I am sick of having to replace the cheap foldable umbrellas that I keep on buying from coles when they break a few weeks/months later. I am willing to spend a bit more in order to get something which will last a bit longer.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Good Quality Foldable Umbrella
Lropdoh on 29/06/2010 - 19:50
Comments
I recommend the auto-open and auto-close ones from Tote and if you can source them, from Uniqlo.
You probably have to source them from overseas. The tote ones are easier to find on the net and they have a variety of selection and are of exceptional quality.
Uniqlo is a Japanese brand that mainly sell apparel but they do carry a few umbrellas and they are again of exceptional quality.
I have one of these - http://www.korjo.com/Product-Range/Personal-Comfort/Umbrella…
It has lasted for 12 months so far, it is compact, strong and has auto open and close.
Myer has 40% off travel goods at the moment which is how I picked mine up for under $15.
Sea to Summit trekking umbrella has been my backpack companion for the past 7+ years. Can find at camping/adventure stores. If it's still on special I might pick up the Korjo for comparison and keep as a spare.
Just note "wind/gust proof" doesn't mean an umbrella will hold its shape when windy, but that it will survive and can be righted.
I was given a Swiss Army/Victorinox automatic foldable umbrella.
It seems to be pretty good, though it hasn't seen as much wild weather as my previous umbrellas.
Features include push button to open and also to close (though you still have to press it back to the handle for it to be compact). It also has a waterproof cover, so when you step in doors, you can shove it in the waterproof cover and it doesn't drip everywhere. (Though, remember to tip out the water later and dry both the cover bag as well as the umbrella)
I can't find a picture though … the Victorinox website shows a model with a different bag.
I'm also not sure where it came from, either.
Thanks for the help. I think I'll try the korjo, its under $15 at officeworks:
http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Office-Supplie…
i bought one when i was at marks and Spencer in london, has up + down feature and is guaranteed to last in xkm/hr winds. Very cool, i just checked it but no brand/model/anything on it.
Check out the Senz umbrellas - they are designed to withstand wind up to 100km/h without turning inside out!
I don't have one of these, but they look cool and I'm assuming they'd probably cost quite a bit too.
http://www.senzumbrellas.com/en/senz-collection/
Looks like they've copied the Stealth Bomber design…
(Maybe you become invisible to radar when using one of these umbrellas?)
senz looks impressive :)
seems like it shouldn't invert, even in the city / wind tunnel (100 km/h)
So, in heavy winds, other umbrellas may just invert and you get rained on … the Senz will try to move perpendicular to the wind flow, so at least it doesn't invert, and then you get rained on anyway …
Raincoat (poncho style) has some advantages, I guess. Though it can cause sweating inside it.
im impressed
I have found Shelta to be good - mine has lasted 2 years now and for 8 months of that I was living in Glasgow where it rains a lot and can get very windy. No rust and frame is still fine.
Yeah I'm also looking for this. Having been used to the $2 to $9 ones, I bought a 'Shelta' brand plastic one from Big W for $22 thinking it'd go the distance better and wouldn't rust… maybe I treated it harshly but within 12 months the fabric got torn and the frame bent. I thought about claiming the warranty on it but you have to post it to them at your expense, plus pay a $5 postage and handling fee.
Went to Myers and they only had two brands including 'Shelta' lol.