The Best Travel Umbrellas to Keep You Dry on the Go

Today’s forecast? Always prepared for unexpected rain. Whether navigating bustling cityscapes, exploring serene natural trails, or simply commuting to work, a reliable Travel Umbrella is indispensable for staying dry and comfortable. From ultra-compact, lightweight models designed to be effortlessly stashed in your bag, to robust, larger umbrellas offering generous coverage for you and your travel companion, we’ve curated a guide to the top travel umbrellas tailored to every traveler’s needs.

To identify the best options, we rigorously tested 18 travel umbrellas, evaluating them across critical metrics: ease of use, protection against the elements, durability, portability, and overall value. Our comprehensive testing process involved assessing each umbrella’s construction, packability, performance in both wet and windy conditions, coverage area, drying speed, and sturdiness. (Further details on our detailed testing methodology are provided below). Our commitment to providing reliable recommendations extends beyond initial testing; we will continue to assess our top picks over six months to ensure their long-term reliability and durability. This article will be updated to reflect any changes in our assessments. Keep scrolling to discover your ideal travel umbrella and ensure you’re never caught unprepared in a downpour again.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Weatherman Travel Umbrella at Amazon $69
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Best Compact: Davek Mini Umbrella at Davekny.com
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Best for Two People: ShedRain Jumbo Compact Umbrella at REI $45
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Best Quick-dry: Totes Titan Umbrella at Amazon $39
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Most Affordable: Sy Compact Travel Umbrella at Amazon $14
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Best Inverted Design: SIEPASA Inverted Reverse Upside Down Umbrella at Amazon $21
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Most Stylish: GustBuster Automatic Umbrella at Amazon $60
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Best Prints: ShedRain Compact Umbrella at Amazon $26
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Best Value: EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella at Amazon $13
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Best for Sun Protection: Sport-Brella Versa-Brella at Amazon $43
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Best Overall

Weatherman Travel Umbrella

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PHOTO: Amazon

$69 at Amazon $69 at Dick’s Sporting Goods $69 at Golfgalaxy.com

Why We Love It: This travel umbrella impressed us with its exceptional performance and robust sturdiness.

What to Consider: The design is more sporty and functional, lacking a distinctly stylish aesthetic.

There’s hardly anything more frustrating than a travel umbrella that inverts at the slightest hint of wind, leaving you struggling to flip it back while getting drenched. However, the Weatherman travel umbrella proved its resilience during our rigorous testing. One of our team members tested this umbrella during a severe storm in San Francisco, comparable to a hurricane with powerful winds, and it performed admirably. It withstood strong gusts and rough handling without ever turning inside out. Our tester reported, “It felt like the wind was going to lift me off the ground, but the umbrella just powered through!”

Beyond its wind resistance, it also dried rapidly and showed no signs of wear and tear after testing. The handle provided a comfortable grip, and the canopy offered excellent protection from the rain. Weighing less than a pound and measuring under a foot when closed, its compact size is ideal for slipping into a tote bag or backpack without adding noticeable weight or bulk. With an impressive palette of 11 colors, from classic black to vibrant fluorescent pink, you can weather any storm in your preferred style. When it comes to combining storm-ready performance with practical design, this umbrella is a clear winner, outperforming flimsier alternatives. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious travelers; however, if you are prone to misplacing umbrellas, you might want to consider its price point – or simply be extra cautious!

The Details: 11.8 inches (closed) | 38-inch diameter (open) | 14 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia

Best Compact

Davek Mini Umbrella

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PHOTO: Davek

View on Davekny.com

Why We Love It: This is the most compact and lightweight travel umbrella among our top selections.

What to Consider: This umbrella is designed for single-person use and isn’t ideal for sharing.

For ultimate portability and minimal weight, the Davek Mini Umbrella is an exceptional choice. It’s the perfect “just-in-case” travel companion, effortlessly fitting into coat pockets or even stylish fanny packs without adding noticeable weight. We were particularly impressed by its incredibly compact size; when closed, it measures just seven inches – about the height of an iPhone 13 Pro Max. Despite its diminutive size, the Davek Mini doesn’t compromise on quality. Its robust mechanics, sturdiness, premium materials, and anticipated longevity make it a worthwhile investment, even with a higher price point around $60. Adding a splash of color to dreary days, it’s available in a spectrum of 10 vibrant hues. This umbrella is perfectly suited for solo explorations, but perhaps less ideal for sharing with a travel partner – unless you both appreciate close quarters.

