises best-in-class rain coverage thanks to comprehensive and robust ribs and Teflon coverage. Even though it’s one of the most compact umbrellas out there, it will still withstand some strong winds and is a great option if you’re looking for a windproof umbrella.

With the same lifetime guarantee as the Repel windproof travel umbrella, the only reason the HERO travel umbrella isn’t higher on the list is the slightly larger price point. However, travellers looking to invest in an extra splash of coverage can rely on this option to help stay dry. It might just be the only umbrella you’ll have to buy!

#3 – Best Wind Protection: Goothdurs Windproof Travel Umbrella

Our pick for best wind protection is Goothdurs Windproof Travel Umbrella

• 12.4 inches long
• 40 inches long

With a simple yet colourful design scheme and top-notch reinforcements in the right places, this windproof travel umbrella is protection made interesting. The umbrella uses a mix of alloy steel and carbon fibre to strengthen its ribs while remaining one of the most lightweight options on the market. 

We gave this Goothdurs Umbrella incredibly high rain-resistant ratings thanks to the Pongee material used in the outer layer, also giving the umbrella its signature look. The fabric naturally repels even the strongest showers. With a double canopy, you’re not going to be caught out any time with this compact travel umbrella.

Wrap it all up in the included carrying case and take this compact umbrella wherever the storm finds you. If you’re looking for the best windproof umbrella then you can’t go wrong with this number!

#4 – Most Convenient: LANBRELLA Inverted Umbrella

LANBRELLA Inverted Umbrella is one of the most convenient umbrella

• 42 inches wide
• 32 inches long

This umbrella thinks a bit differently. The handle slips right over your wrist which allows you easy access to your phone or an ice cream cone while the umbrella is in operation. 

When it’s time for storage, you won’t find anything more convenient than LANBRELLAs inside-out design. No one wants a wet umbrella in their backpack!

Flip this umbrella over, and it will completely seal off the damp side of the product from the rest of your possessions until you get home. This umbrella can’t entirely fold in half, but the inverted design still makes it a compact umbrella.  

The cherry on top is the luminous band on the outside edges of the otherwise black umbrella that allows you to be spotted quickly crossing dark streets at night. Packed full of new features, there’s something for everyone in this option, making it one of the best umbrellas on the market.  

#5 – Most Stylish: Kate Spade Raindrop Travel Umbrella

Meet the most stylish umbrella: Kate Spade Raindrop Travel Umbrella

• 40 inches wide
• 12.75 inches long

Sometimes it’s worth splurging to look good. Pop-out in a rainstorm with the high-quality coverage provided by this less adventurous travel umbrella. It comes with a convenient wrist strap and automatic open capabilities. 

This umbrella can’t fold in half and won’t break any space-saving records, but it doesn’t weigh much more than some of the lightest travel options on the market, and it will provide a splash of much-needed colour on a cloudy day. 

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

#6 – Best Lightweight: Umenice Automatic Travel Umbrella

Umenice Automatic Travel Umbrella is our pick for best lightweight umbrella

• 39 inches wide

This lightweight umbrella still expands for enough coverage to protect two people and is favoured by travellers who take every ounce seriously. Tucked inside its travel case, you can slide this travel umbrella into a purse or jean pocket and carry rain protection everywhere you go. It might just be the best most compact travel umbrella on the market for those packing light.

While it lacks Teflon or other high-performance features to make it a completely windproof umbrella, it’s still made out of steel and fibreglass materials that won’t crumble at the first gust. 

Even the most lightweight backpackers can find the space necessary to bring along this compact travel umbrella. If you’re specifically looking for portable umbrellas then this brolly is gonna get the job done.

#7 – Best Casing: BodyGuard Travel Umbrella

Our pick for best casing umbrella is BodyGuard Travel Umbrella

• 13.3 inches long
• 37 inches wide

Each rib on your travel umbrella will help to protect you from windy conditions better, so it’s never a bad idea to bring along a few extra. Unlike most travel umbrellas which feature eight ribs, this bodyguard spreads its rain coverage across ten ribs to provide more wind resistance. 

The extra ribs better protect the Teflon technology that is spread across the canopy, allowing water to wick off quickly and helping the umbrella dry faster than the competition. Once it’s dried up, it fits nicely inside the included leather case for a fashionable and protected look. 

While slightly more expensive than some industry-leading options, this travel umbrella packs plenty of safety features to justify an extra few bucks. You’re really getting a quality umbrella here for the money.

#8 – Most Variety: Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrella

Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrella is our pick for most variety umbrella

• 11 inches long
• 38 inches wide

Lewis N. Clark surely wished they had the technologies included in this travel umbrella when they first crossed the country, as the rain coverage in this travel tool will make any trip better. The umbrella folds up smaller than some of the best travel umbrellas on the market, and when it’s time to use it, the wide diameter keeps everything dry. 

All of this in an affordable package makes the umbrella a no-brainer, and the company’s one-year guarantee will make sure you get your money’s worth. Is it the best compact umbrella on the market? Quite possibly!

You can choose between a variety of fun colours or stick to black. No matter what colour you pick, you’ll have lightweight rain protection that can survive winds up to 30 mph.  

#9 – Best Quick Dry: EEZ-Y Travel Umbrella

EEZ-Y Travel Umbrella is one of the best quick dry umbrella

Another option that isn’t trying to do too much, this easy travel umbrella won’t save you from a tropical storm, but it can hold its own in most rain showers. The umbrella has venting technology across the entire double canopy, which allows the umbrella to dry faster than the competition. 

This feature also allows wind to blow through without carrying you away. The vented double canopy still folds up to an incredibly compact size, and a reinforced steel frame should last a lifetime. 

It’s not as wide as the best umbrellas on this list, but its affordability and variety of protection features still make this quality umbrella a great addition to any travel arsenal.  

#10 – Most Affordable: AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella

Our pick for most affordable umbrella is AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella

• 11.2 inches long

If you’re not expecting much out of your travel umbrella, you won’t need more than the basics. Amazon has provided enough lightweight features in a compact body to provide a quality travel umbrella as long as you’re not expecting much wind. 

The umbrella includes button-operated open and close features and still provides full-sized protection despite rolling up into an 11-inch package. Unfortunately, while slim and protective, you won’t find any durable materials on this product, with a simple steel alloy frame. 

It might not be the best umbrella out there, but if you get caught in a drizzle from time to time, having this travel umbrella in your bag will prevent a bad day from getting worse. 

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

If you stick around long enough, there’s bound to be some rain. The perfect travel umbrella is small enough that you don’t notice it in your bag for months but is ready to open up and protect you and your gear in a flash. 

When it’s time to open up your umbrella, you won’t want to spend your walk home fighting with the wind either. The best umbrella stands up to not only the rain but won’t flip inside out at the slightest breeze! 

Strong wind gusts are your umbrella’s worst nightmare, and if you don’t have the right travel umbrella, your protection could be gone with the wind! Think, Mary Poppins gone wrong!

Umbrella companies have taken measures to provide compact but resilient travel companions that offer varying levels of the following characteristics. Great umbrellas balance protection, hardiness, and compactness with keeping the costs down to qualify as a contending product. 

Let’s be honest, even if you’ve got the best travel bag out there, you still don’t want to risk it getting soaked wet if it’s got your expensive laptop and travel camera inside!

What’s the point of an umbrella if it is not good at protecting you? Protection should be the deciding factor when you are searching for the perfect travel umbrella. 

Every travel umbrella may hold its own in a minor rain shower, but few can handle gale-force winds.

If you’re expecting some foul weather, look for stainless steel frames and ribs that are malleable but resilient.  Blending these frames with Teflon-coated exterior layers or flexible fibreglass allows certain high-tech travel umbrellas to tolerate windy conditions better. Some umbrellas also have a double canopy to allow wind to move through without catching in the canopy.

Travel umbrellas that promise to be windproof can stay in shape through winds up to 60 mph. If you’re experiencing winds any more robust than that, I highly suggest you get inside immediately!

The best brands have battle-tested their brolly’s in various laboratory conditions to prove their worth on a windy day, and others have sacrificed a few high-performance pieces to be extraordinarily lightweight or compact.  

Compactness

Every travel umbrella seeks to find the perfect balance between compact size and complete rain protection. You’ll have to decide for yourself how much space in your luggage you’re willing to sacrifice for a larger canopy. 

A quality travel umbrella should fold up by telescoping to take up less precious cargo space, squeezing down to packages about a foot long. All of the umbrellas on our list can compact themselves to fit easily in any carry-on luggage. 

These compact umbrellas are made lightweight to fit into more bags using light metals and sacrificing some canopy reach compared to an everyday parasol. Look for travel umbrellas to only weigh around one pound, while some of the best-in-class options are closer to half a pound. 

Juxtapose the weight with your coverage requirements. Umbrella enthusiasts agree that a 23 inches canopy is the minimum length necessary to protect one person. However, you’ll want your canopy to tack on a few inches if you expect it to guard your bags as well as your body. 

Finding the perfect blend to these stats is the recipe for a great travel companion. If your Bumbershoot is too big, it might be tempting to leave it out of your day pack, which could be a fatal mistake. 

On the other hand, an umbrella that is too small to protect you and your belongings entirely is useless no matter how little space it takes up.  

Whether it’s facing the wind, rain, sleet, or grumpy baggage handlers, you’ll need a travel umbrella that can take a beating. Luckily, some of the most lightweight metals have also proven themselves capable of absorbing a few punches. 

Fibreglass steel and Teflon will provide the hardiest protection, followed closely by lightweight aluminium alloy. Ideally, your umbrella will have a combination of a few of these elements that allow it to stay light and strong. 

If you don’t want to buy a new umbrella every year, it’s worth investing a few extra dollars into a high-quality product that combines these metals. Cheap substitutes can talk a big game but can often snap after a few weeks in the bottom of your luggage.  

Some of the best travel umbrellas on the market take protection a step further by providing a tough yet packable case that makes it easier to safely and compactly store your umbrella. 

Looking for a good waterproof jacket to combine with your new umbrella? Check out our guide to the best options on the market.

Still, have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Do I really need a travel umbrella?

Every real traveller knows that an umbrella can be a lifesaver on rainy trips. Even if it’s just for the short trip from the tent to the toilets… And since travel umbrellas are so compact and small, there’s really no reason that speaks against packing one.

What’s the difference between a travel umbrella and a normal umbrella?

A travel umbrella can be folded and packed into such a compact bundle that it’s easily fitting in even the smallest pack. They’re also lighter than normal umbrellas.

What are the most compact travel umbrellas?

Looking for compact umbrellas? Check out the lightest and most packable travel umbrellas: – Umenice Automatic Travel Umbrella – HERO Travel Umbrella – Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

What is the sturdiest travel umbrella?

Travel umbrellas might be super light, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be sturdy. The Goothdurs Windproof Travel Umbrella easily proves this.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Final Thoughts

For many exciting and exotic locations, unexpected downpours are a part of daily life. Slip a travel umbrella into your luggage, and don’t let it out of your sight.

No umbrella will protect you from an October in Costa Rica , and there is no one umbrella perfect for everyone. Only you can decide the best travel umbrella for your unique usage, but there is no risk involved in bringing along some extra rain protection. 

We’ve laid out the best travel umbrellas that are capable of protecting you from tropical rainstorms, downpours, and too much sun. Lightweight and multifunctional, these umbrellas can fit in any bag. 

Every traveller has a story or two about being in the wrong place at the wrong time and ending up drenched. Let us know about the times you wish you had a high-quality travel umbrella to save your day in the comments! 

Looking for a great gift for the traveller in your life? Y o u can’t go wrong with a good quality umbrella!

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Aiden Freeborn

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Advertisement

• Outdoor gear

The Best Umbrellas for Wind and Rain

By James Austin , Daniel Varghese and Sarah J. Robbins

Trudging through rain is rarely enjoyable, but a great umbrella will reduce the misery, keep you (mostly) dry, and easily stow away when it’s not needed.

Our favorite is the compact Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella . Its nine-rib construction held up against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice the price.

Everything we recommend

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best travel umbrella for most people.

This solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella holds up in high winds. It also comes in several colors.

Buying Options

price may vary by color or style

AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent

A travel umbrella with great wind resistance.

This nicely priced umbrella blew away most competition in wind-resistance tests. It comes in a range of colors, but they tend to vary in price, and this model has a history of stock issues.

Balios Folding Double Canopy Umbrella

A travel umbrella that’s slightly more fancy, slightly less practical.

This umbrella performs similarly to our top pick but has a more luxurious feel and build. However, it lacks a wrist strap.

Budget pick

Lewis N. Clark Umbrella

A cheap, light, and bright travel umbrella.

This isn’t the toughest umbrella, but it comes in many colors, and it’s portable and inexpensive. So it’s great for kids or forgetful folks.

Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella

A low-priced stick-style umbrella.

With this model, you get classic style and impressive durability at a very reasonable weight—and price.

Upgrade pick

Davek Elite

A premium stick-style umbrella.

If you’re willing to pay a lot more for a timeless umbrella with elevated style and construction, this is the one to get.

How we picked

The top job of any worthy umbrella is to keep the user dry and protected from the elements.

Though we picked umbrellas of varying lengths, we made sure they were all light and easily portable.

An umbrella should be able to withstand strong gusts, invert without breaking, and then resume its original structure.

Umbrellas are not heirloom items. Since they’re frequently lost or loaned, we looked for options that weren’t overly expensive.

And to suit a range of preferences, we have four other picks, including a budget travel umbrella (perfect for forgetful types) and a high-end, stick-style umbrella that provides more coverage (and is constructed from premium materials).

