C
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Thank you for the comment. That was my prior opinion, too. However, I encountered very little to no wind mostly, so it worked well for drizzle situations. A couple of times I did put it away if the rain became harsh. Loved it for the drizzle though and it saved me numerous times from donning the rain jacket!I never used an umbrella, mainly because rain often comes with wind - making an umbrella useless. Buen Camino, SY
I'll have to look that one up and compare the weight difference with mine. I never had to walk in heat, but I'm sure they are great for that, too. Thanks!I hesitated bringing my Euroschirm hands free umbrella, because of the extra weight, but it was soooo wonderful to carry my own shade, especially on the Meseta! Worked pretty good in the rain too.
It did turn inside out a couple of times in the wind, but I was able to quickly fix it.
Hi Tincatinker, I'm new to the forum, but recognize you from the many informative and dry humor comments you give, such as this one! I had a good laugh.In 2012 I walked most of the Meseta with my umbrella held sideways cos thats the way the rain was coming too
Thanks for all the great information that makes me lean towards bringing an umbrella this spring! I will def be looking into the Euroschirm brand as two of you have already recommended it.I always hike/backpack with an umbrella, so my vote is yes.
For me, it is a multipurpose item.
Rain: perfect for drizzles that don't call for pulling out the raincoat or poncho And also good for evening/site-seeing/travel days. I wear a Packa for hiking in serious rain, which has a built in packcover, and so is awkward to use without a pack.
Sun: Lowers temperature significantly. Also allows me to use less sunblock - a heavy item that feels gross, isn't very effective on me, and makes me hotter.
I use the Euroschirm Swing Liteflex. It is very lightweight, has solid simple construction that holds up very well to wind, and a silver reflective coating that seriously drops the temp underneath it.
I loved my trekking umbrella, which weighs only 8 oz. and is well worth those few ounces, IMHO.On my first Camino I only had 2 days of partial rain in 38 days. Since I prefer using a rain jacket, there were a few times when I had to decide if the drizzle I encountered was worth me removing my pack in order to put on my rain jacket or hope the rain would stop and do nothing about it. Sometimes I put the jacket on, only to remove it a few minutes later...annoying.
Last year I walked the Del Norte/Primitivo route knowing the likelihood of rain and decided to add an UMBRELLA. I was glad I did because I used it quite often in drizzle and didn't need to mess with my raingear. It also protected my pack from getting wet as well, so no need to put on the pack cover either at times.
I will be walking the Frances route again in mid April and pondering if I should bring an umbrella this time as it does add more weight. Sooo, I would like to ask those of you who have experience using umbrellas on the Camino for rain (not sun)...if it was it a good experience, and if so, would you take one again? Did you use a basic one, or purchase a special lightweight hiking umbrella?
For those of you that like the idea of taking an umbrella, @ivar sells one here in the forum shop: https://www.santiagodecompostela.me/collections/hiking-umbrella Not cheap, but hand free ;-)
Buen Camino, SY
Sooo, I would like to ask those of you who have experience using umbrellas on the Camino for rain (not sun)...if it was it a good experience, and if so, would you take one again? Did you use a basic one, or purchase a special lightweight hiking umbrella?
I never used an umbrella, mainly because rain often comes with wind - making an umbrella useless. Buen Camino, SY
... but I personally do not understand the appeal of handsfree. ...
I love that I don't have to wear a hat in the sun! Keeps my head so much cooler.Love my handsfree Euroschrimm silver top umbrella. Good against the sun, cover my eyeglasses from the rain and allows me to walk with my Altus only closed half way, so no condensation.
Love my handsfree Euroschrimm silver top umbrella. Good against the sun, cover my eyeglasses from the rain and allows me to walk with my Altus only closed half way, so no condensation.
I like the hands free because I like to use two hiking poles. It's pretty easy to change the direction of my hands free umbrella, and the clips on the backpack straps keep it very stable. I don't think that I'd like to hold up an umbrella for hours on end.
I love that I don't have to wear a hat in the sun! Keeps my head so much cooler.
Then you are obviously not using walking sticke ;-) Buen Camino, SY
I know what you mean, but after a few days with crazy hair and no makeup, a hands free umbrella wasn't a big deal. And I can tell you, on the Meseta, I could have made a fortune selling them!And ok, I'll regretfully admit (which I hate admitting, because really, I promise, I'm not a particularly vain person - which you would believe if you ever see me in my hiking get-up)...... but I have a bit of bias I guess about how dorky the handsfree umbrellas look.I don't need any help in the looking-dorky department.
