EuroSchirm Umbrella beaten by Santiago

Theatregal said:

My EuroSchirm umbrella has made it through all sorts of conditions but this afternoon it was no match for the major wind and rain in Santiago. Soon as I walked in front of the Cathedral, intense wind snapped it inside out, back and forth and snapped a rib! What a tormenta a couple of hours ago! Now suddenly the rain has stopped and the sun is fighting through. But my umbrella Mostly I use it for the sun - it is wounded but will carry on

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t2andreo said:

Tossing a spent umbrella may work for a $ / € 5 umbrella. But a $ / € 60 Euroschirm umbrella is another matter. It might be repairable.

This said, I recently discovered this umbrella / paraguas at Decathlon:

In Spain: https://www.decathlon.es/es/p/paraguas-golf-profilter-small-negro/_/R-p-14862?mc=8392138&c=AMARILLO

In the US: https://www.decathlon.com/collections/golf-umbrellas/products/golf-uv-umbrella-compadry-120?

I bought this as an impulse purchase when I was there at the Santiago superstore in May. Once I saw the color, perfect for road walking on Camino, I could not resist. The price of €14.99 was also great.

While working as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office, I used it in several very heavy and windy days of rain. UNLIKE the Euroschirm, the Decathlon "golf" umbrella would not turn inside out. Evidently, it has additional supports and connecting strings that prevent this action.

Also, the Decathlon umbrella is lighter than the Euroschirm. I have not actually weighed both, but holding them one in each hand, the weight difference is apparent to me.

When you realize that the Decathlon item is one third or less the cost of the Euroschirm, is lighter, brighter, and weighs less... DOH!?

Hope this helps...

Click to expand...

Theatregal said:

My EuroSchirm umbrella has made it through all sorts of conditions but this afternoon it was no match for the major wind and rain in Santiago. Soon as I walked in front of the Cathedral, intense wind snapped it inside out, back and forth and snapped a rib! What a tormenta a couple of hours ago! Now suddenly the rain has stopped and the sun is fighting through. But my umbrella Mostly I use it for the sun - it is wounded but will carry on

Click to expand...

t2andreo said:

Tossing a spent umbrella may work for a $ / € 5 umbrella. But a $ / € 60 Euroschirm umbrella is another matter. It might be repairable.

This said, I recently discovered this umbrella / paraguas at Decathlon:

In Spain: https://www.decathlon.es/es/p/paraguas-golf-profilter-small-negro/_/R-p-14862?mc=8392138&c=AMARILLO

In the US: https://www.decathlon.com/collections/golf-umbrellas/products/golf-uv-umbrella-compadry-120?

I bought this as an impulse purchase when I was there at the Santiago superstore in May. Once I saw the color, perfect for road walking on Camino, I could not resist. The price of €14.99 was also great.

While working as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office, I used it in several very heavy and windy days of rain. UNLIKE the Euroschirm, the Decathlon "golf" umbrella would not turn inside out. Evidently, it has additional supports and connecting strings that prevent this action.

Also, the Decathlon umbrella is lighter than the Euroschirm. I have not actually weighed both, but holding them one in each hand, the weight difference is apparent to me.

When you realize that the Decathlon item is one third or less the cost of the Euroschirm, is lighter, brighter, and weighs less... DOH!?

Hope this helps...

Click to expand...

t2andreo said:

No, I have never had a problem with any retractable umbrella at TSA security, or European security checkpoint for that matter. I have traveled with the Euroschirm on a couple of occasions and have not had any second glances. Your experience may vary...

I believe, and opine that they are concerned about umbrellas with hidden weapons, e.g. an embedded stabbing weapon, similar to a defensive walking cane. Alternatively, an umbrella built so sturdily as to double as a defensive weapon, might cause concerns.

However a lightweight hiking or other general use umbrella ought not be a problem, especially if most of the structural components are plastic or aluminum. I cannot see these two umbrellas being a problem.

If the umbrella was designed to double as a walking stick and had an embedded tungsten steel tip, like a hiking pole, THAT would be a definite no-no. Without the metal pointy tip, the hiking stick is a walking aid. With the pointy bits, it is a potential spear. That is the crux of the issue for the folks desiring to travel with hiking sticks. I always check mine anyway...

The collapsed size of both the Euroschirm or Decathlon umbrellas described above is about 18 inches / 40 cm (+/-). This easily lashes to the outside of your Camino sized rucksack.

As mentioned. the authorities have the final say so once they have x-rayed your umbrella.

Hope this helps.

Click to expand...

t2andreo said:

No, I have never had a problem with any retractable umbrella at TSA security, or European security checkpoint for that matter. I have traveled with the Euroschirm on a couple of occasions and have not had any second glances. Your experience may vary...

I believe, and opine that they are concerned about umbrellas with hidden weapons, e.g. an embedded stabbing weapon, similar to a defensive walking cane. Alternatively, an umbrella built so sturdily as to double as a defensive weapon, might cause concerns.

However a lightweight hiking or other general use umbrella ought not be a problem, especially if most of the structural components are plastic or aluminum. I cannot see these two umbrellas being a problem.

If the umbrella was designed to double as a walking stick and had an embedded tungsten steel tip, like a hiking pole, THAT would be a definite no-no. Without the metal pointy tip, the hiking stick is a walking aid. With the pointy bits, it is a potential spear. That is the crux of the issue for the folks desiring to travel with hiking sticks. I always check mine anyway...

The collapsed size of both the Euroschirm or Decathlon umbrellas described above is about 18 inches / 40 cm (+/-). This easily lashes to the outside of your Camino sized rucksack.

As mentioned. the authorities have the final say so once they have x-rayed your umbrella.

Hope this helps.

Click to expand...

Viggen Avedissian said:

Hi t2andreo, have you or anyone here had problems at the airport with retractable umbrella in their carry-on backpack?. TSA website indicates that umbrellas are ok, but they also have this text.
"The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint."

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Evvie said:

Seems the wind is a problem for all trekking umbrellas.

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Theatregal said:

My EuroSchirm umbrella has made it through all sorts of conditions but this afternoon it was no match for the major wind and rain in Santiago. Soon as I walked in front of the Cathedral, intense wind snapped it inside out, back and forth and snapped a rib! What a tormenta a couple of hours ago! Now suddenly the rain has stopped and the sun is fighting through. But my umbrella Mostly I use it for the sun - it is wounded but will carry on

Click to expand...