When I'm backpacking, hikers often ask, "Why are you carrying an umbrella?" An umbrella seems out-of-place in the wilderness. It's for city folk, not for macho backpackers. However, hiking with an umbrella is not as foolish as it looks.
I've used umbrellas on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. Umbrellas have also protected me during my treks across Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula jungle, Slovakia's Tatra Mountains, and Ukraine's tallest peak. In addition, they've served me well during my thru-hike across the Pyrenees and El Camino Santiago. I've used rain jackets, but in general, I find an umbrella superior.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Rain Protection
- Sun Protection
- Other Umbrella Uses
- Don't you need a jacket anyway?
- Do your arms get tired holding the umbrella?
- What about fixing the umbrella to your backpack so you don't have to hold it?
- What about umbrellas with reflective canopies?
- If umbrellas are so great, why don't people use them more often?
- Don't umbrellas break?
- How do you deal with powerful wind-driven rain?
- When shouldn't you use an umbrella?
- Should you ever have a rain jacket AND an umbrella?
- Conclusion
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# PHOTOS: 12
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Thank you for all your comments on this article!
BPL asked me for a 3-month exclusivity on the article and I gave them 20 months.
So today, I've updated the article substantially and made it free and open to the public my website. It has many never-before-seen photos and more explanations. Best of all, you can share it with Facebook and Twitter friends who are not BPL members. Help spread the word! Here's the link:
http://ftapon.com/umbrella
Happy Trails (with or without an umbrella)!
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