The Details: 7 inches (closed) | 34-inch diameter (open) | 8 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Manual

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker

Best for Two People

ShedRain Jumbo Compact Umbrella

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PHOTO: REI

$45 at REI View on Shedrain.com

Why We Love It: This travel umbrella offers more than sufficient coverage for two individuals.

What to Consider: We found the handle to be a bit shorter than ideal.

While bigger isn’t always better, in the case of travel umbrellas for couples or those needing extra coverage, the ShedRain Jumbo Compact Umbrella excels. Despite its “jumbo” designation, this umbrella remains easy to manage and comfortably accommodates two people. Boasting a generous canopy and robust construction, it provides reliable protection against the elements, even claiming windproof performance up to 75 mph. At 15 inches when closed, it is longer than some compact models, but still compact enough to stow in a small carry-on suitcase. A practical rubber wristlet is included, allowing you to easily carry it on your wrist or attach it to the outside of your bag when not in use. As a bonus, this umbrella air-dries remarkably quickly in approximately 10 minutes.

The Details: 15 inches (closed) | 54-inch diameter (open) | 1.35 pounds | Steel frame | Auto-open

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager

Best Quick-Dry

Totes Titan Umbrella

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PHOTO: Amazon

$39 $35 at Amazon $35 at Macy’s

Why We Love It: This travel umbrella excels at repelling water and achieves complete dryness in mere minutes.

What to Consider: Closing the umbrella can require a bit of extra effort.

Forget about leaving your sopping wet umbrella out to dry overnight. The Totes Titan Umbrella’s defining characteristic is its exceptional quick-drying capability, requiring only minutes to become completely dry after use. In our tests, it performed admirably against moderate rain and strong winds of 25-28 mph, holding its own without issue. The one-handed, push-button opening mechanism operated smoothly, though closing it did require slightly more force. With a generous 43-inch canopy, it provides ample coverage for one person. The robust frame and solid mechanics effectively resisted wind during testing, and the textured handle offered a secure and comfortable grip. Compact and lightweight at just 11 inches when folded, it’s highly portable for travelers on the move.

The Details: 11 inches (closed) | 43-inch diameter (open) | Aluminum frame | Auto-open

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott

Most Affordable

Sy Compact Travel Umbrella

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PHOTO: Amazon

$14 $12 at Amazon

Why We Love It: Considering its compact form factor, we were impressed by the expansive canopy when opened, providing excellent rain protection.

What to Consider: Closing and securing it with the closure loop requires a noticeable amount of force.

For travelers prioritizing affordability without sacrificing essential features, the Sy Compact Travel Umbrella is an outstanding choice. As the most budget-friendly option on our list, this umbrella impressed us with its user-friendly design and effective water repellency. The easy one-button open and close mechanism, although requiring a bit of effort to fully close and secure, was generally simple to operate. The comfortable handle enhances its appeal, offering a secure and pleasant grip. Portable and lightweight, it easily fits into various bags without adding unnecessary bulk. With a wide selection of colors and prints, there’s a style to suit every preference.

The Details: 10.8 inches (closed) | 37.5-inch diameter (open) | 12.2 ounces | Aluminum frame | Auto-open

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven

Best Inverted Design

SIEPASA Inverted Reverse Upside Down Umbrella

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PHOTO: Amazon

$21 at Amazon

Why We Love It: This inverted travel umbrella is lightweight, sturdy, and performs reliably in windy conditions.

What to Consider: The inverted design makes it too large to fit into a typical backpack, tote, or carry-on bag.

Offering an impressive 44 design variations, the SIEPASA Inverted Reverse Upside Down Umbrella brings a touch of personal style to rainy day gear, with options ranging from solid colors to vibrant prints and patterns on the canopy’s interior. While we found it slightly too bulky for everyday carry in most bags, it’s an excellent option to keep in your car. In fact, the inverted design is particularly convenient for closing the umbrella when entering a vehicle, minimizing drips, while the push-button opening provides smooth, hassle-free operation. However, after three months of testing, we observed that the umbrella’s ribs can sometimes stick and resist inversion if opened and closed frequently throughout the day.