The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella folds up to a compact size (11½ inches long), so it fits in most bags and glove boxes. At the touch of a button, it forcefully expands to reveal an ample canopy (37 inches in diameter), which protects your torso and head from precipitation in all but the windiest conditions. And its textured handle is easy for hands of all sizes to grip.

We also appreciate that this umbrella comes in several colors (see other options here ), so you can more readily find yours in a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, Repel backs this reasonably priced umbrella with a lifetime refund or replacement guarantee —but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under its warranty.

The AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent costs less than our top pick—if you get it in black (the other shades cost more.) And due to its vented design and sturdy build, it shrugged off even the toughest gusts during testing. Since 2017, when it first came to our attention, this umbrella has gone in and out of stock several times, making it hard to predict when it would be available. As of early summer 2024, it is out of stock again. If you can find it, though, this is a solid umbrella.

The Balios Folding Double Canopy Umbrella looks and feels premium—with a wooden handle and solid build quality—yet it costs the same (when shipping is included) as our top pick, the Repel umbrella. But its wooden handle is more slippery than the Repel’s handle, and since the Balios umbrella also lacks a wrist strap, you need to be more vigilant in keeping a grip on it. This umbrella held up well to strong winds, and its 37-inch-wide canopy easily bounced back after it was forced to invert during testing. The Balios umbrella deploys quickly.

The Lewis N. Clark Umbrella was a previous top pick in this guide, and it’s still a great value. This lightweight travel model frequently goes on sale for about half the price of our other picks, so it’s a good choice for kids or those who tend to lose umbrellas. It isn’t as solidly built as our other picks, but at 10 ounces, it’s about a quarter-pound lighter than the Repel and AmazonBasics models. And its 38-inch canopy offers better coverage and more wind resistance compared with most other umbrellas in the sub-$20 range. We also like that it comes in eight colors.

If you want more coverage than a compact automatic umbrella can provide, stick umbrellas, though typically taller and heavier, have a wider canopy, so they protect more than just your upper torso. Among the nine stick options we tested, the Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella was by far the most affordable. Yet it held up against the strongest winds and didn’t feel at all top-heavy, which is a common issue with this type of umbrella (often misidentified as a golf umbrella). This one also looks nicer than you might expect for the price. But if you want something made from more premium materials, and you’re willing to spend a lot more, consider our other stick-umbrella pick, the Davek Elite.

As we’ve established, you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to get a great umbrella. But if you do opt to splurge on a timeless stick, the Davek Elite is worth it. It has a stitched leather handle, a high-quality fiberglass frame, and a 44-inch microfiber canopy. (Plus, there’s a lifetime guarantee to back it all up.) The Elite is available in three colors (black, navy blue, and copper). Beyond its fancy materials, this umbrella can really perform. It withstands wind exceptionally well. And, thanks to its flexible ribs, it doesn’t become a kite when subjected to strong gusts; instead, it turns inside out and then recovers easily. It’s worth noting, however, that the Elite’s cane handle measures 5 inches across, which could be a lot for a smaller hand to manage.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we tested, our pick: repel windproof travel umbrella, runner-up: amazonbasics automatic travel umbrella with wind vent, also great: balios folding double canopy umbrella, budget pick: lewis n. clark umbrella, also great: an inexpensive stick-style umbrella, upgrade pick: a premium stick-style umbrella, other good umbrellas, what about inverted umbrellas, care and maintenance, the competition, frequently asked questions.

Over the past several years, we’ve taken umbrellas on errands, run them under the shower, attacked them with a leaf blower, and tortured them to the point of failure in gusty winds and blizzard-like conditions. In between the tests, we’ve lived with these umbrellas and loaned samples to family members and friends. This has generated impromptu side-by-side comparisons and ultimately revealed how these umbrellas hold up with long-term use. After all of our testing, we’re confident we’ve found some of the best umbrellas among the hundreds available.

When we initially conducted our research, we also visited Rain or Shine in New York City. At the time, it was one of the few umbrella specialty retailers left in the US (it has since closed). Peggy Levee, Rain or Shine’s owner, was a protégé of Gilbert Center , a storied umbrella sales and repair expert, who was also a source for this guide. Levee formerly operated out of a Midtown Manhattan office stocked with high-end models from around the world. Together with Levee, we examined a range of brands and discussed performance, value, and owner satisfaction.

As always, we started by reassessing our own past research and testing, and we looked at other online reviews. Before visiting the Rain or Shine umbrella store in New York City, we consulted the work of the good folks at GearLab , who have done their own extensive umbrella trials. A post on The Art of Manliness website provided historical context and some well-informed general opinions.

Our 2015 interview with umbrella sales and repair guru Gilbert Center revealed a sad truth: Most (though not all) umbrella making is outsourced to generalist manufacturers, often at the expense of quality. Our dive into online reviews and retail offerings supported that fact; it revealed that there’s an alarming number of cheap, physically identical umbrellas available under multiple, rarely well-known brands. Our digging also revealed there’s a startling similarity and positivity in supposed owner reviews (we’re on record as being skeptics of this phenomenon ). Armed with this background information, we were able to develop some key criteria to help us narrow the field of qualified contestants.

• It turns out that a 37- to 39-inch-diameter canopy is just about perfect for keeping someone’s head and torso dry—without adding too much bulk to the total package. That’s why this is the range for most manufacturers’ standard or “full-size” portable umbrellas. Regardless of an umbrella’s size, no model will keep you dry from head to toe, especially if there’s a breeze. Blowing rain and puddles inevitably produce wet calves and pant cuffs, dampened thighs, and even soaked waists. It’s better to think of an umbrella as protection for your hairdo and upper torso as you scurry between car and office or subway and home. In 2017 and 2018, we looked into larger options, for those who may value extra coverage stretching to the abdomen. By contrast, mini umbrellas are generally no better than a wide-brimmed hat, so we skipped those models.
• We focused on umbrellas that were shorter than 12 inches fully folded —with the exception of some stick umbrellas—since most people want something that fits into a car’s glove box or a backpack’s water-bottle pocket. But we don’t recommend ultra-compact models: Though banana-sized umbrellas do exist, their canopies are often too small to be effective. And on ultra-compact full-size umbrellas, the ribs have four joints rather than two, so there are more potential points of failure.
• We sought a main pick that weighed less than a pound , with preference given to lighter models. After all, you’ll probably be carrying it with you most of the time. But we allowed some wiggle room for the larger stick umbrellas, since you typically tote them more like a cane or walking stick.
• Materials don’t vary much among brands. What matters: the quality of the design and production, and the specific alloy employed . All umbrellas use a synthetic fabric—usually polyester or nylon—for the canopy. Some boast an additional quick-dry coating of Teflon (though we’ve found this doesn’t make much difference in practice). The ribs and shaft are usually constructed from steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, either alone or in combination. Aluminum construction is sometimes considered a weakness, probably because of the metal’s association with soda cans and cooking foil. (“Stay away from it,” said Rain or Shine’s Peggy Levee. “What’s better is steel and fiberglass.”) But this could be an unfair generalization. After all, if you’ve taken a commercial flight, you’ve entrusted your life to critical components made of aluminum, such as wing ribs and roots; the process is not functionally different from that used to make soda cans, but it’s on an incomprehensibly larger ( and epoch-making ) scale.
• Although canopy and rib materials aren’t of primary importance, leather, pleather, and rubberized plastic handles offer a much better grip than hard plastic ones—especially when they’re molded into a shape that follows the hand’s natural contours. Stick umbrellas often (though not always) come with a cane handle made of wood or laminate, leather, or rubberized plastic.

• Choosing an automatic or manual opening mechanism is simply a matter of preference. Our research into owner experiences and our own internal polls bias us toward automatics—umbrellas that fully open and partially close with the push of a button on the handle. (So far, no automatic umbrella provides the finishing touch of cinching the canopy with the strap, and it’s hard to imagine one ever will.) If you’re carrying groceries, a purse, a briefcase, or a child in one hand, it’s helpful to be able to snap your umbrella open or closed with the other. That’s why our top pick remains an automatic. We should note, however, that virtually all stick umbrellas have a manual close, and many lightweight umbrellas are fully manual in order to save weight.
• Then there’s the question of economy . We discovered it’s possible to get an under-$25 model that’s solid enough to bend in the wind and reliably snap back into shape—so you won’t be heartbroken if you leave it at a restaurant. You can find ones for even less, but we wouldn’t recommend them, nor would Levee: “Yes, you can get a $5 umbrella in the street and a $10 umbrella at the drugstore. But how many are you buying?” With these, it’s less a matter of if than of when it will finally break (often on the same day you bought it). If you want to spend much more than $30 on an umbrella, you can get something special. But whether an umbrella is worth that investment depends more on your style proclivities or if you tend to lose umbrellas. “The average price for a nice stick umbrella is around $80 to $120,” Levee said. To be sure, a custom-carved, maple-handled Italian stick umbrella with a twill canopy, such as the Davek Savile we tested, is long on style. However, it won’t perform much better than our budget-friendly stick pick . (Though the steeper investment might motivate you to check the umbrella stand before you walk out the door of a restaurant.)
• Warranties also matter. Many companies that produce budget umbrellas offer lifetime coverage or other attractive claims. But they make the return shipping and documentation so costly and bureaucratic that it’s not worth the hassle. We favor well-known companies with simple, reliable return-and-replace programs, even if that means a slight increase in up-front cost.

For our 2018 update, we conducted research on dozens of new automatic, manual, ultralight, reversible, and stick umbrellas. In the end, we decided to test seven models (from Ace Teah, Bodyguard, Crackajack, Elementex, LifeTek, and Tadge Goods) against our picks from Repel, AmazonBasics, and Lewis N. Clark.

In 2019, we built on what we’d learned from previous updates, testing an additional seven umbrellas from Herschel, Balios, Davek, and Totes. We also checked out inverted umbrellas and included detailed notes on what we thought of that design.

To state the obvious: An umbrella is supposed to keep you dry. So in 2015, we tested several umbrellas for their ability to keep a T-shirt–clad mannequin dry beneath the spray of a dual shower head. To nobody’s surprise, we learned that wider umbrellas did a better job of reliably protecting the mannequin’s head, shoulders, and upper torso.

But once canopies get larger than the 37- to 39-inch range (the typical size of the automatic umbrellas we tested), you start running into weight issues without gaining significantly better coverage. Having established that, in subsequent years we focused our testing on other aspects of umbrella performance and build quality.

Instead, we concentrated on testing the umbrellas in real-world scenarios and, perhaps most important, seeing how they held up to stiff winds. Ideally, an umbrella should be lightweight and tough, flexible and resilient.

A good umbrella will withstand a stiff breeze, but it should also invert—flip inside out—when a sudden gust overwhelms its strength limits. In effect, it should bend rather than break. What matters is an umbrella’s ability to easily and repeatedly flip back to proper form. In 2017, on a rainy February day, Wirecutter’s Sarah J. Robbins took 16 models with her as she ran errands with her infant son in a BabyBjörn carrier. A few days later, during a sunny but blustery day, she did a second lap, this time pushing her baby in a stroller. She brought her observations to senior staff writer Tim Heffernan, who had performed the 2016 tests. Together, they reached subjective conclusions based on factors such as weight, balance, and handle comfort.

For the stick umbrellas, which were considerably taller and heavier, we considered how easy they were to use for Sarah, who is 5-foot-2, and for Tim and Daniel Varghese, who are both about 6 feet tall. After that, the most promising candidates weathered a series of stress tests.

We began our tests in the small park outside our office in Long Island City, New York. The goal was to force the umbrellas to invert by holding them in a position they’d rarely, if ever, be subjected to in real-world use: with the handle facing parallel to the ground and the canopy directly downwind, catching the wind like a sail. Once we’d made the canopy invert, we attempted to reverse it.

After weeding out models that were too hard to flip back or were damaged in the process, we tested the survivors during various New York City squalls. Staff writer James Austin used these umbrellas during his daily commute, taking into account the amount of protection they provided and how easy they were to carry on the buses, trains, and streets of New York City.

The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is our top pick because in quality and durability, it’s on a par with models we saw for more than twice the price. In fact, the Repel umbrella felt just as solid in every phase of our testing as $100-plus models we tested. You can find lighter options (the Repel weighs just over 14 ounces), but along with its heft comes an ability to withstand big gusts. Billed as a “travel umbrella,” it folds up to just 11½ inches long, so it’s easy to store and carry. Still, when this umbrella is fully extended, its 37-inch canopy offers plenty of coverage.

One of the Repel’s selling points is its nine-rib construction. While most standard umbrellas have eight or fewer ribs, this model has an extra rib, which provides greater reinforcement across the canopy, leading to better durability. We believe this design contributed to our test sample’s valiant fight against 40 mph gusts (in which many competitors flipped). When the Repel did invert, its fiberglass ribs arched easily in the direction they were pushed. And when we pressed the automatic close button, the ribs snapped back into place.

The Repel’s sturdy build goes beyond the extra rib. Its automatic open-and-close mechanism is quite satisfying: Pressing the button forcefully snaps the umbrella to attention. The comfortable-to-hold, rubberized handle is relatively long (about 2½ inches). So Sarah could fit almost her whole hand around it, yet it didn’t feel too small in Tim’s or Daniel’s larger hands.

The polyester, Teflon-coated canopy of the Repel showed no sign of dents or frayed stitching—even after the stress tests. Should anything go wrong, however, the umbrella is also covered by Repel’s lifetime replacement guarantee —with no return required. (The warranty only goes into effect, however, if you buy yours from Repel’s website and then register your purchase.)

This umbrella comes in several colors (as well as in black). So you shouldn’t have trouble finding yours among the many identical models in the coffee-shop stand. (For additional colors, beyond the options available on the main product page, see this listing on Amazon.) One caveat: We recommend sidestepping the double-canopy color options (like the blue-sky design); these have an extra layer of fabric, making the umbrella heavier and harder to tie together.

