Golite Chrome or collapsible Chrom umbrella

The big one is pretty tough and a dead simple design. If you want one for urban/travel use then the collapsible one might have some advantage; otherwise, the longer one will stow in a side pocket and under the compression straps like tent poles if you pack has such features.

The chrome dome seems to be simpler and sturdier, it is also 3 oz lighter, I would be using this backpacking, I will still be under 10#, so a few comfort items are ok!

For backpacking I would get the non collapsible. It's incredibly simple – I wouldn't trade the strength of a non collapsible shaft for extra space savings when collapsed.

I shared dinner with some europeans on my local mountain with 15-part hammock setups, Arcteryx everything, and Golite umbrellas. I thought the umbrellas looked a little silly. I say, do what you want, it's the woods, and I didn't say anything about it to them.

I can see them being useful in the desert, not really in the forest.

I was a non-believer until I hiked the PCT.
The umbrellas were a god-send.
Those without them withered.
Why people live in the desert is still a mystery to me.
The weakness of the umbrella was in the wind or in low hanging chaparral … in both cases I would want the security of the stiffer non-collapsible.

(PS: Max I saw your posted photo album from your last trip. Don't pretend you care about looking silly.)

Go with the non fiddle factor full size. If you buy from Golite you can get two for the same shipping cost as one.

My chrome dome was one of the absolute important items I didn't bring on my backpacking trip to AK this summer, I was huddling next to my buddies with umbrellas by a fire in relentless rain in 36F temps.

"For backpacking I would get the non collapsible. It's incredibly simple – I wouldn't trade the strength of a non collapsible shaft for extra space savings when collapsed."

What he said.