Trekking Umbrella - Availability

[Genevievala]

hello !

I’m sold on using a trekking umbrella on the Frances this summer for the purpose of sun protection. I’d like to buy one over there and just wonder if anyone has seen them around, are they a pretty common sight these days in sporting goods shops? I was in contact with La Boutique de Pelerin in SJ but they don’t carry them.

They’re not widely seen where I live, you would likely order online. But I’d rather wait, make sure I need it and get to see it first.

thank you !

 

[Ivan_Prada]

hello !

I’m sold on using a trekking umbrella on the Frances this summer for the purpose of sun protection. I’d like to buy one over there and just wonder if anyone has seen them around, are they a pretty common sight these days in sporting goods shops? I was in contact with La Boutique de Pelerin in SJ but they don’t carry them.

They’re not widely seen where I live, you would likely order online. But I’d rather wait, make sure I need it and get to see it first.

thank you !

Hi Genevievala, and welcome to the forum.

You may it at the forum’s store. Give it a try.

Buen Camino

 

[ivar]

I do sell this one:

The telescopic and handsfree trekking umbrella

Please note: All umbrellas sold here do have the Silver UV protection. This means that the color of the umbrella is silver on the outside and black on the inside. The handsfree trekking umbrella as compact version can be easily attached on the shoulder straps and hip belt on nearly all kind of...

www.santiagodecompostela.me

 

[Threshold]

My wife and I walked the Camino Frances in 2022 and used the Euroshirm, Swing,Liteflex (three names!) extensively. We love them. On Amazon $50-$60. 6 ounces. Silver but they come in other colors. Beautifully simple design. They slid into the top of our packs easily and to deploy could be pulled out without taking the pack off. We used them for rain and sun. We stowed one or both of our hiking poles when we used the umbrellas. Most of the time the rain would come and go all day and we would open and close our umbrellas. Holding the umbrella angling back kept our packs dry. We found this routine much easier than dragging out a pack cover or poncho. In Galicia we did get ponchos for windy storms. We didn’t use attachment devices. We wanted to hold them in the direction of the sun or rain much like you would in the city. For sun use like the Meseta we stowed our hats so the breeze would blow through our hair in the shade made by the umbrellas and keep our heads way cooler. We used the single shaft type, not the new telescoping type. We also used them for going out on the town on rainy nights!

 

[Leigh Lorayne]

Right now on the Via Podiensis I am using the Handsfree Telescope Trekking umbrella I bought from the Forum Store. I love it! Great for rain and sun-I am using it almost every day. Stores easily on the side of my
pack. When I know I am going to use it I tuck it in the belt of my waist pack so it is ready to use without taking off my pack. I always use my poles so I need my hands free. Going into a church I just unclip from the shoulder strap and collapse the umbrella leaving the handle tie around my pack waist belt. I just hold the umbrella in front while I explore. It is easy to clip on the shoulder strap after and I am ready to go. There are clips for both shoulder straps so you can adjust for the sun. The 14 oz. weight is worth it to me for the functionality. I am really glad I bought it. Lots of interest from other pilgrims as well.

 

[BlackRocker57]

I do sell this one:

The telescopic and handsfree trekking umbrella

Please note: All umbrellas sold here do have the Silver UV protection. This means that the color of the umbrella is silver on the outside and black on the inside. The handsfree trekking umbrella as compact version can be easily attached on the shoulder straps and hip belt on nearly all kind of...

www.santiagodecompostela.me

the very best of all the hands-free hiking umbrellas and with impeccable delivery service

 

[LWBirder]

I do sell this one:

The telescopic and handsfree trekking umbrella

Please note: All umbrellas sold here do have the Silver UV protection. This means that the color of the umbrella is silver on the outside and black on the inside. The handsfree trekking umbrella as compact version can be easily attached on the shoulder straps and hip belt on nearly all kind of...

www.santiagodecompostela.me

This is an excellent umbrella, well worth the investment. It blocks out the sun and gives you shade on the long stretches, especially on the Meseta. I have used it on 5 Camino walks, and would not travel without it.

 

[Orange]

I used to walk with umbrella!
Gossamer Gear sells Umbrella and also a very useful handsfree Umbrella clamp https://www.gossamergear.com/products/handsfree-umbrella-clamp

 

[Kimberly1590]

hello !

I’m sold on using a trekking umbrella on the Frances this summer for the purpose of sun protection. I’d like to buy one over there and just wonder if anyone has seen them around, are they a pretty common sight these days in sporting goods shops? I was in contact with La Boutique de Pelerin in SJ but they don’t carry them.

They’re not widely seen where I live, you would likely order online. But I’d rather wait, make sure I need it and get to see it first.

thank you !

Decathlon sell a very cheap umbrella with UV protection. It is super light weight and it has been a lifesaver in sun. It is not hands free but much cheaper.

