Umbrellas – which one

Umbrellas are great but shockingly easy to pulverize. Until you get some experience I’d recommend buying a very inexpensive one.

I have the GoLite Dome but I have never had to use it yet. I chose the Dome over Montbell’s lighter, small umbrellas because it can be used as a tarp support if you can’t find a decent stick (I don’t use trekking poles). It’s probably a little sturdier too.

There are lighter weight umbrellas at stores like Ross’s dress for less, for example. Some of this telescope shut and are quite compact. They are somewhat flimsy and a stiff wind would ruin them. I had a Golite umbrella for awhile, but I thought it was too big when collpased and too heavy. I eventually lost it on a trip and do not plan to replace it. I used an umbrella for shade, as I do not hike in the rain.
I am going to try a desert type hat on my next trip.

I’ve brought a couple at the local supermarket and modified them “a la Jardine”. My daughter and I have used them for a couple of years now and they have both been repaired several times but still work OK. I agree w/ the poster who said that you should buy a cheap one first, modify it if you want, and use it at will.