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I had a great time on this trip and really enjoyed meeting everyone. Stopping at the Rim Side Grill in Pine for the prime rib sandwich was a real treat. I hope to get on a another HAZ outing soon.

The one thing I did learn on this trip was the importance of an umbrella. I get tired of putting the rain gear on and five minutes later taking it off. The umbrella is a no-brainer. I'm going to pick one up for South San Juan, CO. Thanks Joe and Kurt for the idea!

Mike Coulter

Hikebot recommends staying cool...
Trekking Umbrellas on Amazon


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I hadn't thought about reducing the "stick out" height by an additional ~2" by inserting it all the way into one side of my pack..it might help. I also think that Joe's idea of Velcro straps(2-3) onto the hiking stick is kind of an interesting idea too(the umbrella it light enough to not make it too heavy for the needed ongoing use of the trekking pole, but it might be hard to secure the umbrella so that it does not slip down the pole, also might destroy it from trail overgrowth on the first hike. I already have two side pack straps and a mesh pocket on the outside of my daypack, so I won't need to add any additional shock cords, but it now sticking out of my pack top by 8" is just too much for the type of day hiking I do and I will probably find it difficult for me to use for much sun protection..more likely will want it for more rain protection above my poncho so I can leave the irritating poncho head covering off while I hike in the rain. Also, where does a person go locally and/or on the internet to buy different selections of Velcro straps??.. I have never seen any for sale in the local outdoor stores I visit.

hikeaz wrote:Umbrellas with a telescoping handle are somewhat to extremely less stout than a one-piece handle. Caveat Emptor.

This is good to get confirmation on! Makes me feel much better about my 25" long one-piece handle version ;)

I will be getting a lot of practice and time to experiment with different storage options and rain use in my upcoming 2wk Wyoming trip, so will report back after... :thanx: all for the advise!

Grasshopper wrote:Also, where does a person go locally and/or on the internet to buy different selections of Velcro straps??.. I have never seen any for sale in the local outdoor stores I visit.

Ace Hardware

Believe I'd scratch any thoughts of my velcro-ing to a trekking pole, too much ridged movement.

I've never had an issue stuffing it in my pack. It's super quick to access when it starts to rain.

I wonder if there's an umbrella that attaches to the reverse-threading that is on top of many hiking staffs. Hmmmm....that's an idea for my upcoming entrepreneurship class!

joe bartels wrote:Believe I'd scratch any thoughts of my velcro-ing to a trekking pole, too much ridged movement.
I've never had an issue stuffing it in my pack. It's super quick to access when it starts to rain.

I just had to confirm or deny regarding "Velcro-ing it to the trekking pole", so yesterday I went to Ace Hardware and spent $8.00 on 4 @ 3/4" straps..and it isn't going to work: As Joe notes..just can't get it secured tight enough to hold without it slipping down the pole, and attached it makes the pole a lot heavier than I originally thought. As recommended, it will work stuffed inside one side of my day pack.. rising 7" out vs 8" out if attached to the outside of my pack. As long as one is hiking on a well maintained trail it will work fine with a 7" height out, but I am a little concerned about on trail/off trail hiking with tree limbs down to hike under, but I'm sure it will be another good, used gear addition to my already stuffed 25lb+ daypack ;)

Thought I'd post a Golite chrome dome action photo.

http://www.hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=102313

a couple more pros and cons

Pros - Excellent Mtn biker signaler/blinder (depending on the rider) ;)
Conversation piece
Bee shield

Cons - The first scrape with scare the heck outta you
Conversation piece
8 oz is heavy after 4 hours in your hand ;)

rlrjamy wrote: 8 oz is heavy after 4 hours in your hand ;)

You need to DRINK faster...... Or maybe train with 12oz., or better yet, a PINT!

Maybe I should hike with a fifth in one hand and the umbrella in the other

I get mine at the 99cent store. I usually can hike hands free if I just run the handle under the sternum strap of my pack and sometimes in and around my shirt. Then it usually angles off one side of my head over my shoulder and sometimes if I'm backpacking onto the pack. I can then use my trekking poles as usual. Doesn't always work tho---forget off trail, for the most part.

im going for the Snow Peak variety.. my Dainty by Birdiepal worked great, lasted a good number of trips and still going strong.. yet my new LightTrek by Birdiepal bit the dust on the first trip! one of the ribs came undone from the dome, so its going back to STP.
The snow peak umbrella is the lightest quality umbrella out there at under 5oz. (and the coverage is good for AZ)

Did first umbrella hike in the Cherry-cows this weekend with Tibber... I'm sold, at least for sun protection. Of course, I had my cheapie drugstore 'brella, but I thought it held up fine in the light breezes. Might look for something sturdier for actual stormy weather.

We had a delightful discussion about what umbrella hikers should call themselves - sort of the umbrella version of "hangers" etc. I came up with "Umbies", but I'm not sure how well that will go over once I realized what it sounded so much like...

I second the Snow Peak ultra-lite umbrella. I got some good use out of it on the recent S. San Juan trip @ 4.7oz. It also stored away very nicely inside my backpack side pocket. For what I use it for, it's perfect.

The Chrome Dome...Komperdell C2 pole combo
GoLite Chrome Dome w/ trekking pole handle - instructions from Joe Carter at backpackinglight.

funny you should mention that bob, i know i saw it somewhere...
i was just (not 5 min ago) doing review study of the ul umbrellas and the results were 1)Montbell. Best quality/weight ratio 2)GoLite. Best coverage for weight, non collapsing gave it low marks 3)Snowpeak. Flimsy components, for the price ($40) get the Montbell.

My golite totally inverted on Humphreys and I though oh crap. But no damage done.

Mine did that over and over again on South Mountain years ago in a nasty storm, still no damage. That's when the mindset goes from this is cool to this is phenomenal.

Discovered a new use on the trail today. I was wearing a waist pack and my umbrella came in handy when my back started to itch. Golite back scratcher

Any testaments to the power of umbrellas to attract girls?

Depends on the weather