After we used the Repel umbrella regularly for over six months, it continued to impress us. Even in the face of significant wind gusts, it never flipped inside out.

In April and May of 2018, the Repel umbrella experienced a pervasive counterfeit issue, but a representative from Upper Echelon Products (Repel’s parent company) assured us that this problem has been resolved. We’ve found no recent evidence to suggest this is an ongoing issue, but it’s still a good idea to be mindful of third-party sellers of this umbrella on Amazon. (The best way to avoid a counterfeit is to be sure the seller is Upper Echelon Products and/or that your order is being fulfilled directly by Amazon.)

How the Repel has held up

After using the Repel umbrella on and off for over a year in rough city weather, senior staff writer Tim Heffernan said this model has held up well. It was stuffed into backpacks and handbags, and it was carried through trains crowded with damp, disgruntled New Yorkers. After all that, it still worked perfectly. Another of our testers, Christina Colizza, an editor on our sleep team, noted that the Repel expanded with more energy than she’d expected. And she said this umbrella was a bit harder to close than others she tested (she said a friend lost a fake nail while trying to secure it).

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Although we appreciate the Repel umbrella’s sturdy build, the snappy opening and tight tolerances do require a strong spring to drive them. As a result, retracting the shaft back down to its fully folded form takes a bit more force than you might anticipate. But once you’re aware that closing the Repel requires extra effort, it’s likely to become more of an afterthought.

We love practically everything about the AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent . This decently priced umbrella is made with high-quality fabric and has sturdy stitching, and it holds a fierce stance against the wind. Also, its slightly curved handle is comfortable and easy to grip.

The only thing keeping the AmazonBasics umbrella out of our top spot is its relative elusiveness: In the past, this umbrella has gone in and out of stock frequently, and when it disappeared, there was no indication of when it would be back. As of our 2024 update to this guide, the umbrella has once again gone out of stock. We’ll keep an eye on the situation.

What impressed us most about the AmazonBasics model during testing was its windy-weather performance. That’s thanks to the wind vent, a gap in the umbrella’s fabric. The umbrella has two overlapping layers of fabric that lie flat and watertight in the rain; when these layers are caught by wind from underneath, they open, releasing air pressure and preventing the umbrella from inverting. Whether in a blizzard or facing gusts near the top floors of a high-rise apartment building, this umbrella refused to quit against the toughest gales. AmazonBasics also makes a ventless umbrella , but during and after the stress tests, we found that it didn’t hold up as well as the vented one.

Fully closed, the AmazonBasics is just 11 inches long; the fabric of its canopy, however, is thicker than that of the Repel, so when it’s bundled, it’s a bit stockier as well. The round handle is comfortable to hold, as is the wrist strap, and the automatic open-and-close function is as responsive as any we encountered.

After a little over half a year of using the AmazonBasics umbrella, travel and outdoors editor Ria Misra reported that her test model broke. Tim (who’d been testing the AmazonBasics as well as the Repel) said the vented canopy came in handy on the windy hill near where he lives—until the umbrella was forgotten somewhere.

If you want an umbrella that looks and feels a bit more premium than our other picks, but you don’t quite want to upgrade to a heritage piece, the Balios Folding Double Canopy Umbrella is a great option. Its 37-inch vented canopy expands rapidly when deployed, and the auto-close function is quick, with a satisfying click. The wooden handle is a nice addition, and it was comfortable to hold, though it may seem a bit large in smaller hands. The Balios stood up well to wind in our tests, inverting only when held directly parallel to the wind on a particularly blustery day in the city, and it snapped back easily and quickly.

The wooden handle lacks a wrist strap and feels slicker than the rubberized handle of the Repel. This combo left us worried that the umbrella might be snatched into the air by a particularly strong gust. The handle also made this one of the longest collapsible umbrellas we tested, measuring 13.5 inches when collapsed. Also, though the company takes pains to note that the handle is “ ethically sourced, ” we have been unable to confirm what that means, exactly.

If both the Repel and the AmazonBasics umbrellas are out of stock, the Lewis N. Clark Umbrella is another good low-cost option (it was a top pick in a previous version of this guide). It comes in seven colors in addition to black, although black tends to be the cheapest.

One of the most easily portable of the bunch, this travel umbrella is the same height as the AmazonBasics umbrella, and it’s just 10 ounces. Despite this model’s low price, the Lewis N. Clark survived our stress tests with very minor damage, and we’ve had no issues with the units we’ve been using for long-term testing. (Wirecutter’s Sasha VanHoven had the Lewis N. Clark for more than a year and reported that it was “beat up but still kicking!”)

Still, compared with our other top picks, the Lewis N. Clark has a lightweight polyester canopy that’s more wrinkly and less taut in certain places—telltale signs of looser quality-control standards. And although its metal ribs are listed as being made of steel, we are nearly certain they’re actually aluminum, judging from their light weight, lack of magnetism, and appearance.

For these reasons, we think most people are better off spending a bit more to get one of our other picks. But if you want something for kids, or you constantly lose umbrellas, the Lewis N. Clark is a good option to consider.

Stick (or cane) umbrellas are taller and often have significantly larger canopies than their more portable cousins. Though they’re fun to use, they can be a pain to hold with one hand, especially if you’re on the smaller side. But at just over 20 ounces, the Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella has good weight distribution, and its 42-inch-wide span kept us dry while we were running around town, even in rough weather. This umbrella was easy to use, and that put it ahead of other similarly sturdy but more expensive stick models, such as the GustBuster Classic (which felt considerably more top-heavy).

Though it offers the same length and canopy size as the other stick umbrellas we tested, the Totes is significantly cheaper. (And GearLab also named this umbrella one of its favorites.) Its canopy is made from a lighter (and likely lower-cost) material compared with the other umbrellas we considered, and we wondered whether it would hold up to strong winds.

During our blizzard tests, however, as hard as Sarah tried, she couldn’t get this umbrella to flip inside out. This could, of course, be considered a flaw: Seeing your umbrella bend alleviates the fear that one sudden, harsh gust will break it. Still, given the price of admission, that risk seems to be one worth taking. James had this umbrella for several years (before it eventually went MIA). And he says it continued to hold up well in city storms, despite being used in a few too many Gene Kelly impressions.

If you’re looking for a classically styled stick umbrella to go with a suit, consider the Davek Elite . It feels sumptuous, with a stitched leather handle, a fiberglass frame, and a 44-inch microfiber canopy, which the company says is “190 thread count.” This umbrella has an equally lofty price tag, and it’s the most expensive of our picks by far. That price is partially justified by Davek’s easy-to-use lifetime guarantee (which includes 50% off a new umbrella if you lose your original ).

The Davek Elite performs exceptionally in the wind: Thanks to its flexible ribs, in our tests it didn’t become a kite in the gusts. Instead, it turned inside out and then easily recovered. This umbrella comes in three colors : black, navy blue, and copper.

It’s worth noting that the Davek Elite’s cane handle measures 5 inches across, which is quite a lot for a smaller hand to manage. There were some mentions in online reviews about the umbrella seeming too big overall. And a few people have complained that the silver tip at the end of their umbrella fell off—an especially unwelcome event, considering the price.

If you want an extremely good (and extremely expensive) travel umbrella: The travel-size Davek Solo is a redesign of a past Davek model that we previously recommended in this guide. The collapsible umbrella was the best we tested, with a comfortable-to-hold handle, a strong canopy, and a surprisingly convenient metal belt clip. It was also the only umbrella that elicited comments from other New Yorkers: One person excitedly told James all about his own Solo, which he’d had for years. But it’s hard to justify spending over $100 on something so small and easy to lose, especially when our main picks are nearly as good and are a fraction of the price.

If you want a solid alternative to our top travel umbrella picks: The LifeTek Traveler 45 FX2 impressed us in our 2018 tests. It withstood being battered by violent gusts without ever inverting, likely because of its vented canopy structure (a design it shares with our runner-up pick, the AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent ). This was one of the strongest umbrellas we have ever tested. And when we did force it to invert, the canopy snapped back into place without much effort. However, depending on the color, the LifeTek often costs more than our top travel picks, the Repel and AmazonBasics models, and it doesn’t offer enough of an advantage over those to justify making it a pick. That said, because it’s an excellent umbrella with a solid warranty (LifeTek’s two-year “Peace of Mind” replacement guarantee against defects and malfunctions), we feel confident recommending it, especially if you can find it on sale.

Inverted umbrellas are a relatively recent development in “holding something over your head to keep water off” technology. The canopy deploys and collapses in an odd way: unfolding down and out, like a blooming flower, and collapsing up and away from the holder, like a normal umbrella broken by the wind. This is supposed to reduce water dripping onto the floor and make it easier to do things like getting in and out of a car.

We put two inverted umbrellas to the test: the Kazbrella (now discontinued), one of the early examples of this concept, and the Sharpty Inverted , the best-selling inverted stick umbrella on Amazon at the time. Alas, we found the novel design underwhelming.

When we tested the Kazbrella, we noticed extra material on the canopy (there are two layers of fabric, with a flexible structure in between, allowing for the fold). This makes the umbrella more top-heavy than other, similarly sized models, and that can cause extra strain and make the umbrella harder to control in a gust of wind. Also, in order for it to be “drip free,” the umbrella would need to be placed in an umbrella bucket with the canopy up, rather than the handle.

The generic-looking Sharpty Inverted shared the Kazbrella’s problems. It also felt cheap and was difficult to deploy correctly, often requiring a few shakes to get the canopy to fully unfold. And it was a pain to hook its C-shaped handle on a bag strap or a cubical wall (as you can do with most regular stick umbrellas).

With their unique folding style, inverted umbrellas are certainly eye-catching, but in practice they seem to cause more problems than they solve.

If you want your umbrella to keep you dry for a long time, you need to remember to let it dry. Just leave your umbrella open after use—the bathtub is a handy spot. If you don’t, its metal parts—especially an automatic open-and-close function—can corrode. Mildew can also develop in the canopy of a wet umbrella that’s left closed; this not only smells awful but can destroy the fabric over time.

And make sure to let your automatic umbrella do its job, said Peggy Levee, owner of the former New York City umbrella specialty retailer Rain or Shine: If you’re using one with an automatic open-and-close function, do not pull it closed like you would a manual model. “I always point that out to customers,” she said. Over time, that unnecessary tugging could cause the mechanism to break.

Blunt Metro : This is a good travel umbrella if you’re concerned only about the wind. Its shallow, scalloped shape—a direct result of some innovative engineering—shrugged off gusts better than any other umbrella in our test. Unfortunately, we learned that it also does a poor job of keeping you dry when the rain blows sideways.

Bodyguard Inverted Umbrella : This compact model was one of the most popular umbrellas available on Amazon when we first tested it, featuring an impressive 10-rib construction. Though it performed decently in our real-world wind tests, inverting several times without breaking, it was difficult to flip back—a bit too sturdy for its own good. It has since been redesigned with a 12-rib construction; we have not tested the newer model.

Davek Duet : With a 48-inch canopy, this umbrella provides enough shelter for two, yet it’s less than 15 inches long folded and weighs under a pound and a half. It’s wider than most people want or need, but if you’re big or tall, travel in pairs, or just want maximum coverage, it’s worth considering. The eye-watering price is backed by Davek’s unconditional lifetime guarantee .

Davek Mini : If having a really compact umbrella matters to you above all else, this model, which folds down to the size of a banana, is a great choice. When we tested it, the Mini’s tiny, 26-inch canopy could barely keep our head and shoulders dry; the canopy has since been redesigned and expanded to 34 inches, which is likely to be an improvement.

Davek Savile : Hand-assembled in England, this stick umbrella—the granddaddy of Davek’s offerings—is billed as an heirloom piece, and it has a very hefty price tag to match. The handle and shaft are hand-carved from chestnut wood, adding to this umbrella’s weight (30 ounces). It’s impressive, for sure. But for an umbrella of this style, we prefer to save $190 and choose the still-luxe, and more portable, Davek Elite .

EuroSchirm Light Trek : This German travel umbrella is quite good overall, especially given its scant, 9.25-ounce weight. But subpar wind resistance holds it back. The lightweight fiberglass ribs are considerably more flexible than those on other umbrellas, and as a result the canopy collapses easily when blasted head-on and flexes like a leaf in high winds when held upright. This means you’d suffer more inside-out episodes than you would with our picks. Although it didn’t break during testing in a snowstorm, it did look somewhat worse for the wear compared with our picks. But it’s still a decent lightweight choice for less-windy climates.

EuroSchirm Light Trek Automatic : The automatic version has the same issues as the manual version but weighs a lot more.

EuroSchirm Light Trek Automatic Flashlite : This is like the other two EuroSchirm Light Trek models, except it has a small LED flashlight in the handle. That gimmick brings its weight to 13.5 ounces—not a light trekker at all.

GustBuster Metro : This travel umbrella has a well-deserved reputation for durability in the wind: It never came close to inverting during testing. But its strength comes from a complex truss of multiple ribs and springs, making it extremely top-heavy: When the wind catches the canopy, it’s like holding a sledgehammer. That design, plus a hard-plastic handle that’s slick when wet, added up to a losing combination.

GustBuster Classic : Though this stick-style umbrella has a cane handle and a wider canopy than its relative, the GustBuster Metro, their construction is similar. One plus: The contours of the Classic’s cane handle make it easier to manage in the wind. The Classic is a quality tool for a good price, but it didn’t lead the pack in value or function.