It also offers hands-free carrying alternatives, such as an oval handle designed for comfortable wrist carrying or attaching to bag straps. Some users might find the smooth plastic handle slightly less grippy over extended periods. However, a standout feature is the umbrella’s ability to stand upright on its own when closed, adding extra convenience when you need to set it down momentarily. Despite its lightweight and slim profile, it provides generous coverage suitable for one, or even two people, with a sturdy build that held up well against wind gusts during our tests. For its price, you receive a lightweight yet remarkably sturdy and user-friendly umbrella that performs reliably in windy weather. It’s important to note that this model is available in both long and short versions. We tested the longer version and found it too large for a medium-sized checked suitcase; the shorter version would likely be better suited for compact travel purposes.

The Details: 31 inches (closed) | 49-inch diameter (open) | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang

Most Stylish

GustBuster Automatic Umbrella

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PHOTO: Amazon

$60 at Amazon View on Gustbuster.com

Why We Love It: The GustBuster Metro offers a unique stylish detail – you can add a custom metal engraving to its hardwood handle.

What to Consider: This umbrella is better suited for carrying in a backpack or tote bag rather than a smaller purse or pocket.

Have you ever considered personalizing your umbrella? With the GustBuster Automatic Umbrella, you can add a custom engraving, making it a unique and stylish accessory, or a thoughtful personalized gift. While it’s positioned as a higher-end option, the ability to customize elevates this everyday item. We appreciate this travel umbrella for its user-friendliness and excellent water repellency. Featuring simple push-button operation and a secure Velcro closure strap, it offers both convenience and secure storage. While slightly larger than some travel umbrellas, making it a bit bulkier to carry than ultra-compact models, it still provides ample coverage for one person, and potentially two. Thanks to its robust construction and high-quality materials, it stands up well to regular use. During our three-month testing period, we did observe occasional inversion in strong wind gusts, but otherwise, it showed no signs of rust, bending, or breakage.

The Details: 16 inches (closed) | 43-inch diameter (open) | 1.1 pounds | Alloy steel frame | Auto-open

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel

Best Prints

ShedRain Compact Umbrella

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PHOTO: Target

$26 $24 at Amazon $19 at Target View on Shedrain.com

Why We Love It: Lightweight, compact, and available in a wide array of prints, this umbrella easily fits into various bags, making it a versatile travel accessory.

What to Consider: This umbrella is best suited for single-person use.

Brighten up any gloomy, rainy day with the ShedRain Compact Umbrella, available in a vibrant collection of prints. This travel umbrella comes in a variety of eye-catching designs, from colorful floral patterns to bold geometric motifs. In terms of performance, it excelled in repelling rainwater, offering sufficient coverage for one adult, or two if standing closely together. While we didn’t test it in extremely windy conditions, it still proved to be sturdy and durable, drying quickly after use with no signs of wear. Lightweight and compact, it fits easily into diverse bag types, making it highly adaptable for different travel scenarios. Priced affordably under $20, it’s an excellent value option to enhance your collection of travel accessories.

The Details: 12 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 13.6 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada

Best Value

EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella

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PHOTO: Amazon

$13 at Amazon

Why We Love It: This travel umbrella offers exceptional value for its combination of quality and design, outperforming some more expensive brands in our tests.

What to Consider: While its compact size is ideal for portability, it may not provide sufficient coverage for multiple people during heavy downpours.

For travelers seeking outstanding performance on a budget, the EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella is the clear choice. With its straightforward yet functional design and impressive performance relative to pricier competitors, this travel umbrella earned our strong recommendation as a budget-friendly and dependable option for rainy days. Its automatic push-button opening, ergonomic handle, and compact size made it comfortable and easy to use during our testing. Despite its small folded dimensions, it opens to provide surprisingly ample coverage, suitable for one person. The umbrella’s overall quality surpasses that of typical travel-size umbrellas, featuring a sturdy construction and wind-resistant design. We found that it effectively repelled water and dried quickly after exposure to light rain, maintaining its functionality and appearance. Highly portable and lightweight, it easily fits into various bags without occupying significant space.

