Hiking Umbrella (low key my favorite backpacking gear)

Welcome to the latest edition of gearbox review, videos where I talk about hiking and backpacking gear and the reasons I carry what I carry.
Today I am discussing the Liteflex Chrome hiking umbrella. This is (low key) probably one of my favorite pieces of gear. While the addition of an umbrella may seem extra for some, there are environments that this serves as a critical and essential protection.
I have first in mind desert hiking or hiking where one may be exposed to prolonged, direct sunlight. This mobile shade affords relieve from such conditions and can provide up to 15*F temperature differential. And shade, did I I mention shade?
If you’re not desert hiking an umbrella can also serve its traditional function as an umbrella.
As I discuss in the video, I took this gear on my Colorado Trail thru hike for sun protection on exposed burn areas, road walks and above treeline. To my surprise, I used the umbrella for protection against the cold precipitation that would fall in the Colorado afternoon like clockwork.
I also offer a few hacks that you might try if you are umbrella user.
Hope you Enjoy!
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ToC
0:00 Intro
0:56 Tech Specs
1:32 Sun Protection
4:07 Precip
5:59 Weather Things
7:28 Other Hacks
8:30 Durability
9:08 It makes Fun Happen
9:40 Best Uses
10:52 Downsides
13:12 Wrapping Up
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Thank You!
*May Contain Explicit Language*
Original music provided by KZbin Music Library & DJMQ Sound

[@betsycotton5212]

I love my umbrella. Won’t go without it. Has saved me on hot hikes, makes a huge difference. Is so nice when those mountain storms hit especially with hail. Easy to attach to pack also. Thanks for the good video.

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Thanks for the comment! I was a skeptic at first but once I realized how versatile the shade can be under so many different conditions, this is easily one of my favorites. Happy hiking!

[@Aranimda]

I got myself an EuroSCHIRM TeleScope HandsFree UV Protection 50+ umbrella. German made. There are a few KZbin reviews of it. It is fairly light with a carbon pole and it attaches to your backpack so you have two hands free for making photos or using trekking poles. I'm a bit worried about UV radiation and don't like sun screen on my skin so I plan to use this to hike without having to worry about the sun. (Or rain) I will use it in the French Alps this summer.

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Very nice choice. I think that will serve you well as an alternative to sunscreen. Have a great trip in the Alps.

[@sharpteeth17x929yw]

When you got a box of matches and trying to start a fire an umbrella comes in handy as a windbreak

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Heck yes! That’s a great hack right there. Thanks for sharing that. Happy hiking.

[@leeeverett8109]

I'm hiking the PCT 2022 and I knew I wanted this. That said; you had so much wisdom in this video. I appreciate everything you said "Why do you want to suffer?" EXACTLY!

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Thanks for the comment! Hope you have a great PCT hike!

[@Querenciatv]

Lovely Video! Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see more 👍

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment, and more gear videos will certainly be in the agenda!

[@michaelmcphee2930]

I purchased an umbrella in Bali about ten years ago for a dollar, which proved useful. I received one yesterday for a lot more which has attachments to strap it to my back pack so it leaves me hands free to use hiking poles. Apart from rain and sun protection it also serves in Australia at least as protection from birds such as our magpies and honey eaters in nesting season. They are really aggressive and territorial and frankly more likely to harm than snakes.

[@steamboatadrift4225]

I never considered bird protection. Thanks for the pro-tip. I’ll keep that in mind if I make it down under.

[@boomboom-tk4ec]

Excellent video, thanks. Liked and subscribed 🇬🇧

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Thanks for the comment and the Sub! Happy hiking!

[@dog-so1vj]

Great video and review. I'm new to hiking and have been building up my kit, but have only been dayhiking so far. After watching a few videos and now this one I think I'll get one of these. Here in Florida it get's so hot that it's almost impossible to wear rain gear sometimes without getting soaked in sweat which defeats the purpose altogether. Thanks again. Just subscribed to your channel.

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Thanks for the comment. Spent a couple years in Jacksonville and know how muggy it can be and hard to find rain gear. Hope you enjoy the umbrella and happy hiking!!

