Chrome dome replacement?

Don't know of any 8 ounce contenders at the moment. If weight doesn't matter then any cheapo umbrella from WalMart will do.

Gossamer gear is selling a chrome umbrella. They say it is the original "Chrome Dome"
I am actually thinking of purchasing one soon.

http://gossamergear.com/chrome-umbrella.html

I have this one, and it's less than 8 oz

The GoLite variant is still “being made” it just isn’t being sold by GoLite. To my understanding, what Jen posted is the same thing as what GoLite was selling. GoLite just licensed it to sell it as the Chrome Dome. Same thing with Gossamer Gear.

Here Canpsaver is selling the same umbrella. They have a 20% off coupon and free shipping if you get your order over $50

I haven't tried it, but the montbell ultralight trekking umbrella is listed at 5.8 ounces. http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=1405&p_id=1128311

Gossamer Gear is handling them: http://gossamergear.com/chrome-umbrella.html

Yeah, it would probably be better to pick up a light cheap one for $10 and a can of metallic silver spray for $5 and save the $30.

For those of you who already have trekking shade umbrellas, how do you use them? I'll be doing some desert trips soon so was thinking about picking one up as well. In theory, I know you can strap it to your pack. In practice, does it stay in place? Do you just kluge something together or use a holster of some kind strapped to the side of your pack? Since I almost always use trekking poles, I can't imagine ever holding one for long.

For last year's PCT thru- I put the base of the umbrella in my shoulder harness cell phone pouch and used a velcro strap to secure it up above that. This worked quite well for the very few times I used it, while carrying it from the border to Tehachippi. I opted to wear a hat instead and for me, that worked much better.

I throw the umbrella over one shoulder and use one trekking pole in the other hand. That's where the long one-piece shaft is good; otherwise, there are all kinds of super compact lightweight umbrellas. Trying to mount one a shoulder strap has always seemed clumsy and ready to catch on brush, or knock me off balance. with wind gusts and the like. Part of the game is to be able to angle it for best shade for the direction of travel. I use it for rain as well as sun, regardless of the silver top.

If you want to test the concept, you can find good umbrellas in a thrift store for a few dollars. If you want reflective, you can top it with a Mylar space blanket and look like a Burning Man refugee :)

Hands free umbrella VIDEO
Umbrella rigging Rambling Hemlock Blog Post
Lady On A Rock How To Hike Hands Free Wit An Umbrella

edit: Link's suggestion is probably better, though.

The montbell umbrellas are pretty interesting. The ultralight ones have spines you have to manually snip into place. Check them out online.

And I've rigged up to strap the chrome dome umbrella to my shoulder strap with a mini bungi and micro carabiner. I've been shocked how well it works. Even handing days of bushwacking. Being able to hike in rain and keep everything above the crotch dry (also use rain skirt) is huge. if you are willing to experiment, give it a try.

The one at Gossamer Gear is the Euroschirm Swing Liteflex. Pretty sure the Chrome Dome was the same thing just rebranded, no? The full-length one weighs a little less than 8 oz; they also make a telescoping version that weighs a smidge more–mine weighs in at 9.8 oz.

ETA: I usually slide the handle of the umbrella underneath my pack's sternum strap and then (assuming I'm wearing a button-down shirt) rest the handle in the chest pocket of my shirt. If there's minimal wind, I barely need to keep a hand on it, although I usually hold it lightly to adjust the angle and height as needed. If I was really attached to hiking with two trekking poles I would probably figure out some other way to attach the umbrella, but I get by fine with one (or no) trekking pole.

I use hydration tube clips for hands free umbrella use. These clips can be rotated for adjustment and are light enough for me to justify having them on both shoulder straps. It does take some fiddling to get the right adjustment but once you find the sweet spot it's nice to be able to quickly hook/unhook the umbrella.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DrinkTube-holder-strap-clip-camelbak-clip-for-Water-bladder-Reservoirs-/320746129147

Just found out Campsaver is backordered for another month. Anyone know where to get these now?

I see that GG is still out of stock too…
Campsaver has the heavier 13oz version (hands free, whatever that is)
Here is one place you can get them (if they deliver to the US..)
http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/accessories-c10/trekking-umbrellas-c369/swing-liteflex-trekking-umbrella-p3300

All the Euroschirm umbrellas be ordered directly from Euroschirm.com.

The Swing liteflex silver (ChromeDome equivalent) is here. US$48.00.

The birdiepal silver is here. US$64.00.

Shipping free if you order two.

Some Euroschrim models are also available from Amazon.

For all its issues, it does make you realize that Golite was giving its customers a good deal in many cases. I got the ChromeDome for something like $29 dollars if I remember correctly.

I still have my Chromedome – I've never used it. Keep telling myself I will, which is why I still have it. Someday!

Doug lol we all have gear that falls into that category

Thanks Franco and Ken for posting those links. I thought the Swing Liteflex Silver and Birdiepal Silver were one and the same, especially since Campsaver lists the Birdiepal Swing Liteflex: http://www.campsaver.com/swing-liteflex-trekking-umbrella

If not for your links I wouldn't have realized there were two models.

I see the Birdiepal is much heavier at 13 oz while the Swing Liteflex is 7.3 oz. Which one do you recommend? This being BPL, I'm expecting a chorus of "Liteflex, duh."

I'm looking forward to trying it. Fall, Winter and Spring are my favorite hiking seasons though I hike all year – I think it would make hot summer hiking much more enjoyable.

I once tried a random cheap umbrella and liked the shade, but silver would have worked much better.

E J, your choices are not limited to those 2; for example, Euroschirm also does the folding Light Trek at 268g.
I suggest you follow up Franco's link to ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk. They carry 5 different Euroschirm models and ship cheaply to the U.S. A 20% sales tax is included in the price – this will automatically be removed when you select the U.S. as your shipping destination.

Thanks William, more choices, all I need lol. Which model do most of you prefer? What have you found is the best balance of weight, strength and coverage?