Knirps Xtreme Vented Duomatic : This automatic travel umbrella weighs 13 ounces, but its canopy handily opens to an impressive 48 inches—the size of many stick umbrellas. It’s a good choice if you want the coverage but not the hassle of carrying a cane around town. Still, it could be overkill for most people.

Senz Automatic: We had high hopes for this unique umbrella. The main draw is its odd, teardrop shape, which keeps your shoulders and back drier than a typical round canopy. Unfortunately, the long, rear-facing ribs are weak; we damaged one just by cinching the canopy strap.

Totes Signature Clear Bubble Umbrella : The bubble-style umbrella makes sense conceptually, to provide more coverage with a longer canopy that surrounds the user in a sort of traveling dome. But in practice, at least with the Totes Signature Clear Bubble, that extra wall of fabric is just something for the wind to push against, making the umbrella difficult to control, even though it’s light. Also because of its design, the canopy isn’t as wide as on other, similarly sized stick umbrellas, and this limits its protection.

Totes Blue Line Auto Open/Close Umbrella: This umbrella is well reviewed (and we recommend the Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella as our favorite lower-priced stick-style umbrella). But the Totes Blue Line compact travel umbrella arrived with a 3-inch rip in one of the canopy seams, and it widened in the wind. Also, one of the ribs tore loose from another section of the canopy during our inversion test. (This umbrella appears to have since been discontinued.)

Tumi Medium Auto Close Umbrella : This umbrella is average in terms of its size and compactness. And despite its premium price, it didn’t stand out in any particular test.

What’s the best umbrella fabric?

In our testing, there is no singular best fabric for umbrellas. All of the umbrellas we looked at had canopies made of synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, and some had an additional quick-dry coat, such as Teflon (but those additions don’t help much). The fabrics all do an equally good job of keeping you dry and shedding water quickly.

How do I choose an umbrella?

Look for an umbrella with a canopy that’s 37 to 39 inches across. This size is good for protecting one person from the rain, and the umbrella can still fold down to a compact package. Similarly, we think one that collapses to 12 inches (when closed) and weighs less than a pound hits the sweet spot: It’s easy to carry an umbrella of this size with you everywhere, yet it will still keep you dry. We suggest the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella for its size, comfortable-to-hold handle, and affordable price.

What’s the best umbrella for windy conditions?

All of our umbrella contenders were tested against stiff winds and fared well. But the AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent excelled, thanks to the vent at the crown: It lets strong winds pass through without snatching the umbrella from your hands.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

Meet your guides

James Austin

James Austin is a staff writer currently covering games and hobbies, but he’s also worked on just about everything Wirecutter covers—from board games to umbrellas—and after being here for a few years he has gained approximate knowledge of many things. In his free time he enjoys taking photos, running D&D, and volunteering for a youth robotics competition.

Daniel Varghese

Sarah J. Robbins

Further reading

The Best Rain Pants

by Jenni Gritters

The Marmot PreCip Eco Pants, which come in men’s and women’s sizes and multiple lengths, are the pants that kept us comfortable and dry through wet weather.

The Best Camping Tents

by Claire Wilcox, Kit Dillon, and Kalee Thompson

After sleeping in 51 tents, we think the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is the best for two people and Kelty’s Wireless 6 is best for most families.

The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More

by Kit Dillon

After seven years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

I Used to Hate the Beach. Then I Got This Sturdy Umbrella.

by Annemarie Conte

This rock-solid beach umbrella won’t fly away in the wind.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Best in Class

• The 12 Very Best Women’s Deodorants and Anti-perspirants The 12 Very Best Women’s Deodorants and…
• The 12 Very Best Couches The 12 Very Best Couches
• The Very Best Products for Cleaning Sneakers The Very Best Products for Cleaning Snea…
• The 11 Very Best White T-shirts for Men The 11 Very Best White T-shirts for Men
• The 9 Very Best Slippers for Men The 9 Very Best Slippers for Men
• The 9 Best Baby Carriers The 9 Best Baby Carriers
• The 6 Very Best KN95 Masks The 6 Very Best KN95 Masks
• The Best Electrolyte Powders The Best Electrolyte Powders
• The Very Best Heating Pads The Very Best Heating Pads
• The 15 Very Best Protein Powders The 15 Very Best Protein Powders
• The 12 Very Best iPad Cases The 12 Very Best iPad Cases
• The Very Best Electric Foot Massagers The Very Best Electric Foot Massagers
• The 11 Very Best Bluetooth Speakers The 11 Very Best Bluetooth Speakers
• The 8 Very Best Kitchen Utensil Sets The 8 Very Best Kitchen Utensil Sets
• The 8 Very Best Shampoos for Fine Hair The 8 Very Best Shampoos for Fine Hair
• The 13 Very Best Treatments for Eczema The 13 Very Best Treatments for Eczema
• The 21 Very Best Sunscreens for Your Face The 21 Very Best Sunscreens for Your Fac…
• The 6 Very Best Food Vacuum Sealers The 6 Very Best Food Vacuum Sealers
• The 7 Very Best Nonstick Skillets The 7 Very Best Nonstick Skillets
• The 11 Very Best Garden Shears, Loppers, and Pruners The 11 Very Best Garden Shears, Loppers,…
• The Very Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin The Very Best Moisturizers for Combinati…
• The 7 Very Best Hair Oils The 7 Very Best Hair Oils
• The 8 Very Best Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards The 8 Very Best Over-the-Counter Mouth G…
• The 13 Very Best Toothpastes The 13 Very Best Toothpastes
• The 10 Very Best Kitchen Trash Cans The 10 Very Best Kitchen Trash Cans
• The 9 Very Best Nail Clippers The 9 Very Best Nail Clippers
• The 12 Very Best Laptop Backpacks The 12 Very Best Laptop Backpacks
• The Very Best Roller Skates for Every Type of Skater The Very Best Roller Skates for Every Ty…
• The 10 Very Best Body Washes The 10 Very Best Body Washes
• The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks
• The Very Best Nice-Looking Pill Cases The Very Best Nice-Looking Pill Cases
• The Very Best Body Washes for Dry Skin The Very Best Body Washes for Dry Skin
• The Very Best-Smelling Candles The Very Best-Smelling Candles
• The 11 Very Best Wrinkle Creams The 11 Very Best Wrinkle Creams
• The 17 Very Best Foundations for Mature Skin The 17 Very Best Foundations for Mature…
• The 7 Very Best Clothing Irons The 7 Very Best Clothing Irons
• The 15 Very Best Makeup Removers The 15 Very Best Makeup Removers
• The 11 Very Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors The 11 Very Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors
• The Best Fitness Trackers for All Types of Activities The Best Fitness Trackers for All Types…
• The Very Best Workout Shoes for Men The Very Best Workout Shoes for Men
• The 15 Best Women’s Raincoats The 15 Best Women’s Raincoats
• The Very Best Carry-on Luggage The Very Best Carry-on Luggage
• The 9 Very Best Pieces of Rolling Luggage The 9 Very Best Pieces of Rolling Luggag…
• The 6 Very Best Turntables The 6 Very Best Turntables
• The 9 Very Best Sleeper Sofas The 9 Very Best Sleeper Sofas
• The 9 Very Best Beach Towels The 9 Very Best Beach Towels
• The 16 Very Best Bath Towels The 16 Very Best Bath Towels
• The 11 Very Best Shampoos The 11 Very Best Shampoos
• The Very Best Face Washes The Very Best Face Washes
• The 11 Very Best Conditioners The 11 Very Best Conditioners

The 10 Very Best Umbrellas

From compact travel umbrellas to stormproof monsters with fiberglass frames..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best affordable
• Best for the city
• Best for storms
• Best travel
• Best oversize

Many people think that umbrellas are so easily lost or lent out that they aren’t worth investing in. Over the years, I’ve actually found the opposite to be true. Now that I own an umbrella I really like, I care far too much to leave it in a cab or underneath a restaurant table. My Blunt Metro comes along with me on every vacation, and when I’m at home, it hangs conveniently by the door. It has been a loyal companion for six years now, and I have every reason to hope I’ll be using it for six years more.

While all umbrellas are designed to do the same things (keep your upper and lower body dry during downpours , withstand at least a gust or two of wind, and fold into a reasonably compact shape when not in use), they’re certainly not created equal. And most aren’t particularly durable. To find the best umbrellas — ones so good that you’ll put effort into keeping them on your person — I combed through our archives to find the most expert-recommended ones, then tested out those picks for myself alongside my fellow Strategist staffers. While you’re here, I’ve also written about the best raincoats and rain boots .

Update on August 9, 2024:  Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

What we’re looking for

Weight and length.

An umbrella should be sturdy but not so heavy that you have trouble holding it for extended periods or carrying other items at the same time. For that reason, I’ve taken note of how much each of these umbrellas weigh and also included each one’s closed length.

I also paid attention to how wide each umbrella’s open canopy was. A larger diameter doesn’t necessarily mean more rain protection (the angle of the ribs makes a difference, as does the quality of waterproof fabric used), but it is indicative of how much space you’ll be taking up on the sidewalk and how many people you can cram underneath if needed. As a general guide, look for arcs of at least 40 inches if you’re hoping to shelter someone else with your umbrella. For families or groups of friends, golf umbrellas spanning 50 inches or more are ideal.

Waterproofing

According to Jeff Blauer, the CEO and president of Shed Rain , one of the biggest differences between good and bad umbrellas is the type of fabric they use. Ideally, an umbrella’s canopy should be constructed from fabric that beads water rather than absorbs it. “It’s about how much water is left on the canopy when you’re done with the umbrella,” he says. “Shake a high-end umbrella when you’re done and you’ll see the water bounce off. There shouldn’t be much leftover. Buy an inferior product, you’ll see the water just stays there.” With this in mind, I’ve taken note of how different umbrella brands and styles have approached their waterproofing.

Wind resistance

The best umbrellas are built with wind as much as water resistance in mind. Different umbrella brands approach wind differently — but I looked for features like reinforced ribs that’ll resist the urge to turn inside out, as well as springs and vents. (Just note that although it’s annoying when umbrellas invert, their ribs are in fact designed to flex back into place — just because your umbrella turns inside out in the wind doesn’t mean it’s broken, and all of the recommendations below are constructed sturdily enough to withstand a fair few storms.)

Best umbrella overall

Weight and length: 1 lb, 9 ounces, 35 inches | Arc: 50 inches | Wind resistance: Inversion-resistant fiberglass frame | Waterproofing: Excellent

This investment umbrella (that’s covered by an unconditional lifetime guarantee) looks so elegant that I get excited to use it each time. The curved leather handle is comfortable in the hand, and the umbrella opens with a majestic swoosh at the touch of a button, forming a tight canopy of soft yet highly waterproof fabric. It “looks and feels like a Bentley or some other fancy but tasteful British thing,” Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo says, especially due to distinguishing design details like the nylon sheath, which has been designed with a little hole at the top to let the tip of the umbrella through and a slit at the bottom to reveal the opener button. And, most crucial of all, she stays “ridiculously dry” while using it. So do I. Non-telescoping cane umbrellas can be hefty things, but this one is a breeze to hold, adds former writer Lori Keong: “It’s lightweight enough to hold in one hand with a full bag of laundry slung over the other shoulder — and miraculously wide enough to keep your entire body and that bag of laundry dry to the touch.”

Best affordable compact umbrella

Weight and length: 13 ounces, 11 inches | Arc: 37 inches | Wind resistance: Vented frame | Waterproofing: Good

On the opposite end of the price spectrum sits this compact travel umbrella from Amazon Basics. It might look like a cheapie from the drugstore, but its wind and rain performance is far superior. Plus this is one affordable umbrella that “will actually last,” promises New York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff. She also praises its wind vent, which is unobtrusive yet makes it much less likely that the umbrella will flip. Opening and closing it is a breeze, and the comfortable handle rivals Davek’s designs. And yes, the price is right — you won’t feel too bad about leaving this one in the back of a Lyft, and the driver will thank you later.

Best affordable two-person umbrella

Weight and length: 14.4 ounces, 11 inches | Arc: 42 inches | Wind resistance: Double vented canopy | Waterproofing: Good

I also tested this larger yet similarly affordable umbrella during a heavy spring storm in Brooklyn last month. It has much more wind venting than the Amazon Basics style above, though the frame did eventually invert as I navigated through the extreme weather. The umbrella easily snapped back into shape, though, and its canopy was big enough to keep me very dry even as the streets completely flooded. It would also work well for two people.

Best everyday city umbrella

Weight and length: 13.6 ounces, 14.8 inches | Arc: 39.4 inches | Wind resistance: Vented frame | Waterproofing: Excellent

Blunt’s Metro umbrella has a smallish canopy that’s designed for a single person navigating crowded city streets. So while other umbrellas provide greater coverage, this one is unusually nimble in urban environments. The springy metal frame is designed to flex in the wind, rather than buck against it, which makes the umbrella extremely durable. While most open umbrellas have such high tension that their ribs can snap when bumped against a hard surface, this one spins 360 degrees on the handle, reducing the force of such impacts. Per the name, the umbrella’s tips are blunt and covered in fabric, which means you won’t poke anybody’s eyes out in a crowd. Opening and closing it couldn’t be easier.

Best umbrella for serious storms

Weight and length: 1.8 lbs, 41 inches | Arc: 62 inches | Wind resistance: Fiberglass vented frame | Waterproofing: Excellent

For a more traditional but still very windproof golf umbrella, go for the Gustbuster. This umbrella is heavier than others listed here, but its wider and thicker canopy can hold up to serious storms. And its ribs are constructed from unflippable fiberglass. As Keong commented after testing one, the umbrella is “so physically large you can count on not getting wet unless you’re sharing with two large adults.” But she did dock points for its slightly tricky closure method: “You really have to mash your thumb down on the switch at the top of the shaft.”

