Trekking umbrellas - are they worth their weight?
Should You Take a Trekking Umbrella on Trail?
Like with all gear, the quick answer is: It depends. Trekking umbrellas, also known as sun umbrellas, hiking umbrellas, and ultralight umbrellas, can be an extremely useful peice of kit if the conditions warrant.
Why take an umbrella on your hike?
When preparing for a hike, the right gear can make all the difference, especially when it comes to managing rain and unpredictable weather. One peice of gear that might not be as commonly considered is an umbrella. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience using an ultralight sun umbrella during several stretches on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, highlighting both the pros and cons to help you decide if an umbrella might be a good addition to your gear list.
The Benefits of Using an Umbrella
Great for Heavy Rain
The most significant benefit of carrying an umbrella is that it provides extra protection during heavy rain. While your rain jacket or poncho can keep you dry, an umbrella offers additional shielding, reducing the amount of rain directly hitting your gear. This helps extend the life of your rain gear because it doesn't get soaked as quickly, meaning it won’t "wet out" as soon as it would otherwise. This extra layer can make a huge difference in particularly rainy weather. I found I stayed warmer for longer in heavy rain due to my gear not wetting out when the umbrella was deployed.
A game-changer in extreme heat
Using an umbrella when there isn’t a chance of rain isn’t exactly the first use that comes to mind, but having an umbrella to protect you from the sun can be the difference between staying healthy and suffering dehydration, heatstroke, or sunstroke. Umbrellas, especially ones coloured silver on the outside, come into their own in harsh and hot conditions, like the open desert areas in the southern United States. Hiking in extreme temperatures can be dangerous, and using an umbrella to keep the sun off your skin can keep you cooler and reduce the amount of fluid leaving your body as sweat.
Lightweight and Easy to Stow
One of the major selling points of the ultralight umbrellas designed for hiking is their low weight and compact size. I found my trekking umbrella to be lightweight and stowed away easily in my pack without taking up too much room. It is a great option for those looking to add functionality to their kit with minimal weight penalty.
Hands-Free Convenience
Another advantage of using an umbrella is that it can be hands-free. Brands like Gossamer Gear offer a hands-free clip system that fix the umbrella to your shoulder strap, meaning you can use both trekking poles, and still shelter under your umbrella. This was especially useful during long days of hiking when I didn’t want to waste energy holding an umbrella, and I could focus on my walk without distractions.
The Downsides of Using an Umbrella
Limited Visibility on Uphill Sections
One of the main drawbacks I found was that when the umbrella was secured to my pack, it blocked my ability to see uphill. I had to modify the setup slightly by bending the shaft so the umbrella would sit higher on my shoulder. Despite this, the umbrella still obstructed my view, especially on steep inclines where I needed to be extra cautious. This wouldn’t be as much of an issue if holding the umbrella in the hand, but that means you would only have one hand free for using a trekking pole.
The Umbrella Shifts Constantly
Another issue with using the umbrella with a hands-free system was that it moved around as I hiked. Even though the umbrella was secured in two places, the motion of my shoulders and arms would often cause it to shift or hit me in the head. This was especially frustrating when I was hiking with a lot of movement, such as descending hills or walking fast, as it was hard to keep it in place without it tapping my face or swinging out of alignment.
Getting Caught on Trail Obstacles
The Appalacian Trail’s narrow and overgrown nature posed a significant challenge with the umbrella. I found that the umbrella caught on branches and vegetation quite often. It was difficult to maneuver through dense foliage without the umbrella getting snagged. I had similar experiences in certain parts of southern California on the PCT, and New Mexico on the CDT. Additionally, when the umbrella was stowed in the side pocket of my pack, it would frequently get caught on bushes or during rock scrambles, which left me frustrated.
Not Ideal for Windy Conditions
Like any umbrella, it’s not the best choice during windy weather. The umbrella was sturdy enough to withstand some gusts, but when winds picked up, I preferred to rely on my rain gear instead. Using the umbrella in strong winds felt like a risk, as I worried about it flipping inside out or being damaged.
Rain Runs Off the Umbrella Onto Your Pack
While the umbrella helps keep you dry, it has one significant downside: the rain that hits it has to go somewhere. Water runs off the umbrella and onto your pack, which could lead to a soaked backpack. While I used a pack liner to protect my gear, it wasn't 100% effective, and there were times my pack still got wet. This is something to consider if you want to ensure everything in your pack stays dry during extended rain.
Conclusion: Is an Umbrella Worth It?
After using the umbrella on the Appalachian Trail, I’ve learned that while it has its benefits in rain storms, on its own it’s not a perfect solution. It’s definitely useful during heavy rain and for providing extra protection, but it comes with several challenges, such as limited visibility, constant shifting, and issues in windy or overgrown areas. The umbrella is also prone to causing water runoff onto your pack, which could be problematic if you’re trying to keep your gear dry.
If you're someone who prefers to be fully prepared for all weather conditions and doesn’t mind the mild inconvenience of managing an umbrella, it could be a worthwhile addition to your gear. However, if you’re hiking through densely wooded or windy areas, or if you're looking for something that can withstand a variety of conditions without extra fuss, it might be better to stick with more traditional rain gear.
However, if you plan on hiking in hot locations with a lot of sun-exposure, then a highly recommend a sun umbrella. It is such a benefit to have shade as you walk in the desert conditions of the AZT, CDT, PCT< Hayduke Trail, and others. If you’re likely to find yourself in a place with a lot of time under the sun, a sun umbrella would be a sensible addition to your kit.
Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance of gear that works for you on the trail. If you're considering an umbrella, it’s important to test it out in different conditions to make sure it fits your hiking style. Would I bring an umbrella again? Well, all I can say is that I’ve used an umbrella on all of my Triple Crown Hikes. So, YES!
