1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Walking

Top 7 Umbrellas

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Created: June 21, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

If you carry an umbrella, it won't rain, and if you don't, it will. You want an umbrella that won't collapse or invert in the wind. The grip must be comfortable throughout your walk. Stick umbrellas are harder to carry rolled up but usually have bigger canopies and better grips. Compact umbrellas store well but often have a tiny, uncomfortable grips and small, shallow canopies.

1. ShedRain Pro-Reflect Jumbo Sports Umbrella

Reflective trim around the edges makes this a great choice for walking in foul weather and at night. The rubber handle is gooved for a good grip. You can take it along easily with the carrying strap to wear it over your shoulder until needed. It opens to 58 inches for good coverage.
Compare Prices

2. ShedRain Windpro Umbrella

Wind tested to 33 mph. This 46" arc umbrella resists inversion. It is 18 inches long when folded.
Compare Prices

3. Swiss Army Automatic Umbrella

Sorry, it doesn't have a scissors, toothpick, or even a pocket knife. But Victorinox makes high-quality items, and this umbrella is no exception. It's a compact 13 inches until it automatically unfurls in 3 stages. It has a wind-reflex frame to prevent inversion and made with a titanium alloy for strength. The grip is a comfortable TPR-molded handle.
Compare Prices

4. ShedRain Windjammer Jumbo Umbrella

Big 58" arc to keep you dry, but compacts to 22 inches. Comfortable 3-fingered wood grip with leather strap. The vented cover is designed to resist inversion in the wind.
Compare Prices

5. Gellas Gel-Handle Mini Umbrella

This umbrella has a gel-filled handle to fight handle fatigue. A compact umbrella to carry along, only 9 inches long when closed, opens to a 43 inch arc.
Compare Prices

6. Gustbuster Metro Style Umbrella

Windproof and waterproof with a 43 inch canopy and a larger handle for comfort.
Compare Prices

7. Samsonite Ultra Mini Flat Umbrella

My walking friends say the surest way to prevent rain is to carry along an umbrella. These models are very packable, between 6 and 8 inches long folded. The drawback is the tiny knob when you unfurl them, which can be uncomfortable after any time. That said, these are my favorites as they are easy to stow away or carry easily like a baton once the shower is over.
Compare Prices

Explore Walking

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Walking
  4. Walking Clothing & Gear
  5. Clothing: What to Wear
  6. Top Picks for Umbrellas for Walkers

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.