A smart alternative idea to also consider!These days most people get the weather forecast on their smartphones, so you know exactly which day it will probably start raining. So the next town you get to, before the rain starts, find a China Shop and buy an umbrella (but not the fold-up kind) for 5 or 6 euros. That has happened to me on two different caminos. And both times the umbrella was so unbelievably strong and sturdy (even in the wind) that I took it home with me. I would do the same again – purchase one if I needed to. It can hang on the side of your pack when not in use.
Jill
I know what you mean, but after a few days with crazy hair and no makeup, a hands free umbrella wasn't a big deal. And I can tell you, on the Meseta, I could have made a fortune selling them!
A smart alternative idea to also consider!
P.S. I forgot to mention I most always hike with only one of my poles, except in deep, muddy water or slick rocks, cuz I'm always taking pictures with my free hand, so holding the umbrella was never a problem.I never really minded carrying my umbrella last year either, as the stem rested nicely on my shoulder anyway, and as you mentioned, I too felt I had more control of the angle. Good point.
There you go again making me laugh!My Camino family...
Thanks for the details of your quick research and comparison!OK, I just took a closer look at the Handsfree Euroschirm.
It has 14" more canopy diameter than my Liteflex. That's a very big plus. And it can be used as a regular umbrella too (not hands free). That's a plus also - more flexible.
I'm generally good with 1 pole + umbrella, and like Chris said, it's perfectly comfortable resting on my shoulder, and I've gotten very intuitive about manually adjusting it. But there are some times when I would really appreciate 2 poles and the umbrella at the same time. Or my hands more free for the camera or guidebook. Choice & flexibility are good to have.
Downside, besides more money, is about 6 oz more weight.
Thanks for the details of your quick research and comparison!
Do you have a crystal ball to know when it will rain?I like the idea of the umbrella, but did not want to carry it the whole way. I thought about having Ivar ship one to me general delivery for pickup at the Correos in Burgos before the meseta. I can then decide whether (no pun intended) want to carry it the rest of the way or donate it. Thoughts?
I'd either take one the whole way or not bother at all as it sounds like a nuscience to go to all that trouble for a week or less, plus you'd most likely appreciate it in other situations if walking the whole 500 miles. My opinion is... all or nothing.I like the idea of the umbrella, but did not want to carry it the whole way. I thought about having Ivar ship one to me general delivery for pickup at the Correos in Burgos before the meseta. I can then decide whether (no pun intended) want to carry it the rest of the way or donate it. Thoughts?
...there were a few times when I had to decide if the drizzle I encountered was worth me removing my pack in order to put on my rain jacket or hope the rain would stop and do nothing about it. Sometimes I put the jacket on, only to remove it a few minutes later...annoying...
I appreciate all the comments and I think all those who responded said they love their umbrellas on the Camino would definately bring them a second time around....and that's what I'll do, too!Hahaha! Story of my life - during motorcycle road trips. If I stop to put on rain gear, the rain stops after a couple of kilometers. If I continue, hoping that the drizzle fizzles after a few, it continues for the next 60 kilometers; heavier too.
Bring an umbrella. There are lightweight models in the market. Cheap (easy to dispose) too.
Buen Camino
Hmmm, a very interesting concept that definately adds to their "multi use" functions!And has anyone mentioned that an added benefit of travelling with an umbrella is extra privacy for those occasional (hahaha) times between public toilets.
On the Euroschirm site, there is a telescoping hands-free umbrella, which appeals, but is soooo expensive.
I like the idea of its being made more compact, as length of the shaft could be an issue.
http://www.euroschirm.com/schirm/te...ex.cgi?session=mgVpyGjJXh8sr&sprache_land=usa
Thank you, Kanga. I wil take a look. You are one on this forum that I remember well. You are a wealth of good knowledge and advice!@ouroboros and @fenix that is the model that Ivar sells on the forum shop - here https://www.santiagodecompostela.me/products/swing-handsfree-trekking-umbrella
It's the one I use
I have the telescoping model, and haven't had a problem with it at all. It weighs less than an ounce more than the non telescoping one.On the Euroschirm site, there is a telescoping hands-free umbrella, which appeals, but is soooo expensive.