Best travel umbrella

Weight and length: 1 lbs, 12.25 inches | Arc: 37 inches | Wind resistance: Fiberglass frame | Waterproofing: Excellent

I’ve tested slightly more compact travel umbrellas than this, but they tended to have comically small canopies that didn’t do much to protect anything other than the top of my head. Repel’s umbrella (which has a lifetime guarantee) is a nice compromise. It’s unobtrusive enough to be tossed into a backpack or tote but still forms a wide canopy when opened. It can also hold its own against wind as much as water. “The fabric barely fluttered even as I walked directly into the wind,” says Strategist editor Maxine Builder, who tested one out. “And I had no concerns about the umbrella flipping inside out or straining.”

Best oversize umbrella

Weight and length: 1.61 lb, 43.3 inches | Arc: 68 inches | Wind resistance: Fiberglass frame, double canopy | Waterproofing: Excellent

If you want your entire body to stay completely dry when it’s raining, prepare to take up space on the sidewalk. As used by Kendall Roy on Succession , the G4Free is comically large (it has two Velcro closure straps instead of the usual one) but undeniably protective. “You press the button and it slowly slides open like you’re powering up a lightsaber,” says former Strategist writer David Notis, who tested one out. “I got a lot of weird looks walking around the East Village and taking up all of the sidewalk’s air rights, but honestly it felt kind of nice knowing that the rain wasn’t going to touch me or basically anything within a three-foot radius.” The umbrella is heavy and its hugeness means it will catch a lot of wind, like a sail. But the venting does help.

Best reverse-close umbrella

Weight and length: 0.9 lbs, 12.5 inches | Arc: 47 inches | Wind resistance: Fiberglass and steel frame | Waterproofing: Excellent

ShedRain’s UnbelievaBrella folds in reverse, enclosing the wet exterior fabric. Corsillo tested one and says that this closure process can be a little tricky to master at first but is well worth it, especially if you want to stash your umbrella in your bag. “But at least I stayed dry in the process,” she points out. When the umbrella is opened, water and wind resistance is fairly high. Like all of the brand’s umbrellas, this one is covered by a lifetime warranty, should its functions ever fail.

Best clear umbrella

Weight and length: 1.25 lbs, 37 inches | Arc: 51 inches | Wind resistance: Cane grip | Waterproofing: Excellent

A clear bubble umbrella has two advantages. Firstly, you’ll feel like a Tokyo-based style blogger when carrying one. Secondly, you’ll be able to see where you’re going while keeping your upper body very dry. Totes is a brand that comes recommended by stylish Seattleites we spoke with who contend with rainy conditions for much of the year, and Swerdloff was pleased when she tested the brand’s clear bubble umbrella out for herself: “Because it’s a bubble, I could rest it on my head at stoplights and use both my hands to check my email.”

Best Dutch-style umbrella

Weight and length: 14.9 ounces, 35 inches | Arc: 36 inches | Wind resistance: Windproof up to 80 miles per hour | Waterproofing: Excellent

Former Strategist editor Jason Chen first wrote about this lopsided umbrella that’s popular on the rainy streets of Amsterdam in 2016. Weirdly shaped, with one shorter side and one longer one connected at a 135-degree angle, he says it “looks like an upside-down check mark” but keeps the user very dry while also being essentially stormproof because the lower side of the umbrella prevents wind from catching. The aerodynamic shape will start conversations on the streets of New York City, where this design still hasn’t quite caught on yet. But it will also inspire looks of envy as you go about your day without wet clothes.

Our experts

• Jeff Blauer, CEO and president, Shed Rain • Maxine Builder, Strategist editor • Jason Chen, former Strategist editor • Liza Corsillo, senior Strategist writer • Lori Keong, former Strategist writer • David Notis, former Strategist writer • Alexis Swerdloff, New York deputy editor

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , ultra-flattering pants , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

• the strategist
• packing and gear
• best in class

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• What Remi Wolf Can’t Live Without
• What Eva Chen Can’t Live Without
• The 15 Very Best Protein Powders
• A Japanese Kettle, a Breast Pillow, and Other Recent Strategist Finds
• It’s Your Last Chance to Shop Nordstrom’s Summer Sale
• 13 Professional Organizers on the One Item They Tell Every Client to Buy

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

• The Big Story
• Newsletters
• Steven Levy's Plaintext Column
• WIRED Classics from the Archive
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

The Best Umbrellas to Help You Ride Out the Rain

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Best Overall Weatherman The Travel Umbrella Read more

Best Budget Umbrella Prostorm Windproof Vented Travel Umbrella (2024) Read more

Best Upgrade Davek Solo Read more

Best Luxury Full-Size Umbrella Davek Elite Read more

It always seems to rain when you least expect it. That's when I'd usually hit a corner store here in New York City to grab a cheap $20 umbrella. A few months later, I'd bring out the same umbrella and it would already have small rips on the canopy, or the stretchers would break and make a floppy mess in the wind. Rinse and repeat.

I've wasted a lot of cash on cheap umbrellas, and I'm here to warn you not to make the same mistake. There are plenty of decent, affordable umbrellas, you just need to know which brands to rely on. It's worth spending a little more on a high-quality umbrella that will last a while. I've researched extensively and tested more than 50 umbrellas over nearly four years—these are our favorites at various prices. Now you just have to remember to bring it with you.

Be sure to check our many other guides , including the Best Rain Jackets and our tips on How to Re-Waterproof a Rain Jacket .

Updated March 2024: We've added a new version of the Prostorm umbrella and the Gilley umbrella.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Overall

After testing Weatherman umbrellas for several years, I think it offers the best quality for the money. The Travel Umbrella is my favorite—an umbrella that automatically opens and closes is super helpful when you enter a building while juggling groceries and a cup of coffee. Thanks to its fiberglass ribs and shaft, it's sturdy, and the Teflon fabric hasn't shown any signs of wear (it dries quickly!). I haven't noticed any issues with the open and close mechanism either.

It's one of the most compact umbrellas we've tested (save the Davek Mini below) and weighs less than a pound. That does mean the canopy is small—a smidge under 38 inches in diameter—making this a strictly one-person umbrella. It comes with a great strap, a lifetime warranty for defects, and a little zipper pouch to store a Bluetooth tracker to help you find it if you leave it at a restaurant.

★ Also great: I like Weatherman's The Stick Umbrella ($84) , which is much bigger (44-inch canopy), only opens automatically, and has a vented canopy to allow strong gusts to flow through. It has one of the biggest arced domes to shield you from droplets too. If you're in an area with high winds, consider The Collapsible Umbrella ($74) . It's more compact than The Stick, with a 40-inch canopy, but does the same great job of resisting such conditions.

Best Budget Umbrella

The auto-open and auto-close Prostorm Vented Travel Umbrella is remarkable for the money—it’s leagues better than the cheap models you’ll find in corner stores on rainy days. That might be because it’s made by Davek, the same company that makes high-end umbrellas (see below). The original Prostorm version I tested has held up well over the years, and the 2024 model makes one big improvement—it’s 20 percent lighter at just 398 grams. Also new is a ratcheting system that lets you reset the umbrella to whatever part of the shaft you want—you don't have to bring it fully down immediately. This umbrella has a decently deep dome, meaning it’s not as flat and can block rain when it falls in varying directions. It’s double-vented with a 38-inch canopy that feels spacious for one person, and there is a fiberglass-and-steel frame with nine ribs to support the canopy. After using it for several months as my primary umbrella, it has functioned exceptionally well.

My main gripe is that you have to give the umbrella a small shake to let it fully extend. Even with the ratcheting system, pulling it down will require some effort. Also, the rubber handle (it comes with a strap!) remains small for my large hands. This might not be an issue if your paws aren’t as ginormous as mine.

★ Also great: The Balios Travel Umbrella Double Canopy ($27) is another excellent cheap umbrella that costs a smidge more than the Prostorm. It can automatically open and close with the push of a button—like with most automatics, you'll have to manually pull the runner down the steel shaft to collapse it. At about a foot long, it doesn't take up much room in a backpack, and the wooden handle is a nice touch; its generous size offers a comfortable grip. The vented double-canopy model did a surprisingly great job withstanding New York wind gusts. There's a single-canopy model too , and Balios has more fun designs than Prostorm.

Best Upgrade

The Davek Solo is exquisite. It automatically opens and closes via the push of a button. (It requires some effort to slide the runner down the steel shaft to close it completely.) The 37-inch-diameter canopy is nearly identical to the Weatherman Travel umbrella, the frame is reinforced with fiberglass, and there are nine ribs (the more ribs the better in heavy winds). The handle feels really nice—it has a clip and a top-grain leather strap—but I wish it was a little longer. Davek also has a lifetime warranty for any repairs the umbrella might need, and if you lose it, use the special code that comes in a box to redeem a replacement for up to 50 percent off the regular price (it can only be redeemed once). Downsides? It's heavier and expensive.

Best Luxury Full-Size Umbrella

This is the quintessential umbrella. When closed, it's around 3 feet long—hard to store in a bag. The curved handle is exceptional, made of top-grain leather, and you get a nice button that tastefully opens the umbrella up (it closes manually). You're getting high-end materials through and through. The frame system is made of "wind-tension" fiberglass, the shaft is also fiberglass, and the canopy is among the largest in this guide, with a 44-inch diameter. It's meant for one, but it had no trouble sheltering my partner and me from the elements.

This is a statement umbrella. It's ideal for formal events, though it's great as an everyday carry if you don't mind the fact that you can't keep it in a bag or strap it to your wrist. It's spendy, but it will last (my model functions perfectly after four years). As with the Davek Solo, the company's lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects, and you can use the included code to redeem a replacement for up to 50 percent off the regular price (only once). If you're spending this much, you may want to grab Davek's Loss Alert Sensor ($35) , which attaches to the canopy via a magnet. It pairs with your phone via Bluetooth, and the app ( Android , iOS ) sends a ping when you walk away from your umbrella. It worked well in my testing, though it's frequently sold out (the company says it'll have a fresh supply in May). Read our Best Bluetooth Trackers guide for other picks.

★ Also great: The ShedRain Vortex V2 Vented Auto Open Stick Umbrella ($48) has the same lifetime guarantee as Davek, along with the same 44-inch diameter (from one end to the other when open). It has treated me well for several months. It's a tiny bit heavier but is made from 100 percent recycled polyester from plastic bottles. It has a fiberglass frame and a vented canopy, and the rubber handle is comfy to grasp. It doesn't have the style or luxe feel of the Davek, but it's much cheaper.

Best Kids’ Umbrella

WIRED editor Adrienne So's kids have tested a few umbrellas, including the Weatherman Kids Umbrella and the Original Duckhead , but the Hatley Kids Umbrella is their favorite. In the words of her 6-year-old, the Weatherman is hard to open and close, but the Hatley doesn't have this problem, and it is smaller, has a nicer wooden handle, and features fun prints on the canopy. (You can even buy color-changing models when the canopy gets wet!) Even if the Weatherman feels sturdier in the hand and is slightly bigger, with its 29-inch diameter, the Hatley is their preference. It retains its shape in stiff breezes and has held up over a year of being shoved into backpacks, thrown in and out of lockers and cars, and occasionally abused as a cane or a sword. What more can you ask for?

Best Two-Person Umbrella

Want the benefits of a full-size umbrella but in a smaller package? This umbrella routinely surprises me when I open it. It has a 50-inch canopy! That's actually bigger than our full-size pick above. It is heavier, but it's significantly shorter and can easily be stowed in the water bottle pocket of a backpack. (It just might stick out a bit.) It automatically opens, and the canopy is made from 100 percent recycled polyester, supported by a fiberglass frame. It's big enough for two people without being too cumbersome to stow.

Best Travel Umbrella

An umbrella takes up valuable real estate in your backpack. Enter the Davek Mini. Its 7-inch size makes it the perfect umbrella to leave in your bag all the time or to bring when you travel. I had no trouble stowing it in my jacket pocket and even managed to pop it in the back pocket of my jeans when walking about. (There's a strap so you can leave it on your wrist as well.) This is not the umbrella to get if you're in an area with high winds and heavy rainstorms—the Mini does a good job of keeping my head, shoulders, and some of my torso dry, but with a 34-inch diameter, it can only do so much.

It opens and closes manually, and the steel shaft and fiberglass-reinforced frame feel sturdy, holding up surprisingly well against gusts of winds. But the best part about buying from Davek is the aforementioned lifetime warranty and loss protection. The Mini has been my go-to when I take my dog out on walks, and I frequently stow it in my luggage on trips.

A Clear Bubble Umbrella

Bubble umbrellas are cute, and see-through umbrellas offer real utility in that none of your vision is blocked when you're using them—that makes this the best of both worlds. Of all the umbrellas ShedRain sent me, I've been using this the most. It automatically opens (you have to close it manually), the 38-inch diameter on the canopy is enough to cover my body and my backpack, and the plastic crook handle is roomy. (I like the look and feel of the acrylic handle more , but it's pricier.)

You get eight fiberglass ribs and a steel shaft, and the canopy is made from polyethylene, which is wrinkly but has held up well against strong winds and battering rainfall. Just make sure you keep it open for a while when you get inside—I've noticed it dries much more slowly than other umbrellas. It's fairly lightweight at a little more than a pound, and just plain cute. Everyone needs a clear bubble umbrella in their arsenal.

Smartest (and Safest) Design

The Blunt Coupe feels so satisfyingly smooth when you open it manually. The 41-inch diameter is big enough to protect most of my 6'4" frame and backpack, and it fares well in high winds, thanks to its fiberglass ribs and polycarbonate frame. When you slide the runner down the aluminum shaft to close it, there's a locking mechanism so the canopy doesn't open up when it's not secured with the Velcro strap. But perhaps its best feature is the blunt edging at the tips. As I'm tall, my face has been privy to jabs from pointy umbrellas, so I'm glad I don't have to worry about poking someone's eyes out here.

