Julia Mumford
Adventure Geek
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Camino Ingles (2018)
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I've long wondered about choosing between a poncho or umbrella, and taking both. Each has its uses, and an umbrella cannot fill in for a poncho when it comes to freezing, driving rain and a penetrating icy wind, as we encountered on the meseta. I had both an umbrella and poncho with me, and I used both, during April/May. How to make the decision to take just the umbrella?....... It's exactly the weight of my poncho so now I only take the umbrella.
When do you decide to fold it up in a wind driven rain? That would be my only concernAbsolutely! Learned about smart walking (meaning with an umbrella) froma group of men from Tenerife I walked with along the Norte. They were part of a walking club back home, swallowed km with great ease, so who was I to question their pratice... especially when they were dry and could see where they were going and I was wet and blinded by rain drops on my glasses.
Your description of "freezing, driving rain and a penetrating icy wind, as encountered on the meseta" was my experience exactly the morning we left Castrojerez sometime in early to mid May 2017. I wonder if you are speaking of that same day?I've long wondered about choosing between a poncho or umbrella, and taking both. Each has its uses, and an umbrella cannot fill in for a poncho when it comes to freezing, driving rain and a penetrating icy wind, as we encountered on the meseta. I had both an umbrella and poncho with me, and I used both, during April/May. How to make the decision to take just the umbrella?
@Icacos I walk with my umbrella in the Summer months!I've long wondered about choosing between a poncho or umbrella, and taking both. Each has its uses, and an umbrella cannot fill in for a poncho when it comes to freezing, driving rain and a penetrating icy wind, as we encountered on the meseta. I had both an umbrella and poncho with me, and I used both, during April/May. How to make the decision to take just the umbrella?
No, it was a different year but, as I recall, the location was close after Castrojerez.Your description of "freezing, driving rain and a penetrating icy wind, as encountered on the meseta" was my experience exactly the morning we left Castrojerez sometime in early to mid May 2017. I wonder if you are speaking of that same day?
Well, that certainly simplifies matters!@Icacos I walk with my umbrella in the Summer months!
I recommend the silver one as it is useful for both rain and sunshine....Well, that certainly simplifies matters!
This thread is definitely steering me towards purchasing a hands free umbrella; I'll be more motivated to go 'sauntering' during the several months of our winter rains.
Now, do I buy just a regular hands free, or the UV protection hands free, or both .... and save the latter just for caminos?
I don’t understand your question. Are you concerned about it collapsing in harsh winds? If so, I guess I would have to decided on the spot. I have yet to use ot in hurricane type weather, just regular rainy days woth moderate winds and during scortchingly hot dry days. Even if it had to be put aways in very high winds, I would still not think twice about carrying it, as in hurricane winds you would most likely find me in a bar with a cafe con leche, or even better vermud solera, and pinxos, with no intention whatsoever to be walking.When do you decide to fold it up in a wind driven rain? That would be my only concern
I remember that day.Your description of "freezing, driving rain and a penetrating icy wind, as encountered on the meseta" was my experience exactly the morning we left Castrojerez sometime in early to mid May 2017. I wonder if you are speaking of that same day?
I had the brim of my baseball cap sticking out of my rain jacket hood, sunglasses on to protect my eyes and head down, way down. I remember watching my feet squish on the rocky, muddy trail. It was the worst day, but so exilerating and that adversity has actually become one of my best Camino memories...go figure! Like you, it makes me want to walk again!I remember that day.Walked way too long. Should have given up far earlier because it was absolutely bitter and there was no way I could use my umbrella but luckily rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof socks kept me dry though definitely not warm. The rain was not just rain but had tiny beads of ice driven by wind. I walked with my broad brimmed hat on under the hood of my rain jacket and kept my head down so that my face wasn’t being stung by the ice. Funny how it is easiest to remember the hardest days. Makes me want to walk it again!!!
PS. Always walk with an umbrella. It is significantly cooler under a 100% UV umbrella.
Yes, the fact that you don't need to wear a hat when using an umbrella is a big plus to me, because hats make me even hotter in the sun.I have used the silver umbrella (made by Euroschirm I think) since my first camino many years ago. Apart from the obvious advantages which have been mentioned, I appreciate the fact that I can walk in the sun without a hat and thus feel in my hair the little breeze there might be.
I now have one. It has not made it out of my neighborhood, but it works as advertised. My equipment has not changed much over the years, and I am not an advocate of the hand held umbrella, but I think this may be a worthy piece of gear! I will let you know after my winter walk.Just wondering if this is something people use or not?
Buen camino @falcon269 and keep us posted !I now have one. It has not made it out of my neighborhood, but it works as advertised. My equipment has not changed much over the years, and I am not an advocate of the hand held umbrella, but I think this may be a worthy piece of gear! I will let you know after my winter walk.
Aarn packs and Pacer Poles have also been winners for me.
Rain suit and sleeping mat have been the big disappointments.
My Packa edges out my Altus poncho. Gaiters work, but for some reason, I have failed to put them on before it rains, so I don't take them any more.
The Tilley hat rules!!
My most used item is my 2x2 piece of plastic as a sitting mat, rain or shine.
Sportslick is my essential anti-blister treatment. Two Toms silicone is close.
Thanks for the reply, on the meseta I hit some very strong gusts the type with the pack felt like a sail it would spin me to the side. Obviously that must be a rare ovation from the amount of folks using themI don’t understand your question. Are you concerned about it collapsing in harsh winds? If so, I guess I would have to decided on the spot. I have yet to use ot in hurricane type weather, just regular rainy days woth moderate winds and during scortchingly hot dry days. Even if it had to be put aways in very high winds, I would still not think twice about carrying it, as in hurricane winds you would most likely find me in a bar with a cafe con leche, or even better vermud solera, and pinxos, with no intention whatsoever to be walking.