The Details: 11 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 14.4 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

The 8 Best Rain Jackets for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung

Best for Sun Protection

Sport-Brella Versa-Brella

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PHOTO: Amazon

$43 at Amazon $28 at Target $30 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Why We Love It: The standout feature of this travel umbrella is its exceptional versatility, making it highly adaptable for providing shade in various outdoor settings.

What to Consider: It’s a clamp-on model, designed for attachment, not handheld use as a traditional umbrella.

Planning a beach outing? The Sport-Brella Versa-Brella is your ideal companion for the beach, pool, park, or anywhere you anticipate needing extra sun protection. This umbrella features a 1.5-inch clamp that securely attaches to almost anything, making it incredibly versatile for any outdoor situation. While primarily designed for sun protection, it also proved to be durable and provided adequate rain coverage for one person in our tests. However, the asymmetrical design (where one side of the canopy is longer than the other) did require adjustments in windy conditions to maintain optimal coverage. The material is durable, but we noted that the frame’s sturdiness can depend on the stability of the object it’s clamped to.

The Details: 36 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 1.8 pounds | Aluminum frame | Auto-open

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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
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    PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza

Other Travel Umbrellas We Liked

Three additional travel umbrellas we tested didn’t quite make our top list due to minor drawbacks, but still possess notable features that may suit specific traveler preferences.

Blunt Metro Umbrella: The robust structure of this umbrella clearly provides exceptional durability. However, despite its high-quality build, we found it somewhat too large for convenient daily commuting and travel. It could be an excellent, durable option for home use or car storage.

Samsonite Windguard Auto Umbrella: The umbrella’s durability and premium materials contribute to a sturdy feel, capable of withstanding harsh weather and providing reliable protection. However, closing it requires considerable force, which might be challenging for users with limited hand or arm strength. It is also only available in a single color: black.

EuroSchirm Swing Liteflex Ultra-light Weight Trekking Umbrella: This umbrella is exceptionally lightweight and features a spacious canopy that comfortably accommodates two people. However, its higher price point and elongated collapsed size limit its overall portability and affordability compared to other travel umbrellas in the market.

Our Testing Process

Travel + Leisure subjected 18 travel umbrellas to real-world testing scenarios to assess their ease of use, protection, durability, portability, and overall value. Our comprehensive evaluation process involved examining each umbrella’s overall construction, packability, performance in wet and windy conditions, coverage area, drying time, and sturdiness. We used the umbrellas in a variety of practical situations, including rainy and windy days, and tested them during daily commutes to evaluate their functionality, versatility, and long-term durability.

We meticulously recorded how easily each umbrella opened and closed, and assessed their portability in different bag sizes. We paid particular attention to the durability and quality of the materials, including the canopy fabric, frame structure, handle, and pole, to evaluate their long-term resilience. In wet weather, we assessed each umbrella’s performance in terms of coverage, sturdiness, and user comfort. Our assessments included evaluating whether the umbrella effectively blocked rain, its size when fully opened, handle comfort, and stability in windy conditions. If exposed to rain, we also noted the time it took for each umbrella to dry completely and any signs of wear and tear. Several umbrellas were excluded from our top picks due to low-quality materials that easily inverted in wind or failed to provide adequate rain coverage.

Our ongoing evaluation plan includes continued testing of these umbrellas for an additional six months to monitor their performance and durability across diverse travel scenarios and weather conditions. As we continue to use these umbrellas in various real-world settings, we will keep detailed notes on portability, practicality, and durability, ensuring a thorough evaluation of each travel umbrella’s long-term reliability. We will update our recommendations if our findings change or as we test new travel umbrella models.

Tips for Buying Travel Umbrellas

Consider Your Needed Compactness

Before selecting the best travel umbrella for your needs, take a moment to consider your primary use. Determine if you need the umbrella for occasional trips or daily use, as this will influence factors such as the required durability and portability. Assess whether the dimensions – particularly the closed length – and weight of the umbrella are suitable for your preferred carrying method, whether in a pocket, purse, backpack, or using its strap or handle.

