Umbrella?

[Jeb]

I am considering carrying an UV-type umbrella on the Camino (Frances). Are there any recommendations or experiences? How many people actually carry umbrellas?

Or is there a better way to protect oneself from the sun?

 

[Kanga]

I do always and swear by them. Both for sun and rain. If you search the posts you will find links to "hands free" umbrellas and to YouTube videos showing how to make a hiking umbrella "hands free" to use with trekking sticks.

 

[Jan_89]

Hi there!

I walked in summer time and I think an umbrella is unnecessary weight.. Just my opinion!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I think an umbrella is unnecessary weight.. Just my opinion!

I agree. I have taken one a couple of times, and it was great some evenings when it was raining. However, using trekking poles with it was not practical regardless of internet training videos. A bit of wind, and none of the stand alone techniques work!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I had 26 days of rain one May, and my PackA kept me much drier than any umbrella would have in rain like that. If the Italians got wet, it was from more a lack of proper gear than the absence of an umbrella!

 

[Tincatinker]

An umbrella, everytime. I can manage without poles on a wet day

 

[annakappa]

I always take an umbrella. It has proved more use under the hot sun than in the rain.

 

[Marc S.]

Ask a 100 pilgrims and you get 101 opinions. I never walked with an umbrella, and I don't think I ever will. I do not like holding stuff in my hands while I am walking and I never learned to properly use an umbrella when there is a strong wind blowing. I have a good sun hat protects me from the sun; and a good rain jacket (no poncho) that protects me from the rain.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Do it. Especially if you wear glasses. I had never thought of it until walkng el Norte and seeing super walkers carrying them. Did on the next walk and was happy to in the rain. Santa is going to see one of the reflective ones on my list this year.

 

[Patch]

I bought one that fastens to your head on an elasticated band. More for a talking point but its for the sun rather then the rain. Got it of eBay for a few euros. Jury is out on whether its useful but it's pretty small and light.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I just usually pick up a sturdy stick umbrella once I arrive in Spain each year, then leave it.
I have never paid over 10 euros.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I bought one that fastens to your head on an elasticated band. More for a talking point but its for the sun rather then the rain. Got it of eBay for a few euros. Jury is out on whether its useful but it's pretty small and light.

I had one of these on my first and last Camino. First time it worked, because I had a backpack that did not have the pouch on top. But this year, after changing bags for a lighter model, one with the pouch on top, no such luck, as the bump got in the way of the umbrella ....

 

[Phillypilgrim]

The heat and sun was so intense last September on the Camino de Madrid, I bought a cheap one at a "China Store". It REALLY helped.
I did let it go once on the CF though.

 

[zzotte]

I have been using a hands free umbrella for years beats a hat and poncho anytime of the week and twice on Sunday's

Zzotte

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I have been using a hands free umbrella for years beats a hat and poncho anytime of the week and twice on Sunday's

Zzotte

Which one do you have ? The Schwim?

 

[AJ]

I usually carry a small umbrella and have found it very useful on days where there is rain but not strong wind. Much cooler than wearing a jacket. However they are useless in strong wind and a passing truck can turn them inside out and pretty much destroy them.

 

[VNwalking]

I've walked with an umbrella and without one. Actually like the feeling of being under cover that the umbrella offers, but it's not so useful in windy conditions.
A friend who has UV sensitivity and must stay out of the sun always takes hers. We could tell the time without a watch, depending on when the umbrella came out. For her, it was a total lifesaver and made the camino possible. And as you can see form the attached pic, sometimes it's the only shade around...
If you don't like having to hold an umbrella, another friend had a German treking umbrella that clipped somehow to the pack...so a hands-free operation.

 

[Bajaracer]

I am considering carrying an UV-type umbrella on the Camino (Frances). Are there any recommendations or experiences? How many people actually carry umbrellas?

Or is there a better way to protect oneself from the sun?

This is what you're looking for.
http://www.euroschirm.com/schirm/Swing_handsfree/index.cgi?session=Cyfwj30LTq8F7&sprache_land=usa

 

[VNwalking]

This is what you're looking for.
http://www.euroschirm.com/schirm/Swing_handsfree/index.cgi?session=Cyfwj30LTq8F7&sprache_land=usa

That's the hands-free one my friend had.

 

[zzotte]

Which one do you have ? The Schwim?

I think you mean Schirm yes I have been using this German umbrella for years my has a silver coating on the outside great protection from the sun and its sold by Eberhard Gobels USA, www.eurochirm.com its a bit expensive and the weight is 11 oz but the benefits and quality you can beat it.

zzotte

 

[AZgirl]

This is what you're looking for.
http://www.euroschirm.com/schirm/Swing_handsfree/index.cgi?session=Cyfwj30LTq8F7&sprache_land=usa

That looks so nice, for all the days/months there is no shade. Just when I think I'm out of excuses for new gear shopping......

 

[Bajaracer]

That looks so nice, for all the days/months there is no shade. Just when I think I'm out of excuses for new gear shopping......

You're welcome!