I am doing great in my shiatsu chair, at least until Jan 9. Then it is off to Madrid and wherever the weather is suitable -- probably the Camino Aragones; updates after that.let us know how you are doing
I have the telescope model also. What do you mean by they "tilt" of the full size model?I agree with all of the positives assessments. Buy the fancy German model that you pictured, in the silver reflective fabric. I bought the telescopic one that compresses nicely, although it doesn’t have the tilt of the full size model.
The minute I don't use it it goes back in the outside pocket of my rucksack or - if I know I'm going to need it again quickly - in the attachment for poles ... I don't leave it anywhere.So my caveat is always: are you a forgetful person, and if so, are you prepared to forget the brolly where you left it to dry in an albergue along the way.
I wish I were that type of person . I try -I really do-but my forgetfulness superpower asserts itself as soon as I am not hyper vigilant. So many things lostThe minute I don't use it it goes back in the outside pocket of my rucksack or - if I know I'm going to need it again quickly - in the attachment for poles ... I don't leave it anywhere.
The minute I don't use it it goes back in the outside pocket of my rucksack or - if I know I'm going to need it again quickly - in the attachment for poles ... I don't leave it anywhere.
I wish I were that type of person . I try -I really do-but my forgetfulness superpower asserts itself as soon as I am not hyper vigilant. So many things lost
It did result in a very lightweight pack at the end, so that’s an upside
Never used one but a friend did. How we laughed at him when he produced his umbrella. Walking along towards Navarette, he was happily walking ahead under his umbrella nice and dry and I was soaked with sweat under my poncho. We laughed no more but he laughed at us as he walked along in tee shirt and shorts and bone dryI'm looking into trekking umbrellas for a Camino trip in June/July 2018. Not for rain protection, but more from the sun.
The last two years I've broken out in a cold sore, and I think the sun plays a big part in this. This year I walked in October, and the weather was not as hot. I didn't get a cold sore.
Just wondering if this is something people use or not? I've only seen a couple of people using them on the trail. Is it a hidden secret or a hindrance?
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None of those look like trekking umbrellas.
I'm able to angle my long handled Euroschirm umbrella very easily. I tried different methods to carry a standard umbrella, (including Kanga's, which didn't work with my backpack), but nothing felt very secure and non wobbly.We have the non telescopic, shorter versions, and yet to test them out.
Walking in the heat of May 2015 I would have given anything for one!
Not sure why, but the longer ones that clip to the belt didn't appeal to me.
I think I prefer the flexibility of mounting that the shorter handle should provide.
Being able to angle the umbrella to one side for example.
Though I am still working out the best way of attaching them.
A couple of velcro ties seem to make sense, but any advice from those who have fully 'field tested' methods of attachment would be most appreciated!
Same. Also very easy to switch sides according to where the sun is.I'm able to angle my long handled Euroschirm umbrella very easily. .
I rest the end of the handle on top of my hip belt, which gives me some cm extra effective length.Any tips on use of the short handled version?
check this out: https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/collections/umbrellas/products/silver-shadow-originalI am a complete fan of using an umbrella, for all the reasons listed above. I will absolutely bring one on future caminos.
However ... I'm not sure I would go with the expensive silver-coated hands-free one again. I liked that it had a sturdy canopy, and a larger canopy than most umbrellas. But I never managed to find a comfortable way to use it hands-free, it was always either banging my neck or the side of my head, so I ended up carrying it. The telescoping rod snapped after the first week. And the silver lining didn't last too long, and after a few rainy days I had a mottled silver and black model.
Next round I might save a lot of money and find a light-weight standard model.
check this out: https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/collections/umbrellas/products/silver-shadow-originalI have been searching for a trekking umbrella or one that I can strap on with velcro and toggles to go hands free, but I am not sure what to buy! The Eurochims are too expensive for me. Does anyone have a suggestion for one that is not a very large canopy like some are (i would like it under the 44" wide like some are to be able to walk close to others) and have a longer or telescopic shaft ( I think I would, anyway to secure to waist belt). In the $20 range would be preferable and also silver. Any brands or options that others have used that have worked? Thank you!
Thanks so much! I am going to order this one and try it out.
I bought one. I love it. I have it in my pack, waiting to be used for my summer Camino Frances. Buen camino my fellow pilgrim.Thanks so much! I am going to order this one and try it out.
I thought I’d add, as this image is of five of my kids with theirs... that we still have them! We have had some spikes come loose but have fixed them easily with thread ourselves.We used them, and agree with others, we loved them. People would comment how they could see our umbrellas
popping up and down in the vineyards of France (on super hot days), this picture was taken heading to San Sebastian (on a wet one). I have so many images of us with our umbrellas.
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Or in this case umbrella!Every cloud and all that....
I've bought the Euroschirm umbrella from the camino forum shop and it's just arrived. It is a little bit heavier than expected, but I still think it will be worth it. It seems sturdy and is easy to attach to my Osprey pack. As we're walking CF from 1st April I'm expecting plenty of rain and possibly a bit of sun. As an aside, I ordered this on Wednesday from Ivan and it arrived in Australia on Sunday! Amazing service.
That's great to hear...thank you!Hope you find it useful, Ruth ... I have one and I ❤ it, especially for sun protection ... but I have also used in the rain ... all the best, ultreïa‼ from fellow Melbournian
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