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In Search of the Perfect Umbrella
With dire warnings in the media of a stormy season ahead, Californians are furiously prepping for El Niño. We’re checking to make sure that the roofs are in good shape, the windows aren’t leaking and the drains are clear. After years of drought, my rain gear could use an update. First on the list is a sturdy umbrella. Any recommendations?
Photo by Jean Counet
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12 comments for “In Search of the Perfect Umbrella”
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Make sure it’s vented so it won’t turn inside out. I live in NYC and I have the Shedrain Windpro and it’s awesome.
Good to know. Thanks.
I swear by my Gore-tex hooded rain jacket. Water rolls right off and the hood protects my head, regardless of wind. Camla’s umbrella tip is a good one too.
In L.A. we’re in cars most of the time, so I get the wettest when walking the dog. We both could use good rain jackets. I think mine is about 20 years old.
I’m no help. I have had the same Museum Store umbrella for 15 years. I lost it on the city bus once and actually waited for the bus to loop back to my stop so I could retrieve it. It has Edvard Munch’s Scream plastered all over it. Appropriate! Good luck…it is wet and wild here in Wisconsin too.
It’s amazing that you’ve had the same umbrella for 15 years. That’s staying power.
You may want to see what theWirecutter says about the EuroSchirm Light Trek – it cites praise from many sources. For me, $50 is a bit much.
I also recommend ShedRain – have a mini, which was perfect for my spring trip to France, and works well here. But Colorado doesn’t get a lot of actual rain.
I’m on the hunt for a mini, but also a bigger umbrella to shield my dog when we’re walking in the neighborhood. She gets very stubborn when it rains.
I love my Knirps – big enough for two people to cuddle, small enough to fit in my handbag (and equipped with a nifty waterproof case so the contents of your handbag stays dry even when the umbrella is wet).
How does the Knirps do in the wind?
Have you tried the (expensive but worth it) davek? It has held up through years of abuse
Good to know. Thanks Emily.