umbrella hunting

Compactness, durability and color were the issues for me. Shed Rain makes some very compact and light models (I don't recall the weight). I'll try to dig mine out and get it on the scale.

In doing a quick search to find the Shed Rain, I came across an Eagle Creek model that is just 3.5oz– that is really light. IIRC, 6oz was the lightest I found when doing my initial research (see http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Eagle-Creek-Nimbus-SL-Travel-Umbrella_10031342____?cm_mmc=CSE-_-GoogleBase-_-na-_-Eagle-Creek-Nimbus-SL-Travel-Umbrella&ad_id=GoogleBase). I'm sure that an umbrella that light will be less durable in the wind, but 3.5oz– wow!

Birdiepal is another popular hiking umbrella manufacturer and there is a 2007 review on BPL: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/2007_birdiepal_umbrellas_spotlite_review.html

From there, GoLite makes several models now. The fixed-shaft models are very strong, but they aren't compact. I haven't had a hands-on look at their newer compact umbrellas, but at $45US and 12oz, I would start my search elsewhere.

As to color, if you want protection from sun as well as rain, both Birdiepal and Golite make silver umbrellas and would be my choice. Weights run 8-12oz.

I have the Snow Peak umbrella – weighs 144 grams (5 ounces) and really like it. It's small, pretty light, and very sturdy.

The biggest challenge I've had is in attaching it to my pack so I don't have to hold it while walking. Someone here posted some photos of Camelbak clips on your shoulder straps being used to hold an umbrella upright but I haven't yet tried it.

I like the MontBell Ultralight Trekking Umbrella (5.8 ounce).