We recommend prioritizing umbrellas specifically designed for travel, as they are typically more compact and lightweight compared to standard umbrellas. Additionally, pay close attention to the dimensions of the umbrella when fully opened. Some travel umbrellas are designed for single-person coverage, while others are larger and suitable for two. Choose the size that best aligns with your needs, whether you prefer individual protection or plan to share with a travel companion.

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Travel + Leisure

Prioritize Durable Materials

When searching for a travel umbrella, durability should be a key consideration. Look for umbrellas constructed from durable materials to ensure longevity and reliable performance. Ideal frame and rib materials include fiberglass, aluminum, or sturdy steel. (Pro tip: all our top recommendations are made from one of these three robust materials.) A strong canopy fabric, ideally with water-repellent coatings, further enhances the umbrella’s durability and weather resistance.

And don’t overlook the handle and grip quality, as these features significantly impact your experience in rainy conditions. Choose umbrellas with handles made from comfortable, non-slip materials such as rubber or foam, ensuring a secure hold even when wet. Ergonomic handle designs further improve comfort during extended use.

Look for Useful Features

When purchasing a travel umbrella, seek out useful features that enhance convenience and functionality. Consider umbrellas with a carrying strap, allowing you to loop it around your wrist while walking, keeping your hands free. A rubberized handle provides a more secure grip, particularly in wet conditions, reducing the risk of slipping.

Explore umbrellas with alternative designs, such as inverted models or those made from Teflon-coated fabrics. Inverted umbrellas fold inwards, containing water within and preventing drips when closed, while Teflon-coated fabrics repel water and promote faster drying, perfect for travelers on the go.

Additionally, consider features like automatic open and close mechanisms for effortless operation, windproof designs incorporating reinforced frames and vents to withstand strong winds, and UV protection for added sun safety during outdoor activities.

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Travel + Leisure

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a good diameter for a travel umbrella?
    The ideal diameter for a travel umbrella depends on individual needs and intended use, but a typical diameter range for travel umbrellas is between 36 and 42 inches when fully opened. This size range strikes a balance between compact portability and sufficient coverage to shield you from rain.

    If you intend to use the umbrella for two people, a larger diameter, closer to 48 inches or more, would provide better coverage for both. Ultimately, the best diameter for your travel umbrella is one that meets your specific needs and preferences while offering adequate protection from the elements.

  • What makes an umbrella windproof?
    An umbrella is considered windproof when its design and construction enable it to withstand strong wind gusts without inverting or breaking. Several key design features contribute to an umbrella’s windproof capability, including a robust frame and a flexible yet durable canopy material that can endure wind pressure without tearing or collapsing. Even automatic open and close mechanisms are engineered to ensure rapid deployment and retraction, allowing the umbrella to be easily managed even in sudden gusts of wind.

  • Can you bring an umbrella on a plane?
    Yes, you are permitted to bring an umbrella on an airplane. According to the TSA, umbrellas are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage, provided they adhere to standard size and weight restrictions. For air travel, we recommend packing a portable, compact travel umbrella to avoid any potential delays or issues during security screening.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Maddie Michalik, an expert in shopping trends and frequent traveler, has been professionally reviewing consumer products since 2014. For this article, she meticulously reviewed Travel + Leisure’s in-depth testing data for numerous travel umbrellas, carefully examining testing feedback for each model. She then cross-referenced product descriptions and conducted supplementary research to create this comprehensive guide to today’s best travel umbrellas.

We Tested the Best Beach Umbrellas for Staying Cool and Comfortable

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Edited by Jackie Cucco

Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, where she directs product testing and writes and edits travel-related product reviews based on thorough product evaluations. She previously worked as a travel agent, holds a journalism degree, and has over eight years of experience covering consumer products and creating shopping guides. She has appeared on television over 100 times to discuss consumer products and shopping trends.

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Updated by Asia London Palomba :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screenshot2024-03-27at8.41.45AM-d2c20db7b82947f79a863625c7c42018.png)

Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual Italian writer originally from Rome, currently based in Boston. As a writer, Asia specializes in food, travel, and history, and has covered a diverse range of topics, from essential travel products for trips to India to medieval judicial duels.

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and Anne Taylor

Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor is an updates writer at Travel + Leisure where she ensures articles remain current and accurate. An avid traveler with experiences in 23 countries, she is always testing new products to enhance her travel experiences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in news media and has worked as a writer and editor for over seven years.

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