UMBRELLA MICRO - PROFILTER BLACK DECATHLON | Decathlon

This umbrella will surprise you with its compact and lightweight design. Easy to slip into any small bag, it will protect you from light rain to…

www.decathlon.co.uk

 

[Threshold]

Decathlon sell a very cheap umbrella with UV protection. It is super light weight and it has been a lifesaver in sun. It is not hands free but much cheaper.

UMBRELLA MICRO - PROFILTER BLACK DECATHLON | Decathlon

This umbrella will surprise you with its compact and lightweight design. Easy to slip into any small bag, it will protect you from light rain to…

www.decathlon.co.uk

I know of several famous American thru-hikers who have used umbrellas going back through the decades. Ray & Jenny Jardine, Pete Jenkins, and Grandma Gatewood.

 

[SF Walker]

I do sell this one:

The telescopic and handsfree trekking umbrella

Please note: All umbrellas sold here do have the Silver UV protection. This means that the color of the umbrella is silver on the outside and black on the inside. The handsfree trekking umbrella as compact version can be easily attached on the shoulder straps and hip belt on nearly all kind of...

www.santiagodecompostela.me

I used to walk with umbrella!
Gossamer Gear sells Umbrella and also a very useful handsfree Umbrella clamp https://www.gossamergear.com/products/handsfree-umbrella-clamp

The Gossamer Gear clamps didn’t work well on my pack and I had to return the umbrella. Ivar’s umbrella seems to have better clamps.

 

[trecile]

The Gossamer Gear clamps didn’t work well on my pack and I had to return the umbrella. Ivar’s umbrella seems to have better clamps.

The clips that come with the Euroschirm handsfree umbrella that @ivar sells are specifically made for the umbrella, and it's very easy to snap the umbrella onto or off the clips. But one of the main features is the extra long telescoping handle that attaches to the hip belt and increases the stability.

I've had mine since 2016 and it's still going strong. A strong wind has turned it inside out several times, but I've always been able to put it right again. I can't say the same for a lighter weight (but still expensive!) Euroschirm umbrella that I used one year. The first strong bust snapped one of the ribs. BTW, I'm pretty sure that the umbrellas sold under the Gossamer Gear, Zpacks and other brands are made by Euroschirm.

 

[Luka]

The clips that come with the Euroschirm handsfree umbrella that @ivar sells are specifically made for the umbrella, and it's very easy to snap the umbrella onto or off the clips. But one of the main features is the extra long telescoping handle that attaches to the hip belt and increases the stability.

I've had mine since 2016 and it's still going strong. A strong wind has turned it inside out several times, but I've always been able to put it right again. I can't say the same for a lighter weight (but still expensive!) Euroschirm umbrella that I used one year. The first strong bust snapped one of the ribs. BTW, I'm pretty sure that the umbrellas sold under the Gossamer Gear, Zpacks and other brands are made by Euroschirm.

But the one Ivar sells is an Euroschirm umbrella as well, isn't it? Do they have different versions?

 

[woody66]

The clips that come with the Euroschirm handsfree umbrella that @ivar sells are specifically made for the umbrella, and it's very easy to snap the umbrella onto or off the clips. But one of the main features is the extra long telescoping handle that attaches to the hip belt and increases the stability.

I've had mine since 2016 and it's still going strong. A strong wind has turned it inside out several times, but I've always been able to put it right again. I can't say the same for a lighter weight (but still expensive!) Euroschirm umbrella that I used one year. The first strong bust snapped one of the ribs. BTW, I'm pretty sure that the umbrellas sold under the Gossamer Gear, Zpacks and other brands are made by Euroschirm

I'm pretty sure that the umbrellas sold under the Gossamer Gear, Zpacks and other brands are made by Euroschirm.

Hi!
I agree with trecile on both comments above.
I brought the the telescopic hands free from Ivar which worked great and was easy to adjust to fit my 6ft 2 inch height clips on easily ! (on your belt ;click and it's on)

In my mania to save weight i brought the lighter swing fixed shaft model and the Gossamer gear hands free kit for it. ( this was i found ;a pain to fit )
However not a good option for me as by the time it was on my hip belt and fitted to the G gear clamp the actual canopy was low to my head!
As i walked it flexed it became a nightmare no matter how i adjusted it.
Woody

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am a fan of bringing an umbrella. I have had good luck with a typical inexpensive umbrella I bring from home. I like that I can easily angle it in any direction I want, which works for me since I only use one pole. That said, I have never needed to hold it for more than an hour and it usually rests comfortably leaned against my backpack.

 

[trecile]

But the one Ivar sells is an Euroschirm umbrella as well, isn't it? Do they have different versions?

Yes, it's a Euroschirm - they sell many different models.

EuroSCHIRM | Golf-Regenschirm birdiepal carbon | Ultraleicht | Online kaufen

Ultraleicht | Elegantes Design | Gestell aus Echt-Carbon | Windstabil | Kauf auf Rechnung möglich | schneller und kostenloser Versand | persönliche Beratung | Jetzt bestellen!

birdiepal.org

It was the Light Trek Ultra that didn't stand up against the wind for me.

