I used a lightweight umbrella this September and fixed it with some drinking tube clips on self-sticking velcro straps, so I could easily remove them from the pack straps if necessary. The clip can be turned into position depending on where the wind comes from, and I clipped the chest strap over it and attached an S karabiner to the strap on the umbrella to secure it. Worked a treat!
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I used these same clips, obtained through Amazon, to attach my Decathlon golf umbrella to the shoulder strap of my new Berghaus Fast Hike 32. I had it out for a test hike yesterday with the local APOC chapter.
This umbrella is very similar in dimensions to the Euroschirm but costs about €14. A BIG difference. I bought mine in safety neon lime-yellow ... for road walking in poor weather... It is rated at UPF 50 and has a silver interior lining. The canopy is about one-meter across.
This umbrella should be readily available across European Decathlon stores. But, even in the US, you can go to
www.decathlon.com and search or 'golf umbrellas." Here is the result:
We Designed This Compact And Durable Golf Umbrella To Protect You Out On The Course Without Taking Up Space.
www.decathlon.com
There are three sizes. I have the small size....
The clip system I "made" works very well to hold the umbrella shaft vertical. However, if you use something like a carabiner or non-elastic loop cord tie with a squeeze fastener to the rucksack waist strap the shaft stays even more vertical. I will also bounce less as you walk.
Finally, I use another non-elastic looped cord with squeeze fastener to ensure the shaft does not come out of the drinks clip. This all works very well.
The SOLE problem is that the umbrella wants to slide DOWN through the drinks clip so my head is in the umbrella's ribs. Not a good thing for any number of reasons.
Yesterday, on the test hike, I used a length of ribbed plastic cable covering, like you might use behind a computer to hide cables and wires. I happened to have some lying around.
This material is sold in coils of a couple of meters long, many electronic supply stores, your local DIY (electrical aisle) or even an IKEA store. It comes in varied inner dimensions. It can be cut with a pair of kitchen shears. I advise obtaining the narrowest type, that just snaps around the umbrella shaft. It is already split longitudinally (lengthwise) to facilitate putting it around cables and wires.
This works very well, is very lightweight and can store, clipped to one of the underside ribs of the umbrella when the umbrella is closed. However, I need a piece of this tubing that is about 3 inches (8 cm ) longer. So, now, I am working on a length of similar lightweight tubing that will ride atop the drinks clip to ensure the umbrella shaft cannot slide down.
The PERFECT umbrella mounting system will securely hold the umbrella vertical, at a height of my choosing. Yes, I COULD simply hold the umbrella by the handle. But my requirement is to keep bot hans free for using my hiking sticks.
Hope this helps.
www.gossamergear.com
) works.