I like the idea of its being made more compact, as length of the shaft could be an issue.
http://www.euroschirm.com/schirm/te...ex.cgi?session=mgVpyGjJXh8sr&sprache_land=usa
Why would the length of the shaft be an issue?On the Euroschirm site, there is a telescoping hands-free umbrella, which appeals, but is soooo expensive.
I like the idea of its being made more compact, as length of the shaft could be an issue.
http://www.euroschirm.com/schirm/te...ex.cgi?session=mgVpyGjJXh8sr&sprache_land=usa
I am finding many pilgrims have loved using an umbrella as much or even more than I did. I decided to definately take one again and may even upgrade my dollar store model to to the Euroschirm brand many have mentioned. Thank you for your input.I carried a silvered Euroshirm lightweight hiking umbrella on a combo C de Madrid/Levante/Sanabres last October/November. It was brilliant - great protection from the sun in the early stages, meant I could leave my hat off = cooler. Although the model I had wasn't designated 'hands-free', I was able to tuck the handle through a pack strap quite easily. Later on it was good for pouring rain through Galicia, provided extra protection yet meant I had a good clear field of vision. Well worth the extra 200+ gm for me. Unfortunately I somehow lost it in Rome during a later part of my holiday. I would definitely consider buying another one for a future camino.
But worth the weight!@Camino Chris just be aware that it is heavy.
Because it will fit better on the back pack when not in use. I used the regular swing with a single shaft and it wasn't a big problem, but a longer one for hands-free might be more unwieldy.Why would the length of the shaft be an issue?
I put mine in the backpack when not in use so I can't say I know how it sits outside of it.Because it will fit better on the back pack when not in use. I used the regular swing with a single shaft and it wasn't a big problem, but a longer one for hands-free might be more unwieldy.
The handsfree with the longer handle is telescopic - no longer when folded up than the size of the canopy.
You may all laugh ...now!I love my handsfree umbrella (have the Euroshirm sold but Ivar). Handsfree because I use trekking poles. I wish, though, they would make it in lighter materials - my ideal is a cross vetween the Euroshirm handsfree and the Helinox trekking umbrella.
I would now never walk a Camino without an umbrella - I regard it as an essential bit of kit. If I did not have the Euroshirm I would still rig up a normal umbrella by pulling the handle down through the "handle" on the top of my backpack and across one shoulder and tie the strap through my waistband.
I was impressed by the Vietnamese fishing hat/umbrella @Tigger found online. Not sure how sturdy but it is certainly a great concept! @Tigger can you upload a photo?
You may all laugh ...now!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Newly-Um...rtable-Outdoor-Fishing-Umbrella-/272312588936
Not sure how to upload pics that are not on my computer...you may have to cut and paste link into your browser.
To be honest, I have yet to try it with my backpack (today's entertainment) but I have had some interesting incidents with narrow doorways!I met a guy that that had a similar umbrella hat. The only problem (other than looks) was that it bumped into his backpack.
Who are we to know what is 'stylish' in the Vietnamese fishing community????Haha!
I love that the title description shamelessly includes the word "Stylish"!
To be honest, I have yet to try it with my backpack (today's entertainment) but I have had some interesting incidents with narrow doorways!
Will get back to you on the backpack issue...seeing as how it cost me AUD$14,06 post free, I have already had my comedic value out of it!
Nothing to laugh at. Had one on my fist Camino and loved it. Took another for the Primitivo bit because my backpack (Tempest) has one of these bumps on top, it interfears with the canopy. Should have tried it on before leaving the country...You may all laugh ...now!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Newly-Um...rtable-Outdoor-Fishing-Umbrella-/272312588936
Not sure how to upload pics that are not on my computer...you may have to cut and paste link into your browser.
On my first Camino I only had 2 days of partial rain in 38 days. Since I prefer using a rain jacket, there were a few times when I had to decide if the drizzle I encountered was worth me removing my pack in order to put on my rain jacket or hope the rain would stop and do nothing about it. Sometimes I put the jacket on, only to remove it a few minutes later...annoying.
Last year I walked the Del Norte/Primitivo route knowing the likelihood of rain and decided to add an UMBRELLA. I was glad I did because I used it quite often in drizzle and didn't need to mess with my raingear. It also protected my pack from getting wet as well, so no need to put on the pack cover either at times.