Despite its length, the Coupe weighs just a pound, and I love the grippy rubber handle. However, the built-in strap broke off less than a year after I started using it. Thankfully, Blunt has a two-year warranty and a repair program—email the company about any defects and it will repair your model or send a replacement. I also have slowly watched the Coupe go up in price over the years, unlike other umbrellas on this list.

An Unbreakable Umbrella

When I saw the word unbreakable , I just had to test that claim. I mimicked the test seen in Never-Thought-of-It's ad (minus the bulldog). I balanced the Polish-made Unbreakable Umbrella between two chairs and stepped on it. It did not break! But do you need such a strong umbrella? Probably not, but at least you can be sure it'll last a long time. It doubles perfectly as a walking stick and even comes with a rubber sole you attach to the tip for stability. The 47-inch canopy is enough to cover two people, and it smoothly opens up fully at the push of a button. (It closes manually.)

It weighs a pound and a half, which feels heavy after a while. The button is too sensitive. I've accidentally opened it more times than I can count, but this might be a bonus if you or someone you love has trouble pushing buttons. The ribs are fiberglass, and the rod is made of a proprietary blend of polyester and fiberglass—it gave me no trouble in many a rainstorm. The price is steep, but it makes a great gift.

Best for Sporting Events

Whether at a wedding, graduation, football game, or another type of outdoor event, a nice, large umbrella is perfect for the family to huddle up under. The Sport from Blunt is a much higher-end option than the Blunt Coupe (see above). It has a fiberglass shaft and frame, and its 58-inch diameter can easily fit two people, maybe three if everyone squeezes in. It's too big and heavy to use as an everyday umbrella, though.

Sliding the runner up the shaft to open it is just as smooth as on the Coupe, and you get the same locking mechanism at the bottom to keep the ribs closed. The edges of the umbrella are blunt (get it?) so you don't poke people in the face, and the rubber handle is the perfect length for my palm. The whole thing is on the heavier side at more than 2 pounds, but it does come with a handy sheath you can use to sling the umbrella over your shoulder, no different from Geralt and his swords in The Witcher .

★ Also great: The ShedRain Vortex Vent Pro ($80) has a 54-inch diameter so it's slightly smaller (though it weighs the same) and its materials aren't as nice—it has an aluminum shaft with a fiberglass frame. However, it's a double canopy, which helped it fare well in high winds, especially when I took it to the beach. It's also about half the price.

Honorable Mentions

There are a lot of umbrellas out there, and we're always testing more. Here are a few others we like that didn't quite make our list of top picks.

ShedRain WalkSafe Reflective Stick Umbrella for $60 : This is a simple manual umbrella that opens and closes smoothly, has a circular handle that can hook onto things, and has a 41.5-inch diameter that covers a person (or two) fairly well. The reason to buy it is the reflective fabric—it'll brighten up quickly when a car's headlights land on it, so you can feel safe knowing you're visible to motorists.

Blunt Metro for $89 : The Metro is the more compact and slightly lighter-weight version of the Blunt Coupe up above. It automatically opens (manually closes) and provides nearly the same amount of coverage. The canopy spins in 360 degrees to supposedly prevent damage to the core mechanism. My only issue with it is that when you fold it all down and cinch the canopy with the Velcro strap, it covers most of the handle, so you have to hold the Metro by the wet fabric or the wrist strap.

ShedRain Vortex V1 Umbrella for $25 : This auto-open/close umbrella works well, though it's nothing to write home about. It's pretty compact, with a 38-inch diameter, and it does a solid job against heavy winds, thanks to the vented canopy design. It doesn't look or feel particularly nice, and the handle is a bit too small for my big palms, but at least there's a strap.

ShedRain Stratus Manual Stick Umbrella for $100 : I've had no real problems with this umbrella, but it requires a bit of force to fully open (it's completely manual). You don't need to extend it all the way, just a quarter up the carbon-fiber shaft. I would have expected it to be even lighter than our stick umbrella pick from Davek, but alas, it's a little heavier. You get a 42-inch roomy canopy and a twill weave fabric with Teflon coating that does a pretty solid job of drying quickly. It has a nice rubber handle too.

Repel Windproof Double Vented Travel Umbrella for $25 : This one is sturdy, handles high winds, and provides good coverage when open, collapsing down to just a foot in length. It comes in tons of gorgeous colors, and a single button opens and collapses the fiberglass ribs. But “It's. So. Dang. Hard. To. Close," according to my fellow umbrella reviewer, Louryn Strampe. Fully closing this umbrella is a two-handed operation, and she got so fed up with it during testing that she often just used the ground as leverage to push the handle down. It's a problem across the lineup.

LifeTek New Yorker Umbrella for $40 : This is a beast of an umbrella. The 54-inch canopy is more than large enough to keep you and someone else dry, and its fiberglass shaft and wind-resistant frame withstand gusts big and small. The handle has a rubbery grip and a single red button to open and expand the canopy. A Teflon coating ensures it dries quickly after the storm has passed. But between its awkward handle, the 1.5-lb weight, and the 3-foot length, my coworker Louryn Strampe felt the umbrella was too top-heavy for her 5'1" frame.

Senz Original Umbrella for $88 : The first time I took this umbrella out, I overheard someone say, “That's such a cool-looking umbrella.” It is! It looks like a kite shield, and the aerodynamic design can withstand winds of more than 60 mph. On a windy day in New York, the Senz merely bobbed up and down. Unfortunately, the canopy is hard to collapse unless you use both hands, which are not always free. The narrow shape also provides less coverage, although it does make it possible to stick the opened umbrella in your backpack and walk around covered and hands-free.

Avoid These Umbrellas

Not every umbrella is worth your time and money. We didn't like these options, so steer clear.

Gilley Umbrella for $64 : The pitch for the Gilley is that you get a hard-shell case you can stuff the umbrella into to keep yourself and your space dry when you get indoors from the rain. No need to leave your umbrella open at the door! This isn't a new idea, but I have a few problems with Gilley’s implementation. First, stuffing the umbrella back into the water-bottle-esque plastic case isn't as easy as the company suggests. You have to nail wrapping the Velcro around the 34-inch canopy and cinch it tight or it won't fit well. When the umbrella is open, you’re supposed to affix the plastic case to the bottom so that it doubles as a handle, but this is not a comfortable handle at all because it's so thick. Yes, it does keep you dry when the wet umbrella is inside the case. But I came back to the Gilley after several weeks and found it still wet because I forgot to remove it from the container to dry when I got back home. Gross.

Amazon Basics Automatic Open Travel Umbrella for $15 :  Yes, it's cheap. Yes, it has a vented canopy for improved wind resistance. Yes, it automatically opens and closes at the touch of a button. But it's also the most shoddily built umbrella I've tried. After more than a year of use, parts of the inner frame are rusting and the Velcro on the canopy strap is starting to fray. There's zero fiberglass here too—the material's flex helps the umbrella manage the wind. The Balios or Prostorm we recommend above are so much better for the money.

ShedRain E-Motion Electric Umbrella for $150 : Er, you read that right. This is an electric umbrella. Yes, I know the irony. I, honestly, did not want to venture out into thunderstorms with a piece of aluminum and fiberglass mixed with a battery. The few times I did, the E-Motion did its job decently well. The Teflon-coated fabric feels durable and the nearly 40-inch canopy is spacious, but the motor is really loud and doesn't sound pleasant. This also means you need to recharge the umbrella and I just don't think we need another thing to recharge. I haven't yet needed to plug it in, but even if I did, I might be out of luck. When I moved, I misplaced the proprietary charger. Oops. If you have a family member who struggles with opening and closing an umbrella, this might be a nice option, but it's otherwise a bit too high-tech.

ShedRain AOAC Compact for $36 : I have used this umbrella perhaps three or four times and one of its ribs has already broken. ShedRain has a lifetime warranty, but there wasn't any reason for the rib to break.

ShedRain Vortex V2 Umbrella for $40 : I liked and used this umbrella for several months , then one day it stopped closing properly, and I couldn't fix it. I got another model to test and I'm still having issues. Despite being an auto-open/close umbrella, I still need to push the canopy and have it click into place manually to keep it open. The closing mechanism is just plain faulty as I'm already seeing it starting to fail again. It's relatively bulky for its size, but it's compact enough to shove into side backpack pockets. It has a nice strap and a comfy rubber handle. The canopy is made from 100 percent recycled polyester fabric and the frame is steel with nine ribs. It's unfortunate that its automatic functions keep failing.

ShedRain Stratus Chrome Umbrella for $90 : The auto-open/close umbrella felt a bit flimsy when I first tried it, and my gut was right. After months of use, the shaft has not held up all that well—it's jittery when it opens and closes.

ShedRain Mini Manual Umbrella for $38 : This is one of the tiniest umbrellas I've tested—it's just 6.5 inches long when closed—and the canopy is 100 percent recycled polyester from plastic bottles. I just hate the handle on this thing. It's wide, short, and just not comfortable at all to hold.

Umbrella Tips!

When shopping for an umbrella, there are a few traits you should look for.

• 38-Inch Canopy or Larger: Unless you're going for something ultra-small like the Davek Mini, you ideally want a canopy with a 38-inch diameter or more to keep most of your body dry.
• Eight Strong Ribs: Make sure there are at least eight ribs and that the ribs are made of some type of fiberglass—it's a flexible and sturdy material, so it'll fare better resisting high winds. It's even better if the shaft is made of fiberglass, too.
• Double Canopy: If you’re in a windy area, a double-layer canopy (also called vented) will allow wind to pass through much better than a single canopy, which means better resistance and less of a chance for your umbrella to turn inside out. If your umbrella does turn inside out, you usually can reset it by pushing the button to close it or by pulling down the shaft and pushing it back up.

How to Avoid Losing Your Umbrella

For the longest time, my problem with umbrellas wasn't just the shoddy quality of the cheap ones I bought. It was how I frequently left them behind after a night out. There's no secret trick to remembering your umbrella before you leave a venue, but there are some ways that can help.

• Attach a Bluetooth tracker to the umbrella. This one from Chipolo can stick anywhere and you can see the last location of where you placed your umbrella, which might help when you're trying to relocate it.
• Buy from a company that offers loss prevention. Davek is one of the few brands that do this. If you lose the umbrella, you get 50 percent off a replacement. Davek has a Bluetooth tracker you can attach too.
• This is purely anecdotal, but whenever I've used a more expensive umbrella, I've always been more conscious about grabbing it before leaving a party or restaurant. Also, the larger the umbrella, the easier it is to see before you leave. I can't say that this will work for anyone else, though.

WIRED COUPONS

Turbo Tax Live Assisted - 10% off

H&R Block Coupons & Offers

Enjoy $15 Off Your Orders With Instacart Coupon

Dyson Airwrap deal: Free $60 Case + $40 Gift

Get Up To An Extra 45% Off September Sale

Vista Print Coupon Code: 20% Off Select Signage

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Trip Planning
• Tech & Gear
• Accessories

Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella Review

A small, no-frills travel umbrella

Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella

TripSavvy / Stephanie Vermillion

Portable size

Auto-open and auto-close button

Multiple color options

Lifetime warranty

Flips in the wind

Flimsy build

Lacks UV protection

The Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella offers decent coverage and has all the makings for a good product, but it’s best suited for lighter, low-wind rainstorms. 

• Performance
• Portability
• Competition
• Final Verdict

We purchased the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella so our reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

The Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella comes in a tiny size that makes it highly appealing for travelers. You can stick this umbrella in your suitcase or purse and virtually forget about it, given it weighs just one pound and packs up to just 12 inches in length. 

As a traveler, I was particularly intrigued by the performance promises. This tiny umbrella was designed to outlast wind and storms despite its compact size. To find out if this was one of the year’s best travel umbrellas , I took the Rain-Mate out on a test-run during a rainstorm in New York City. Read on to find out whether or not it lived up to my expectations. 

Performance: Struggles with the wind

Based on its 42-inch canopy, I had a feeling this umbrella would keep me dry—and it did. It’s a spacious umbrella with more than enough room for one. Then the wind hit. The NYC waterfront has some mighty gusts of wind, and the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella simply couldn’t withstand them. After the third gust, the umbrella flipped, leaving me scrambling to flip it back as I dodged puddles and sought shelter.

Unlike many cheap umbrellas that flip once and go kaput, this umbrella has fiberglass ribs that make it easy to flip back.

To test it out in milder weather, I took the umbrella to Central Park on a breezy, sunny day. I used the umbrella to stay cool while reading on the lawn. Yet again, one gust too many sent this umbrella flipping. 

Here’s the good news, though: Unlike many cheap umbrellas that flip once and go kaput, this umbrella has fiberglass ribs that make it easy to flip back. Would I prefer it not to flip at all? Of course. But at least you won’t need an entirely new umbrella whenever a little wind hits.

Design: A large canopy that opens quickly 

When I first used the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella’s auto-open button, I was blown away by two things. First, I loved how quickly it opened. When I’m traveling, I’m often running in and out of stores, public transit, or restaurants, so the quick auto-open, auto-shut feature controlled by a button on the rubberized handle makes the umbrella highly functional when I need it most. 

Another impressive feature? Despite its tiny size, this umbrella’s canopy reaches 42 inches. While I could have fit someone else under the umbrella with me, I enjoyed keeping it all to myself—because I stayed pretty dry! (That is, until the wind hit.)

