Hiking with an Umbrella

[silentorpheus]

so....I watched the video again today.
Definitely decided I didn't want a collapsible one.

Went to order one off of the Blunt site with the coupon from the video (nutnfancy).
I called customer service.
She generated a new code since that one expired.
Got $20 off plus free shipping.

Totally stoked!

caveat: have to agree with krshome about an umbrella hitting every branch on the East Coast.
but I am going to give it a go!

I used the umbrella on the Florida Trail this year as well as the PCT after I posted this article.
The sun was a beast in the desert.

I ended up using either a very small bungee cord or the night Ize twisty thing to lock my umbrella in place
for " Look Mom!! No hands!!"
Will never have to use my rain jacket again!!

Which Blunt did you end up going with? XS, Mini, or something else?

[CeeVee]

I been across the Kissimmee Prarie, here in Fla. where a umbrella for shade would have definitely been an asset and on the AT in the Smokes in a rain storm where it would not.
I'll have to study strapping one to a pack before I pull the trigger - I can see where trekking poles and an umbrella would be a PITA.

[GadgetUK437]

Interesting

[CeeVee]

Interesting? Not practical. To be effective the umbrella needs to stay over your head and the main percent of your torso.
As part of a trekking pole it'll move around too much.

[Dos]

Which Blunt did you end up going with? XS, Mini, or something else?

I did get a Blunt but the diameter was HUGE. I ended up selling it and getting the Chrome Dome...only in black by...oh shoot....trying to remember the maker. I went direct to the wholesaler as the vendor temporarily went out of business..

I been across the Kissimmee Prarie, here in Fla. where a umbrella for shade would have definitely been an asset and on the AT in the Smokes in a rain storm where it would not.
I'll have to study strapping one to a pack before I pull the trigger - I can see where trekking poles and an umbrella would be a PITA.

it's not a PITA whatsoever.
I should try to get a picture for you.
But I essentially stick the handle through my chest strap.
Then either use a small bungee cord or a twist tie that is by Nite Ize that fastens to my shoulder strap.
http://www.gemplers.com/product/2194...151206192247:s

3300 miles without EVER a hitch.

[GadgetUK437]

As part of a trekking pole it'll move around too much.

I was going to explain.... Just watch the video!

[CeeVee]

Would appreciate a picture.

[CeeVee]

Did the video, not convinced.

[GadgetUK437]

Did the video, not convinced.

So, going back to your original comment, why do you think it will move around too much?
I am not convinced either, but not because of that.
Although it will be lighter than a walking pole and a brolly, it would make for a heavier walking pole and then a heavier brolly.

[CeeVee]

Why do I think it will move around to much? Because when I walk with trekking poles (trying out "Pacer Poles" at the moment) the pole(s) get advanced then my stride advances my torso, pole, torso, pole ... etc. it would be like light a light switch, off on off on, some part of me would be getting out from under the protection of the umbrella at every step.
If the umbrella hovered permanently above my head this would not happen. That means I'd want the umbrella affixed to my pack or pack strap and belt.
Sitting here trying to thought-engineer that what comes to mind is the times that rain gusts and swirls and I'd constantly be grabbing at the umbrella to keep it in the "right" place.