What's the best umbrella you've ever owned?

[jbsegal]

I'm in search of an umbrella that's as close to indestructible as possible.
It should be large enough to cover my not-inconsiderable shoulders while not being too large to use on some of the narrower ways in greater Camberville.
It can be heavier than average. It should resist inverting, but also revert with minimal system strain.

It doesn't have to be cheap. It doesn't have to be compact when folded, though that's a bonus.

Any suggestions?

JB - damp.

Comments

[marmota.livejournal.com]

I've heard good things about 'Gustbuster' brand, but haven't checked them out myself. Just mentioning it for a data point.

[jered]

I really like Gustbusters' products. They're easily available from Amazon.com now (I used to have to buy them through SkyMaul). I personally prefer the huge 62" ones, but their 48" umbrellas are nice too. The smaller models are available in collapsible styles, while the larger are "walking cane" types.

[jered]

Reading your criteria again, I think you'd like the 43" Metro model the best.

I had a nice one

[wolfdancer.livejournal.com]

Golf Shop. Another from the big and tall mens shop.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

The ginormous golf umbrella I got for free from Lipton Tea for saving box flaps years ago. Nearly indestructable, the frame is made of double ribs. Check out golf umbrellas they wont be foldable and stick it in your backpack sized, but they will be pretty sturdy.

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

In the late 1970's "bubble umbrellas" were very popular, and the only reason I can fathom why they disappeared was the trend towards umbrellas which fold into a very small size when closed. I loved my old Bubble, it kept me quite dry and due to it's shape was virtually impossible to be turned inside out by the wind.

I see there's a new batch of Bubbles out there, but they aren't as deep as the ones I remember. However, for indestructibility and staying in the narrower areas without poking out the eyes of other pedestrians, you can't beat one of these.

Good luck!

[marcusmarcusrc.livejournal.com]

I once lost two collapsible umbrellas in one day due to the wind-tunnel near the Kendall T/3rd St. region. That made me go and get a real, non-collapsible umbrella from Shed Rain, which has served me very well for about five years now. It isn't huge, but should cover your shoulders...

I also like my new collapsible umbrella which was a work giveaway, from rainkist, but it hasn't been tested against Boston-level wind conditions.

Go figure MIT would have the most over-engineered umbrella I've ever seen.

[whuffle.livejournal.com]

Before you go out buying one, I believe I may have one to GIVE you. It's a giant size MIT logo umbrella left behind in the lost and found at my work. I borrowed it today when it was raining. Hootie and I both fit under it with him in his stroller. It flipped inside out in the wind and just as easily flipped right way out again. Turns out it was BUILT RIGHT to do that. FINALLY! If I could just find one this well built that's smaller, I'd be happy. I really don't need one this big and in fact, it's a bit much to manage when also holding a small hand or trying to push a stroller.

[c1.livejournal.com]

My rainy day ensemble is a gore-tex jacket and a sou'wester. Rain sheds nicely, and my hands are free to do things -- the only thing that should be in the hands of a Jedi is his lightsaber. :D

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

All I know about these is what I've read in their ad copy, but they seem to meet your specs.

http://beta.hammacher.com/Product/Default.aspx?sku=81785

[dianala.livejournal.com]

I've had one of those "windbrella" umbrellas for over twelve years and still going strong. Has special baffles in it so it doesn't turn inside out in heavy winds, of which we get tons of around here.