The quick auto-open, auto-shut feature controlled by a button on the rubberized handle makes the umbrella highly functional when I need it most.

While the manufacturer site doesn’t specify what material was used for the canopy, it feels like nylon to me. Unfortunately, it does not have UV protection features. While it kept me cool (when it wasn’t flipped out) during my sunny day at Central Park, I would’ve been better off with an umbrella built with UV protection . 

Portability: A compact, easily packable size

This umbrella weighs about one pound and packs down to 12 inches via a three-fold telescopic shaft, making it easy to stash in a travel purse or my go-to travel backpack . Given the umbrella’s size, it’s easy to throw it in a carry-on suitcase and forget about it—until you’re on a trip and need it!  

Despite its tiny size, this umbrella’s canopy reaches 42 inches.

Price: On par with competitors

At around $20, the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella is priced fairly and is comparable to its closest competitors. It costs more than the cheapest umbrellas, but it works slightly better. Plus, it’s guaranteed for life; no matter what happens, the company will replace it free of charge.

Competition: Can’t beat the competition

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella: When comparing the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella with the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella , both of which I tested, you’d expect the Rain-Mate to be much cheaper. It’s not nearly as durable, it flips out in the wind (when the Repel umbrella doesn’t), and it lacks Teflon waterproof material. Yes, it has a lifetime guarantee, but so does Repel. And yet, the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella is around $20, while the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella—the better option, in our opinion—is only about $5 more. Both come in virtually identical sizes with similar colors, so the obvious choice—the one that withstands wind!—is the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella.

Bodyguard Travel Umbrella: I also reviewed the Bodyguard Travel Umbrella, which packs down to about the same size as the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella (the Bodyguard closes to 11.5 inches long, while the Rain-Mate is 12 inches). When expanded, though, the Bodyguard is far and away the winner. It reaches 46 inches, 4 inches wider than the Rain-Mate umbrella. That means multiple people can fit under the Bodyguard umbrella. And while the Bodyguard umbrella is not as durable as the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella, it’s much more durable than the Rain-Mate umbrella, which feels flimsy when compared to its two main competitors. When it comes to the Rain-Mate versus the Bodyguard, the Bodyguard is the better choice. When it comes to all three umbrellas, the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella takes the cake. 

The Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella is far from perfect. Similarly priced competitors work better when it comes to wind, but this umbrella does its job in the rain—and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. 

• Product Name Compact Travel Umbrella
• Product Brand Rain-Mate
• Price $20.95
• Weight 1 lbs.
• Product Dimensions 12 x 2.5 x 2.5 in.
• Color Black, blue sky, navy blue, pink, rainbow, red, yellow
• Warranty Lifetime guarantee

Related Articles

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

The Modest Man

Complete this reader survey by Feb 29th for a chance to win a prize. 🎉 ×

10 Reliable Compact Travel Umbrellas That Will Keep You Dry

Published on October 5, 2022 by Tom Scalisi · Accessories

Looking for a stylish and functional umbrella to take on the road with you? Read on to see the best travel umbrellas you can buy right now.

Table of Contents

To start this article off by saying that a great travel umbrella is an absolute must-have would be misleading.

In today’s day and age, we have closets full of synthetic and technical fabrics available to shield you from a rainstorm. Donning these performance materials means you can venture out into some wicked conditions without experiencing as much as a drop on your clothes. 

You don’t need an umbrella for that.

But, if I told you that umbrellas are an old-school, classic, and charming accessory that can certainly help you craft your personal style, then we’d be on to something. 

It wasn’t very long ago that a great umbrella was a status symbol. Close friends would give them to each other during the holidays and on special occasions.

The impression a young man could make on a damsel in distress by lifting an umbrella to shield her from an unexpected shower could be enough to start an amazing love story.

For that reason alone, umbrellas are cool.

The truth is that men don’t use or carry umbrellas like we used to. With (relatively) accurate weather reports readily available on our smartphones, we can prepare ourselves for the day before we even leave the house.

A waterproof technical jacket will often do the trick, while an umbrella is just one more thing to carry to the office or throw on the backseat of your car. 

But, if you aren’t carrying an umbrella, you’re missing out on an opportunity to bolster your style or possibly be someone special’s hero in a time of need. The good news is that a travel umbrella can pack into your briefcase , glovebox, or weekender , and you won’t even know it’s there until you need it.

This guide will help you choose the best travel umbrella, keeping you prepared and stylish when Mother Nature doesn’t want to cooperate.

Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best travel umbrellas you can buy right now:

Nordstrom’s Telescoping Umbrella is an attractive option for a quality travel umbrella that won’t break the bank. It opens to create a massive 48-inch canopy to protect you and a companion from the rain.

Lewis N. Clark’s Travel Umbrella is a super-affordable travel umbrella has eight metal ribs that can survive some mighty gusts. A a great choice for guys with discerning tastes and tight budgets.

The Solo is a high quality standard compact umbrella. The umbrella features unique wind resistant Davek RigidFlex frame system. It is the perfect combination of durability and sophisticated style.

Read on for more info and the complete list…

Things to Consider While Shopping for Travel Umbrellas

Before we jump right into the best umbrellas, there are some things to consider. Humans have been using umbrellas for thousands of years, but they’ve come a long way in that time. Let’s dig into some important factors to consider when choosing the best travel umbrella.

The size of a travel umbrella is a bit of a give and take, but it’s an important factor to keep in mind. Travel umbrellas need to be large enough to shield you and possibly an acquaintance from the rain but small enough that they can pack into a briefcase or bag. 

In general, an umbrella with a canopy that provides 40 to 45 inches of coverage should be the goal. This is wide enough to fight off the elements while not being so large and bulky that it’s hard to store away.

Also, look for a closed length in the area of 12 to 13 inches so you can pack it away easily almost anywhere.

While a vent at the top of your umbrella might seem counterintuitive, they actually serve an important function.

Rain and wind often go hand-in-hand. As wind whips up under an umbrella, it can turn it inside out or rip it apart. If the umbrella had a vent, it would allow the wind to pass through instead of leaving you to soak while fighting with a broken umbrella.

Not all top-quality umbrellas feature vents, but those that do leave less to worry about during a windy rainstorm.

By far, one of the most important factors when choosing the best travel umbrella is the handle. For centuries, the best umbrella makers crafted their handles out of exotic materials, with intricate and fancy designs.

While you don’t necessarily need a carved jackrabbit or owl’s head on the end of your travel umbrella, it’s still an opportunity to show off your style.

If you prefer a minimalist, simple design, feel free to go with a plastic or monochrome handle.

However, if you prefer a more traditional approach to your umbrella handle, you can find travel umbrellas with curved handles made from fine hardwoods. It’s an opportunity to add a bit of style and contrast to your umbrella game.

Number of Ribs

While you’re searching for the best travel umbrella, one thing to note is the number of ribs each model has. Ribs are the arms that extend from the shaft to spread the canopy out.

Most umbrellas have eight or nine ribs, which is ideal for strength and wind-resistance. If the umbrella you’re looking at has less than eight ribs, you’ll probably want to pass.

Automatic vs. Manual Opening

When you’re shopping for the best travel umbrella, you’ll have to choose between an automatic umbrella and a manual opening model.

There’s something James Bond-esque about an automatic umbrella, but they aren’t always the sturdiest option. Manual openers are a bit more reliable, but they can be downright impossible to open with one hand. 

If you have to put your expensive leather briefcase down on a wet sidewalk to open your umbrella, you’ll wish you perfected your one-hand technique before you needed it.

The Best Travel Umbrellas

You’ve done your research. You know what to look out for when checking out the best travel umbrellas. You’re ready to start shopping. 

Here’s our list of the best travel umbrellas to choose from. Any one of these models will help keep you dry, so keep the above considerations in mind when selecting the best one for your style.

As a disclaimer, you can pay 10 to 15 times the price for a true luxury umbrella. The best umbrella makers from London and Italy create heirloom pieces with intricate designs and expensive materials. None of those made this list.

The Best Premium Travel Umbrellas

Here are the best premium umbrella options…

The Davek Solo is an extremely high-quality umbrella, and it’s compact! It’s just under a foot long and only weighs about 1 pound.

It’s windproof, stylish and has an open-close button that’s super handy. We like the size of the Solo, but Davek does make two umbrellas that are even smaller (the Mini and the Traveler ).

Brooks Brothers Mini Umbrella

For a more understated look that retains the quality feel, check out the Brooks Brothers Mini Umbrella . This simple, minimalist style umbrella is perfect for the guy that wants a premium umbrella that doesn’t draw too much attention to itself. 

The Mini Umbrella has a nine-rib design with a push-button automatic release. When open, it creates a 45-inch canopy — enough to keep you and a partner dry during a rain. When closed, it measures just 12.5 inches long. The compact size is a benefit of the simple wood grain handle’s design.

TUMI Large Auto Close Umbrella

If you’re looking for a premium travel umbrella that provides a ton of canopy coverage, it’s hard to beat the TUMI Large Auto Close Umbrella .

It features both automatic opening and closing, allowing you to operate it with one hand. It has a custom-molded handle and a rubber wrist strap for easy handling. It also has vents, keeping the wind from ruining your premium umbrella.

The TUMI opens its eight ribs to create a 47-inch wide canopy, providing more coverage than any other premium umbrella on this list. When closed, it measures just over 14 inches — pretty impressive considering the size of the canopy. 

The Best Travel Umbrellas from $25-$60

Looking for a solid umbrella for a less than premium price? These will do the trick…

The Weatherman Travel Umbrella

Guys in the market for a tough, minimalist style umbrella should definitely check out The Weatherman Travel Umbrella . Weatherman uses industrial-strength fiberglass for this umbrella’s ribs.

It’s capable of surviving drops, falls, and inverting. It can withstand winds up to 45 miles per hour as well, keeping you dry when other umbrellas might fold.

The Travel Umbrella is pretty compact. When closed, it measures under 12-inches in length. However, the canopy might be a bit undersized at just 37.8-inches. The automatic open and close is a nice feature as you’ll be able to operate it with one hand.

Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella

If you live in a particularly windy area, you might consider looking into the Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella.

This umbrella has a six-rib design that’s capable of withstanding wind speeds up to 55 miles per hour, making it one of the toughest umbrellas on this list. The unique design uses struts to make its automatic opening even more manageable.

While the Blunt’s an excellent travel umbrella, its dimensions are a little off. When it’s closed, it measures over 14 inches long. However, while open, it creates just a 37-inch canopy. That’s something to keep in mind if you need a bit more coverage from your travel umbrella.

Nordstrom Telescoping Umbrella

Nordstrom’s own Telescoping Umbrella is an attractive option for a quality travel umbrella that won’t break the bank.

It features an automatic open and close button, and it opens to create a massive 48-inch canopy (the largest on our list) to protect you and a companion from the rain. It also has vents, keeping the wind from turning it inside out.

When closed, it measures 15 inches long. While that’s a bit long, it’s excusable considering how much protection you get from a mid-range umbrella with automatic opening and closing.

The Best Travel Umbrellas Under $25

If you want a straight up budget option, choose from these options…

Totes Titan Compact Travel Umbrella

Totes umbrellas are synonymous with affordable rain protection, and the Titan is no exception.

This eight-rib design is tough and makes this umbrella capable of handling gusts up to 70 miles per hour, making it by far the most rugged umbrella on this list. It also features an automatic open and close button for easy use.

The Titan measures 47-inches wide, making its 70 MPH wind resistance that much more impressive. When folded up and packed away, it measures 12.5 inches long, making it perfect for travel or storing in your car .

Repel Umbrella

If you’re looking for a decent quality umbrella for a great price, it’s hard to beat the Repel Umbrella . This affordable travel umbrella has features usually reserved for much more expensive umbrellas.

It has a double-vented design, and automatic open and close feature, as well as nine fiberglass ribs for plenty of wind resistance and durability.

When open, the Rebel measures just over 40 inches, hitting the sweet spot for a travel umbrella. While closed, it measures just 11.5 inches, so it’s perfect for throwing in a bag or strapping to a briefcase.

Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrella

Lewis N. Clark’s Travel Umbrella might be a great choice for guys with discerning tastes and tight budgets. This super-affordable travel umbrella has eight metal ribs that can survive some mighty gusts. It also has an automatic open and close button, making one-hand operation a breeze.

The Travel Umbrella measures just 10.75 inches when closed, making it the most compact umbrella on this list. While it only opens to a 38-inch wide canopy, the compact size ensures that you’ll keep it on hand, so the trade-off seems fair.

Compact Inverted Umbrella from Adoric Life

Staying dry during your walk only to soak yourself when you close your umbrella is pointless. The Adoric Life Compact Inverted Umbrella solves that problem.

This umbrella folds upward, trapping rain and moisture and keeping it from soaking you while you close it up or get in a car. It has a vented design, an automatic open and close button, as well as an eight-rib design.

Inverted or not, the Adoric Life provides plenty of coverage with its 42-inch canopy. It also folds down to 13.5 inches, making it an attractive travel option — especially if you have a habit of soaking yourself while folding up your traditional umbrella. 

Which Travel Umbrella Will You Choose?

There are plenty of great choices on this list. If you’d prefer a high-end travel umbrella, check out the Davek Solo .

If it’s a high-quality model with plenty of coverage at a reasonable price that you’re after, the Nordstrom Telescoping Umbrella might be the way to go. If it’s just about getting an inexpensive, bulletproof umbrella, you can’t go wrong with the Totes Titan Compact Travel Umbrella .

Whichever model you choose on this list, be sure to keep it on you. Having one of the best travel umbrellas on hand when the skies open can help keep you from soaking to the bone and your day from going south. 

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!