 

[dougfitz]

However not a good option for me as by the time it was on my hip belt and fitted to the G gear clamp the actual canopy was low to my head!

I'm glad someone has mentioned this. I found it a real problem with the Euroschirm if I didn't get the shafts fully extended that I had to peer out from under the canopy. I do note that the promo photos from Euroschirm all seem to show rather high-waisted individuals who are able to get the canopy well above their eyeline. That's not the reality for me.

That said, I found it a real benefit, using the umbrella in both the sun and the rain. I haven't tried other models, but the one sold by Ivar worked well for me.

 

[702Jenn]

Bummer, I really wish I'd bought the trekking umbrella Ivan sells here. I bought one from Zpacks...it's a good one with the silver coating, but it doesn't telescope and it sticks out of my backpack.

I also have a poncho and a tiny cheap packable umbrella.

I'm flying to Porto tomorrow and I'm doing some last minute second guessing about leaving the poncho at home. It's pretty bulky in my backpack. Any thoughts?

 

[702Jenn]

I am a fan of bringing an umbrella. I have had good luck with a typical inexpensive umbrella I bring from home. I like that I can easily angle it in any direction I want, which works for me since I only use one pole. That said, I have never needed to hold it for more than an hour and it usually rests comfortably leaned against my backpack.

I was going to bring a big poncho, but I bought a tiny telescoping umbrella yesterday at Target and I'm leaning toward bringing it instead. The poncho takes up a lot of room in my backpack.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I always brought a lightweight rain jacket, although rarely needed to drag it out and use it. An umbrella works well most of the time, but if you happen to get a windy, sideways rain that goes on for hours, you might need more protection.

 

[BlackRocker57]

I'm glad someone has mentioned this. I found it a real problem with the Euroschirm if I didn't get the shafts fully extended that I had to peer out from under the canopy. I do note that the promo photos from Euroschirm all seem to show rather high-waisted individuals who are able to get the canopy well above their eyeline. That's not the reality for me.

That said, I found it a real benefit, using the umbrella in both the sun and the rain. I haven't tried other models, but the one sold by Ivar worked well for me.

G’Day Doug, I have had that too so, unless I have reason not to, I make sure that I extend both shafts at least some of the way and the one closest to the handle the full way ... despite some minor niggles I stillmy Euroschirm Telescope hands-free️

 

[BlackRocker57]

But the one Ivar sells is an Euroschirm umbrella as well, isn't it? Do they have different versions?

Euroschirm produce many different models / styles of umbrella ... check out their website ... it will give you a good idea about what is available️

 

[BlackRocker57]

The clips that come with the Euroschirm handsfree umbrella that @ivar sells are specifically made for the umbrella, and it's very easy to snap the umbrella onto or off the clips. But one of the main features is the extra long telescoping handle that attaches to the hip belt and increases the stability.

I've had mine since 2016 and it's still going strong. A strong wind has turned it inside out several times, but I've always been able to put it right again. I can't say the same for a lighter weight (but still expensive!) Euroschirm umbrella that I used one year. The first strong bust snapped one of the ribs. BTW, I'm pretty sure that the umbrellas sold under the Gossamer Gear, Zpacks and other brands are made by Euroschirm.

@trecile it is also my understanding that Euroschirm manufacture almost all, if not all, of the different [sturdy] hiking umbrellas available incl. those sold by Six Moons Designs, Gossamer Gear, ZPacks, Hyperlite ... BUT it twould be great to get rock-solid confirmation

 

[trecile]

I was going to bring a big poncho, but I bought a tiny telescoping umbrella yesterday at Target and I'm leaning toward bringing it instead. The poncho takes up a lot of room in my backpack.

In my opinion an umbrella doesn't give enough protection against heavy rain. I use the umbrella much more for sun protection than rain protection.

 

[dougfitz]

In my opinion an umbrella doesn't give enough protection against heavy rain. I use the umbrella much more for sun protection than rain protection.

As a relative newbie to umbrella use on the camino, I found I still needed to wear rain jacket and pants when the wind drove the rain in at an angle. Walking with poles meant having the umbrella strapped between my waist band and shoulder, which resulted in a quite limited range of angles that I could achieve with the canopy. I found that really only the top of my torso was being protected. If there was rain but no wind, there was sufficient protection

G’Day Doug, I have had that too so, unless I have reason not to, I make sure that I extend both shafts at least some of the way and the one closest to the handle the full way ... despite some minor niggles I stillmy Euroschirm Telescope hands-free️

It appears that friction lock on the middle section, ie that engages in the top shaft, doesn't always tighten enough to stop the middle shaft from slowly sliding up into the top shaft as one is walking. I've seen the same thing happen with walking poles using friction locks when a small amount of dust gets into the shaft and the lock cannot grip and keeps turning. The internal screw mechanism is then unable to expand the lock to get it to grip within the shaft.