I will be walking the Frances route again in mid April and pondering if I should bring an umbrella this time as it does add more weight. Sooo, I would like to ask those of you who have experience using umbrellas on the Camino for rain (not sun)...if it was it a good experience, and if so, would you take one again? Did you use a basic one, or purchase a special lightweight hiking umbrella?
On my first Camino I only had 2 days of partial rain in 38 days. Since I prefer using a rain jacket, there were a few times when I had to decide if the drizzle I encountered was worth me removing my pack in order to put on my rain jacket or hope the rain would stop and do nothing about it. Sometimes I put the jacket on, only to remove it a few minutes later...annoying.
Last year I walked the Del Norte/Primitivo route knowing the likelihood of rain and decided to add an UMBRELLA. I was glad I did because I used it quite often in drizzle and didn't need to mess with my raingear. It also protected my pack from getting wet as well, so no need to put on the pack cover either at times.
I will be walking the Frances route again in mid April and pondering if I should bring an umbrella this time as it does add more weight. Sooo, I would like to ask those of you who have experience using umbrellas on the Camino for rain (not sun)...if it was it a good experience, and if so, would you take one again? Did you use a basic one, or purchase a special lightweight hiking umbrella?
One of those personal decisions but for many years I carried a small umbrella in my side pocket and only ever used it when at my overnight destination. When you are showered and changed into clean, dry clothing it's a nice extra. But on the trail both hands are occupied with walking poles and most rain jackets come with a hood that have an elastic tie that will stop running under your chin and inside the from of your jacket. But even this is very unusual as horizontal rain isn't the norm. My two bobs worth, forget the brolly, less wait is better. Happy trails
Mine is designed with a soft inner helmet made from light ribbons and the operative part is nowhere near my scalp. It only weighs 170 grams.Nothing to laugh at. Had one on my fist Camino and loved it. Took another for the Primitivo bit because my backpack (Tempest) has one of these bumps on top, it interfears with the canopy. Should have tried it on before leaving the country...
Also, consider a buff or sweat band of somesort as the elastic and whalebones in the umbrella can be irritating against the skin.
Hi Tony, I walk with only one pole anyway, so appreciated my umbrella (oops, I mean brollyShould be less WEIGHT of course, auto correct is great, most times ...
I think that we need a picture of you modeling it @TiggerMine is designed with a soft inner helmet made from light ribbons and the operative part is nowhere near my scalp. It only weighs 170 grams.
Hi Tony, I am a Camino virgin, preparing, however Kanga is the pro and goes to meetings in Sydney for all those interested in El Camino. At this late notice I will also advise you of a Camino festival in the Blue Mountains next weekend. Kanga will be presenting a wonderful talk. I am sure you would be very welcome...Kanga me and several others from here will be there as well as a wonderful programme of events.Hi Tigger, just noticed that you are a fellow Aussie in Sydney. Is there a local group of pre/post Camino walkers? If not, a great opportunity to put one together. Happy trails
Fortunately, there is no such record.I think that we need a picture of you modeling it @Tigger
Hands free is handy if you like to use walking polesLooks like he's just reselling one version of the Euroschirm. Going directly to the source (through Euroschirm, not a middleman) gives a lot more options.
Opinions vary on this of course, but I personally do not understand the appeal of handsfree. I hold my umbrella (I have the liteflex version) and am always intuitively adjusting for direction and angle of the sun (or rain). Handsfree, besides being 6-ish oz heavier, seems more cumbersome to use and less fine-tuned coverage?
NO not under ANY circumstances. My walking buddy JoJo was going to bring one last year until her (very sensible) daughter talked her out of it.You may all laugh ...now!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Newly-Um...rtable-Outdoor-Fishing-Umbrella-/272312588936
Not sure how to upload pics that are not on my computer...you may have to cut and paste link into your browser.
Why on earth, not? If it does the job for both rain and sun( probably only in light or no wind) is cheap, and lightweight and hands free?NO not under ANY circumstances. My walking buddy JoJo was going to bring one last year until her (very sensible) daughter talked her out of it.
NO.
Why on earth, not? If it does the job for both rain and sun( probably only in light or no wind) is cheap, and lightweight and hands free?
Thanks for the info Tigger. Will book today and hopefully find a local place to stay. See you over the weekend. THi Tony, I am a Camino virgin, preparing, however Kanga is the pro and goes to meetings in Sydney for all those interested in El Camino. At this late notice I will also advise you of a Camino festival in the Blue Mountains next weekend. Kanga will be presenting a wonderful talk. I am sure you would be very welcome...Kanga me and several others from here will be there as well as a wonderful programme of events.
http://www.visitnsw.com/destination...mba-area/blackheath/events/auscamino-festival
More specifically
http://auscamino.com.au/
Do you think that someone who would actually wear this on El Camino, takes much seriously?'twas a tongue in cheek remark - not to be taken seriously
Good point but as always, there are so many different circumstances. In summer when you have rain showers and sun, I simply keep walking. You may get a little wet but soon dry off from both the heat of exertion and the sun. Plus, it can be very refreshing to have cool rain in the faceHi Tony, I walk with only one pole anyway, so appreciated my umbrella (oops, I mean brolly) in drizzle on the Norte in Spring. It saved me from donning my rain jacket quite a few times, so was worth it to me..
Yes - That's my take after reading most of the threads here.Do you think that someone who would actually wear this on El Camino, takes much seriously?
You may all laugh ...now! http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Newly-Um...rtable-Outdoor-Fishing-Umbrella-/272312588936
Not sure how to upload pics that are not on my computer...you may have to cut and paste link into your browser.
Hysterical! Thanks for starting my day with a good laugh! I wanna get to heaven, but not by way of that thing. On second thought...I'm gonna get one.Here you go.
I would wear that if it will not be interfering with the backpack. I have worn worse (weightwise) a long time ago - literally a roof.
In 2012 I walked most of the Meseta with my umbrella held sideways cos thats the way the rain was coming too
On my first Camino I only had 2 days of partial rain in 38 days. Since I prefer using a rain jacket, there were a few times when I had to decide if the drizzle I encountered was worth me removing my pack in order to put on my rain jacket or hope the rain would stop and do nothing about it. Sometimes I put the jacket on, only to remove it a few minutes later...annoying.
Last year I walked the Del Norte/Primitivo route knowing the likelihood of rain and decided to add an UMBRELLA. I was glad I did because I used it quite often in drizzle and didn't need to mess with my raingear. It also protected my pack from getting wet as well, so no need to put on the pack cover either at times.
I will be walking the Frances route again in mid April and pondering if I should bring an umbrella this time as it does add more weight. Sooo, I would like to ask those of you who have experience using umbrellas on the Camino for rain (not sun)...if it was it a good experience, and if so, would you take one again? Did you use a basic one, or purchase a special lightweight hiking umbrella?
Here you go.
I would wear that if it will not be interfering with the backpack. I have worn worse (weightwise) a long time ago - literally a roof.
In two years and over 5000km on Caminos including from Geneva and walking back to SJPdP from Finisterre in winter (December) I have used a Euroschirm handsfree hiking brolly. It was never once defeated by the wind! It is designed for wind I think in its shape, plus you can angle it so the wind does not catch underneath. I must say this surprised me when I first started using it!
Davey
coucou Davey [we chatted last week re ur fab GR65 blog] am enjoying this thread and finding rather helpful ... which Euroschirm hands-free brolly do you have? and where did you get it? I am narrowing down my search to those most feted ... thanks in advance ...
g’day Davey ... not planning on arguing with or climbing any trees ... if it comes to pass that one is in the way during a rainy spell, guess i will just shut the brolly down and take cover appreciate all the comments on this topic ... very helpfulHi Black Rocker, the Euroschirm hands free hiking umbrella is sold from Ivar here on this site. He sells the silver coated one, which is the best one as it also gives UV protection too. I am now on my second one! Only one downfall of the brolly is (like all brollies) they don't like trees much!
https://www.santiagodecompostela.me...la/products/swing-handsfree-trekking-umbrella
Davey
g’day Davey ... not planning on arguing with or climbing any trees ... if it comes to pass that one is in the way during a rainy spell, guess i will just shut the brolly down and take cover appreciate all the comments on this topic ... very helpful
!!! i know exactly what you are saying ... the path can be very narrow in places ... just have to walk mindfully I guess
Double HAR!I have nearly taken out a few bicycles too. I hear the bike coming up from behind and turn around to see them. Guy on bike has already decided on which way to pass me. Brolly is attached to one side of my pack, but when I turn around it is now on the other side! Whoops!
Davey
I'd say not -- but that's really just for the weight concerns. Taking an umbrella just for the rain would be silly, but a combo parasol/umbrella version does have a certain elegance to it.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?