Related Posts

About Tom Scalisi

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for watches and everyday carry items. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children, hiking, photography, and just about every hobby known to man. Background: Tom has a background in law enforcement and commercial construction, so you might say he got into everyday carry and gear by necessity. Somewhere along the way, he developed an interest in watches and photography, two passions that go hand in hand (or wrist). Tom lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York, where he spends his time writing, mountain biking, beekeeping, fishing, photographing gear and hanging out with his family. Expertise: Tom has written about watches, home design, cars and EDC for publications including Forbes, MSN, Domino, SPY and Bob Vila. Here at TMM, he's a trusted advisor on all things watches and EDC.

More Articles by This Author

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). No spam. Ever.

Reader Interactions

Ask me anything cancel reply.

Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

Home • Blog  • Resources • Contact  •  Advertise

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions • Sitemap

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark)

• Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
• Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
• Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
• Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russian regions

• Adygeya republic
• Astrakhan oblast
• Kalmykia republic
• Krasnodar krai
• Rostov oblast
• Volgograd oblast
• Map of Russia
• All cities and regions
• Blog about Russia
• News from Russia
• How to get a visa
• Flights to Russia
• Russian hotels
• Renting apartments
• Russian currency
• FIFA World Cup 2018
• Submit an article
• Flowers to Russia
• Ask our Expert

Rostov Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Rostov oblast: Rostov-on-Don .

Rostov Oblast - Overview

Rostov Oblast is a federal subject of Russia located in the south of the European part of the country, part of the Southern Federal District. Rostov-on-Don is the capital city of the region.

The population of Rostov Oblast is about 4,154,000 (2022), the area - 100,967 sq. km.

Rostov oblast flag

Rostov oblast coat of arms.

Rostov oblast map, Russia

Rostov oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

4 December, 2017 / Stadiums and Matches of the World Cup 2018 in Russia .

2 July, 2017 / Rostov-on-Don - the view from above .

13 March, 2016 / Official Look of Host Cities of World Cup 2018 in Russia .

1 February, 2014 / Snow apocalypse in Rostov region .

12 January, 2011 / The most beautiful staircase of Rostov-on-Don city .

History of Rostov Oblast

In ancient times, the territory around the Don River was part of the region called Scythia (the Greeks), Stsitiya or Tanais named after the Tanais River, the present Don River (the Romans), Sarmatia (the Roman historians of the 1st century). In Russian chronicles of the 14th and 15th centuries, this land was called “Field” or “Wild Field”. Since the second half of the 16th century, the Moscow tsars, starting with Ivan the Terrible, already called all Cossack land simply “Don”.

The ancient people settled in the lands along the Don River since the Stone Age. In the 8th-7th centuries B.C., the Scythians began to settle in the steppes to the north of the Black Sea, between the Don and the Danube. Settlements on the territory of the present Rostov region were first mentioned by Herodotus. A lot of archaeological finds were found in numerous Scythian burial mounds: iron swords, daggers, special items of horse decoration, golden and silver items.

In the 6th-5th centuries B.C., the Greeks began colonization of coastal areas of the Black Sea. In 480 B.C., their largest towns (Olvia, Tira, Hersonissos) united in the kingdom of Bosporus with the capital in Panticapaeum (present Kerch). It was engaged in active trade with the Mediterranean towns.

After long and turbulent history with periods of prosperity and decline, the Greek towns fell under the blows of nomadic peoples migrating through the Don steppes from East to West. For several centuries, this flourishing region turned into a wasteland.

More Historical Facts…

In the 4th century, the Avars settled on the Don land. After them the Khazars came here, who founded their settlements and built a fortress called Sarkel. Constantly raiding the southern lands of Kievan Rus, they were a serious threat to the Old Russian state.

Later, the Pechenegs came here and the Polovtsian tribes after them. The Polovtsi captured the steppe areas of the Don, Kuban, the Azov Sea and ravaged the outskirts of Kievan Rus for decades reaching Pereyaslavl, Chernihiv and even Kiev.

In the early 13th century, the first wave of the Mongol invasion reached the Russian land. In 1223, the combined forces of the Russian princes and the Polovtsi clashed with the Mongols in the Battle of the Kalka River (the tributary of the Kalmius, which flows into the Azov Sea to the north of the Don). Due to poor coordination Russian and Polovtsian troops suffered a complete defeat.

It was the beginning of the period of Russian history known as the Mongol yoke, which lasted until 1480. In the 1470s, the Azov steppes were occupied by the Turks of the Ottoman Empire and became a constant threat on the south-eastern borders of Russia.

In the mid-16th century, runaway serfs began to settle in the area of the Don River. Later, they became known as the Don Cossacks. In 1560, the Cossack town of Cherkassk was founded. Gradually, from the late 16th - early 17th centuries, the Cossacks began to cooperate with the Russian military, economic and political systems.

In the 18th century, the land of the Don Cossacks became part of the Russian Empire and lost its autonomy. The Cossacks actively opposed this fact, which led to the peasant wars and uprisings headed by Stepan Razin, Kondrat Bulavin, Emelyan Pugachev. The Cossacks were included in the Russian army as irregular troops. They had special rights and privileges. The Cossacks were good soldiers and participated in all military campaigns conducted by the Russian Empire.

By the end of the 18th century, about 225 thousand people lived in the Don region, half a century later - 775 thousand. By the middle of the 19th century, two centers formed on the Don: Novocherkassk (military and administrative center) and Rostov-on-Don (industrial and commercial center). In 1859, the population of the region was about 900 thousand.

During the Russian Civil War, this region was one of the centers of the White movement and became the scene of bloody battles. The final blow to the Don Cossacks, who survived in the Soviet Union after the Civil War, was decossackization, dispossession and famine of 1932-1933. Rostov Oblast was established in 1937.

The shooting of a peaceful demonstration in Novocherkassk became the blackest page in the history of the 1960s. On June 2, 1962, employees of the local electric locomotive plant with their families came to the rally with demands for higher wages. In response, the troops were deployed in the city. When people tried to break through to the building of the city executive committee, the troops opened fire. According to official figures, 26 people were killed and 87 wounded.

Pictures of Rostov Oblast

Rostov Oblast - the land of the Cossacks

Author: Igor Tartanov

Paved road in the Rostov region

Author: Eugeny Gromenko

Rostov Oblast landscape

Author: Poluyan Sergey

Rostov Oblast - Features

Rostov Oblast is located in the southern part of the East European Plain and partly in the North Caucasus region, occupying a vast area in the river basin of the Lower Don. The region stretches for 470 km from north to south and 455 km from west to east.

The climate is temperate continental. The average temperature in January is minus 3 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 23.4 degrees Celsius. The nature of the region is diverse. Steppes, forests, the Don River, the coast of the Azov Sea are inhabited by more than 100 species of animals and fish.

Rostov Oblast lies mainly in the steppe zone with semi-deserts in the south-east. About 6% of the territory is covered by forests and bushes, most part of the region is occupied by farms engaged in agriculture on the fertile black soil. The largest cities are Rostov-on-Don (1,135,000), Taganrog (245,600), Shahty (226,300), Volgodonsk (168,200), Novocherkassk (163,700), Bataisk (126,800), Novoshahtinsk (103,400).

Rostov Oblast is rich in various mineral resources. The most important among them are fuel resources. Coal deposits of eastern Donbass are well-known. About 90% of coal is anthracite, which has the highest calorific content of all types of coal except for graphite. There are deposits of natural gas and oil, phosphorites.

Development of the region’s economy is based on such factors as favorable economic and geographical position (connecting the center of Russia with the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia), the availability of natural resources, high availability of labor resources, well-developed transport infrastructure.

Rostov Oblast is one of the leading regions of Russia in the level of development and variety of industries. The region’s economy is based on agricultural industry, food-processing industry, heavy and agricultural machinery, coal mining, automotive industry. Rostov Nuclear Power Plant is located about 12 km from the city of Volgodonsk.

The main treasure of the region is its fertile black soil occupying almost 65% of the territory, the fertile layer can be up to 1.5 meters. Rostov Oblast is the second largest producer of agricultural products in Russia (wheat, maize, rice, millet, buckwheat, soybeans, vegetables, fruits, and berries).

Sunflower is the main industrial crop. This region produces more than 20% of all sunflower seeds in Russia. Milk producing, cattle-breeding, sheep-breeding, horse-breeding and poultry farming are the most developed.

The federal highways E115 - M4 “Moscow - Novorossiysk”, E50 - M19, E58 - M23 “Kishinev - Rostov”, E40 - M21 “Volgograd - Kishinev” pass through the territory of the Rostov region. The railway routes to the south of Russia pass through the province - to Krasnodar krai (the Azov and Black Seas) and Ukraine. The main waterways are the Don and Seversky Donets. Taganrog, Azov and Rostov-on-Don are large sea ports.

Tourism in Rostov Oblast

Rostov Oblast attracts tourists by its rich history, charming nature, unique Cossack culture. The Don River, one of the largest rivers in Europe, with its branches and tributaries; Taganrog Bay of the Azov Sea; Tsimlyansk reservoir; Don and Azov steppes create a memorable image of the Rostov region.

In total, there are more than 8,000 objects of archaeological heritage of federal importance in this region. The cities of Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, Azov, Novocherkassk are the main tourist centers.

Unique collections of Scythian gold are exhibited in regional museums as well as excellent ethnographic collections representing variety of national cultures of the Don region, items of everyday life of the Cossacks, pictures made by famous painters of the 18th-20th centuries.

The history of the region is closely linked to the famous Don Cossacks of the 16th-18th centuries (Yermak Timofeyevich, Stepan Razin, Kondraty Bulavin, Yemelyan Pugachev, Matvey Platov), as well as Emperors Peter I and Alexander I. Anton Chekhov, one of the greatest writers of short fiction in history, was born here. The Don River area is described in the works of Alexander Pushkin and Mikhail Sholokhov.

Numerous Orthodox churches and monasteries are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The climatic conditions of Taganrog Bay create favorable conditions for the development of sanatorium and resort industry.

The main places of interest located outside Rostov-on-Don and Taganrog include:

• Azov Historical-Archaeological and Paleontological Museum-Reserve,
• Azov Museum of Local Lore,
• Gunpowder Cellar in Azov,
• Archaeological Museum-Reserve Tanais with the excavation of an ancient town and necropolis,
• Aksai Museum of Military History,
• Museum of the History of the Don Cossacks and the monument to Yermak in Novocherkassk,
• State Natural Reserve “Rostovsky”,
• Manych-Gudilo - the largest lake in the Rostov region.

Rostov oblast of Russia photos

Rostov Oblast scenery

Stud farm named after Kirov in Rostov Oblast

Author: Alena Amplieva

Traveling on the roads of the Rostov region

Author: Nikolay Sevastyanov

Churches in Rostov Oblast

Church of the Don Icon of Mother of God in Novoshakhtinsk

Church in Rostov Oblast

Author: Vlad Rost

The comments of our visitors

• Currently 2.77/5

Rating: 2.8 /5 (179 votes cast)

• The Best Things To See...

The Best Things to Do in Rostov-on-Don

Contributor / Journalist

The city of Rostov-on-Don lies all along the banks of the Don river. It is a beautiful place to wander around; there are many green spaces, and during the summertime, you can bask in the sun or go on a relaxing boat ride down the river, a glass of wine in hand. Here are some of the top things to do in Rostov-on-Don.

Take a quick walk along pushkin street.

Pushkin Street is the main promenade in the downtown city area. The street, named after Alexander Pushkin, is full of cafés, bars , restaurants and historical statues, along with beautiful flowers and trees; it’s an ideal place to spend a relaxing weekend. Don State Public Library, located in a unique modern building and one of the biggest libraries outside of Moscow, also sits on Pushkin Street.

Pushkin Street, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

https://www.instagram.com/p/BURpENmBbT0/

Explore the embankment

Take a walk on the embankment by the slow-flowing Don river. Street performers entertain and provide activities for the public during the summer months, and many people opt to take a boat ride on the water. You can even get on a disco boat here and dance the night away.

The embankment, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXxjqKQBWYo/?taken-by=rostov_nadonu

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $1,200 on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Try local food at Rostov’s Central Market

This place has everything that a Russian regional market should have; meat and fish, sweets, ice cream, excellent salads, and a few delicacies from Korea and Georgia. You won’t find many souvenirs for tourists here, but it is still worth wandering the stalls.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNCnw_DA4Lo/?tagged=%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BA

Visit the local parks and gardens

There are numerous beautiful parks located around the city. You can discover some of the main green spaces simply by walking along Pushkin Street, and there are more in the centre near Bolshaya Sadovaya Street.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXp8BIKht-_/?taken-by=rostov_nadonu

Take a look at Bogoroditsa Cathedral

Go on a day trip to azov.

Once you’ve checked out all the main historical places in Rostov-on-Don, and you have some time to spare, you should make sure to stop by the nearby town of Azov. Steeped in history, the town once served as a Turkish outpost, and today is home to the remains of Azov Castle.

Looking for things to do in Sochi? Check out our city guide here .

The Best Places to Stay in Rostov-On-Don

Best Bars in Rostov-on-Don to Watch the 2018 World Cup

The Best Restaurants in Rostov-on-Don

The Best Hidden Bars of Rostov-on-Don

The Best Places for Burgers in Rostov-On-Don

The Best Halal Restaurants in Rostov-On-Don

Interesting Rostov-on-Don Facts You Should Know

The Top Attractions in Rostov-on-Don

Meet Maxim Ilinov, The Rapping Cossack from Rostov-on-Don

The Best Pan-Asian Restaurants in Rostov-on-Don

The Best Bars in Rostov-On-Don

Culture Trip Summer Sale

Save up to $1,200 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

• Post ID: 1487814
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload