Have you ever experienced being caught up in the rain without an umbrella? Then, you try to scramble to the nearest shop or convenience store that sells a cheap umbrella just so don’t get stuck at where you were at that time.
Save yourself the hassle of protecting yourself from unpredictable weather by bringing a reliable, travel-friendly umbrella for your next trip. These umbrellas pack surprisingly easy, are lightweight and really a necessity if traveling by foot in a humid area. It’s also perfect for protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays, especially if you’ll be walking in the sun for an extended period of time. It also creates some shade, cooling you down in those hot, tropical countries.
Best Lightweight and Windproof Travel Umbrellas
When you’re traveling, you need your umbrella to be as small as possible. So, whether you’re bringing your entire backpack or just a small pouch, you know that you’re ready for a change of weather. In this review, we evaluated the main features you should be looking for in a travel umbrella: durability and travel impact. We will refer to travel impact as the umbrella’s ability to give you overall satisfaction during your trips.
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Here are the top mini umbrellas for travel, in no particular order:
Bodyguard Travel Umbrella
If you’re looking for the most cost-efficient travel umbrella that doesn’t look cheap, the Bodyguard Travel Umbrella is a great choice. Packed in a classy, waterproof leather case, this umbrella creates a really good first impression. The Bodyguard brand makes both 10 and 12 rib models.
This compact umbrella also has Teflon waterproof material protection that ensures no drip when you travel. During heavy downpours, the fabric material will be able to protect you from the rain. Since its canopy is coated with unique waterproof technology, the rainfall dries instantly on the surface of the umbrella.
Travel Impact: The Bodyguard Travel Umbrella is so easy to use. It has an automatic and super light open/close function, allowing you to maneuver your umbrella with just one hand. It’s about 11.5 inches long and weighs less than 1 pound, so it’s easy to carry, too. At the same time, it also has a broader canopy and can squeeze in two to three people inside.
One-click feature, quick-drying Teflon, and posh leather case; with these, the Bodyguard Travel Umbrella sets a high bar for travel accompaniment.
- Brand: Bodyguard
- Model: Windproof Travel Umbrella 10 Ribs Folding
- Weight: 0.96 lb
Davek SOLO Travel Umbrella
With the Davek, a New York company dedicated to creating high-performance travel accessories, you know that you’re getting the best. And, with their new Davek Mini Compact, you’re getting the brand’s stable features in a palm-sized umbrella.
The handle is crafted from genuine zinc alloy and is ergonomically sculpted to nest comfortably in your hands. There’s also a top-grain leather hand strap for easy portability. The Davek SOLO’s engineering is also quite impressive. There are about two hundred parts that are activated when you use the umbrella.
The frame system is top-class, too. The core support rib is made of rigid, aircraft-grade aluminum and flexible fiberglass. It balances the umbrella’s need for durability and flexibility. This combination also allows your Davek SOLO to revert safely, even if it’s pushed back by the wind.
The canopy is also something to look forward to. Made from a 190-thread count microfiber fabric, the highest weave available, the Davek SOLO is one of the most robust coverage you can have. It’s also coated with a special water repellent treatment, so the water just rolls right off. This also makes it easy to dry out the umbrella.
Travel Impact: The Davek SOLO allows travelers to bring their umbrella in a small from. Since it’s only 11.75 inches and 1 pound, 2 ounces, packing it is super easy. They also make a Davek MINI that’s even smaller at less than 7 inches and less than a pound; you can even put it in your back pocket! But the MINI doesn’t have the best coverage for a full size adult, let along two trying to share. Devek’s full size ELITE is not travel friendly, as it’s 35 inches long closed, but great for home or office use.
- Brand: Davek
- Model: SOLO
- Weight: 1 lb 2 ounces
Hedgehog Carbon Windproof Umbrella
You would think that umbrellas only play a small part in the travel industry. However, since it’s an essential travel tool, more companies are trying to reinvent how umbrellas are created and manufactured. This is where the Hedgehog Umbrella comes in.
Durability: The Hedgehog team is made of automotive engineers. They applied the same principles they used in car-making to the Hedgehog Umbrella innovation.
The Hedgehog Carbon Windproof Umbrella features a patented frame architecture to create an efficient rib structure design. Every component, from the metal springs to the rivets, is made of dual carbon fiber construction infused by ballistic-grade polycarbonate joints. This brings an entirely new level of durability to the product.
Since the inspiration to the Hedgehog umbrella came from how they created cars, the rib suspension system features the patented Umbrella Rib Suspension System. When experiencing high winds, the system automatically adjusts the canopy’s flexibility to it can maintain its hemispherical shape. This prevents the canopy from flipping inside out. It’s resistant to wind speeds over 70MPH.
The other thing they changed about the structure is the canopy itself. You can change the canopy in under three minutes and apply a different color or pattern depending on your mood.
Lastly, to make it your all-in-one travel umbrella, the Hedgehog Carbon Windproof Umbrella also has another patented feature: the embedded enclosure. When you open the handle of your umbrella, there’s a cavity where the umbrella’s cover and handle can be stored.
Travel Impact: The Hedgehog Carbon Windproof Umbrella is a high-performing umbrella that has a lifetime value. It’s pricier than alternatives, but considering what it has to offer, it stays true to its value. Though it’s longer closed (13 inches) than the more compact alternatives on this list, it’s still slim enough to fit in your bag.
- Brand: Hedgehog
- Model: Windproof Umbrella
- Weight: 15 ounces
Fidus Upgraded Mini Travel Windproof Umbrella
Fidus is one of the best-value options around. If you’re looking for a compact umbrella that’s sturdy enough to withstand light winds, the Fidus Portable Lightweight Umbrella is a great option.
The other fantastic feature of the Fidus is the canopy cloth. They created a UV and water-blocking canopy by integrating a unique coating. This umbrella can actually block up to 95 percent of UV rays. This is a great travel companion when you’re visiting hot or tropical countries. As for its water-blocking coating, it’s still very light compared to the alternatives on the list. So, you may need to give it ample time to dry out after use.
Lastly, in case you’re wondering if the umbrella would not be able to withstand your travel needs, the company offers a lifetime “unconditional replacement” warranty and an on-going customer service support in case of any damage.
Travel Impact: Because it’s only 7.4 inches, the Fidus Portable Lightweight Umbrella can fit in small bags and makeup kits. You can hold it together with your smartphone if you’re just going out for a quick run. It’s one of the most portable and affordable options on the list. And considering its lifetime offer warranty, it’s a very enticing option, budget-wise.
- Brand: Fidus
- Model: Upgraded Mini Travel Sun & Rain Windproof Umbrella
- Weight: 8.4 ounces
Satchpro Inverted Umbrella
If you prefer a more classic design, the Satchpro Inverted Umbrella could be the choice for you. The Satchrpo brand specializes in creating high-quality travel products at an affordable price.
Durability: The Satchpro Inverted Umbrella is reversible and waterproof. Its handle is C-shaped, so it’s easy to carry with your hand. It also has a carrying case for portability. Just note that unlike the other travel umbrellas on the list, the Satchpro Inverted Umbrella is not a foldable one. However, if we’re talking about reliability and durability, it’s on par with the premium options on the list.
Its form is one of the reasons why it’s stronger than your average travel umbrella. It has a central valve that holds all of the hinges together. At the same time, the canopy is made of 190T pongee cloth, making it one of the most durable fiber designs available. The inverted feature also incorporates a double-layer canopy (with multiple design options) that do not scratch on the surface.
Travel Impact: Though travel umbrellas usually have a compact feature, there are still travelers who prefer the simplicity and design of a standing umbrella. Though it’s longer (31.9 inches), its inverted feature is genuinely reliable, especially if you’re in the outdoors for an extended period of time.
Since the Satchpro Inverted Umbrella’s bigger, too, it can also be used by two to three people. If you’re traveling solo, this gives you full coverage to keep your travel apparatus safe when the rain pours.
- Brand: Satchpro
- Model: Inverted Umbrella
- Weight: 1.15 pounds