Why not an Umbrella?

[goedde2]

Okay, call it a really goofy notion, but what would be so terribly wrong with carrying a small umbrella oln the AT?

[dakotarose]

There's nothing wrong with it, but why???

[Tony Tiger]

Yeah, you want to keep all that shade off of you. Just useless weight, in my opinion. I think raingear is more versatile.

[goedde2]

Originally Posted by dakotarose

There's nothing wrong with it, but why???

1) Eliminates getting wet.

2) Eliminates getting sunburned.

3) Eliminates having to carry rain gear or shell for weather protection.

Just a thought, but probably a little silly.

[goedde2]

Originally Posted by Tony Tiger

Yeah, you want to keep all that shade off of you. Just useless weight, in my opinion. I think raingear is more versatile.

My thoughts exactly..........at first. But either way, the weight issue is neglible by comparison. Just thinking out of the box, and not tuned into strictly traditional hiker instincts. Just a thought. Thanks for your opinion. A hat and a shell would probably be more appropriate.

[Camp Counselor]

I've seen people using them but I don't see them as practical in all situations. If you're in an area where the trails are more open and not exposed to high wind and umbrella might be much better. You would stay dry enough and not be soaking the inside of a rain jacket with sweat. However, if you are up on a high ridge line, a bald, or a peak above tree line the winds would make an umbrella impractical. The winds will make it a chore to hang onto the umbrella and may even relive you of it all together. Not to mention in a stiff wind the rain comes in sideways and the umbrella offers little protection even when angled into the wind.

So, if you are ok with the weight of both rain gear and an umbrella the umbrella will be a good alternative in the rain or hot sun when wind isn't an issue. But, you'll want rain gear for the more exposed areas, and as I think about it a little more, on the steep pitches where hands are frequently needed.

[dmax]

I always have mine. I strap it to my pack and hike hands free. I am a little shorter than most people so I don't have the problem of the rhodos. Works great for cooking in the rain or the midnight bathroom trip. I've read on lots of threads about people trying one and then never leaving home without one. It's kinda like my hiking sticks. Don't necessarly need them but I seem like I can't hike without them. I guess its a personnal choice.

[Snickers06]

So whats wrong with it?

Well,

1) a windy rain storm and it won't do you much good as the rain comes at you from above, below, and all sides.

2) sun??? you are in the woods almost all the time!

3) It takes at least a hand to hold it (unless you know of some get up to use umbrella hands free)

4) I grant you umbrellas will work great if the rain isn't too strong and there isn't much wind. Right like that'll happen.


5) If it is hot, humid and wet, you might as well just wear a T shirt and get wet. If it is cold and wet a rain coat will keep you warmer. An umbrella won't!

Nough said!

Snickers06

[McKeever]

An umbrella can be pared down in weight and be just the right protection when rain gear is too hot to hike in. Just don't try to use one in a storm.

[Wise Old Owl]

Well if thats your thing go ahead, Enjoy!