this post was submitted on 03 Mar 2024
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So I don't live in a hurricane area, but average storms got the best of my two umbrellas that I thought would withstand the wind. One samsonite, one Taiwanese brand (rainbow) that had advertised it as storm resistant. It is true that both would "pop out" in case of strong winds, which is to prevent the immediate break.

Still, facing the wind (a sudden burst as I was walking past a tall building) has bent the ribs irremediably.

Any suggestions based on actual experience?

Thank you

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[–] [email protected] 26 points 9 months ago (3 children)

I live in an area with strong winds and I'm happy with Knirps, they can be found in both NA and EU.

More expensive than "regular" umbrellas, but they are built to last and are compact to boot.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 9 months ago (2 children)

Thank you, I'll probably go for the t200.

Anyone has used blunt umbrellas? I like the design and reviews seem to say they are sturdy too.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 9 months ago

We were just not an hour or two ago having a natter about umbrellas after I bought a RAM umbrella (I've used their mounts, was surprised they did umbrellas) after years of living in the UK. Yes, I've never used an umbrella in all my days here.....

Along with the Blunt recommendation I also got from my expert across the pond poking me towards these too

https://www.rei.com/product/206129/shedrain-54-vortex-vented-jumbo-compact-auto-openclose-umbrella

The RAM one is fugging lethal if you point the opening mechanism towards someone's face, but is very satisfying and seems solid contrary to the reviews?

[–] [email protected] 5 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I had a blunt umbrella several years ago (not the compact model however) and it was great quality and would buy it again. I sadly lost mine a while back

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

I've been tempted by a Blunt umbrella but I'm sure I'd lose it immediately! I've been wondering if I could attach some sort of tracking device to it haha

[–] [email protected] 7 points 9 months ago

Oh nice, another knirps fan. I love them.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago

Seconded, got mine years back for living in Scotland. Still not broken after almost 10 years use.

[–] knobbysideup 6 points 9 months ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago

Mackinaw + toque

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 10 points 9 months ago

Head umbrella

[–] [email protected] 5 points 9 months ago

I bought a very sturdy foldable umbrella several months ago (at a temporary sale of a discounter in Germany so not longer available there) - the clou is the cloth as that is highly reflective and therefore much thicker than the normal umbrella cloth so the ribs have to be stronger, too. It really takes on strong winds without bending much and has the additional advantage of high visibility.

This model looks very similar to the one I bought:

https://www.amazon.de/iX-brella-First-Class-Auf-Zu-Automatik-gro%C3%9F-stabil-sturmfest/dp/B07PYWSMQF

[–] [email protected] 4 points 9 months ago (2 children)

Looks like a pretty good one but I've been psychologically conditioned my whole life to reject umbrellas.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago

Very nearly got stabbed in the eye by one. Hate the things now and I just wear a hat.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

Wow maybe I do need Adblock for my phone. That website was nigh unreadable.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 9 months ago

I am relatively happy with my Davek umbrellas. The micro umbrellas are incredibly small (pocket sized) and the self folding mainstay was very solid (until stolen on a trip).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

Been rocking a Fulton umbrella ever since my last cheapo umbrella broke.

Choice was mostly based on their designs/styles which I really like, but are mostly a matter of taste. The main requirement was either fiberglass or carbon fiber ribs which will not fail unless you're actively trying to destroy them.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago

I've got a knirps carbon umbrella. Was about $60 and it's been with me for 10 years.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

I personally hate umbrellas because they are horrible in the wind. I'd much rather have a rain parka

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

I've seen senz recommended but I can't in good faith pass on that suggestion. I have a collapsible one and the handle especially is really bad. It also won't stay properly extended which makes it awkward to use.