[@martink8080]

There are special clips that attach with Velcro straps to the backpack shoulder straps at about the level of the sternum strap.. The stem of the umbrella clips into it and the handle attaches to your waist strap - voila, hands free. Get two clips, one for each shoulder strap and then the umbrella can be on either side, depending on the sun direction. For extreme angles, attach the handle on the opposite side. Another nice benefit when it rains is that the back of the umbrella covers the gap between your body and the back pack. So with a pack rain cover protecting the pack itself, you don't get a wet back.

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Thanks for the comment about those shoulder clips! Also great observation about the coverage on the back and helping to mitigate that uncomfortable back feeling

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Can use it for a lot of things , light rain while hiking , wind shield, rain collector, etc

[@DavesGuitarPlanet]

Have you ever heard of the Toastmasters speaking club? They have someone called the "ah-um counter." Of course everyone says ah, um, er, uh sometimes when talking...but we also know if we do too much of it it's distracting. I hit the like button for the good info and will probably buy one of these. Just wanted to give a bit of feedback. Cheers.

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Hi DGP! I have heard of Toastmasters, although I haven’t participated in any of their workshops. I’ve had a couple other people bring this to my attention and it’s something I’m working on. Awareness is key to making improvements both when filming and also when I get to public speak on a weekly basis in my professional life. Nonetheless, glad you still found value here in your consideration of the umbrella. Happy hiking!

[@josephdragan7734]

How about an umbrella that can extend to be a trekking pole and finally a tent support? Three in one!

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Genius right there. I’ll take two please. Happy hiking

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I just got my first umbrella too. I got a Six Moon Designs. Now I need rain instead of snow! Lol.

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Right on! Dude on the CT enlisted me in the ‘Umbi Crew’. Don’t know how I feel about that.

[@chriswahlen1783]

Hello S.A., I enjoyed your philosophy regarding umbrella, thank much! If I may ask, why Gossamer versus Zpacks/Six Moon Designs Umbrella? Any preference/durability you consider better than other? Be safe out there! Chris

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Thanks for the comment and the question, Chris. If I remember correctly, the GG umbrella was the one that was in stock to ship when I ordered, so the decision was made from the suppliers availability alone. I did take a look at the others you mentioned and they do appear to be very similar to one another, particularity the GG and Zpacks. If my umbrella ever fails, I might replace it with the Six Moons Carbon. I kind of like the more ergonomically shaped handle. It’s the little things. Happy hiking.

[@jtact5487]

Don't cut that toggle strap off ... use for a base anchor to secure to your pack

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Great recommendation! Thanks j tact.

[@Crazyhealthylife]

In regards to downsides, what causes jet noise when using the umbrella? Is it a design flaw or something, thank you for your video

[@steamboatadrift4225]

I think the jet noise is a product of how slick the umbrella is at shedding water. Repels at sonic speeds. Thanks for watching.

[@PaulEgges]

Interesting. I'm thinkg about getting it for hiking the Colorado Trail also. Did you have any concern about lighting?

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Yea Paul, as I think I mentioned in the video, I used mine daily on the CT. I wasn’t too concerned with lightning, but definitely tried to plan the days around potential storms and being above tree line etc. There was a lot of talk about the weather and making sure we knew where we’d be and the threat of exposure. Most these UL umbrellas are carbon fiber, so not a conductive material, but above the trees could still easily make you the tallest object around for miles. Happy hiking!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... With the thought of caring an umbrella (for the obvious and otherwise ),, created this search for others from the opinions of others.. Thanks for yours ,, Safe Hiking ,, Stay Dry ... .... I also don't grasp the term " Luxury Item " ,, to me pack whatever makes your trek comfortable and complete ...as stated an "Option" ... I guess a real luxury item on a hike would be a " Sherpa " ..Llama or Mule ?? ..

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Thanks for the comment and observations. Definitely a luxury to have a llama, and would be remiss not mention the ‘pack goat’. Happy Hiking.

[@alimfuzzy]

If you carry a survival bivy. It turns it from nightmare to quite comfortable. Put rocks at one end umbrella at the other. Keeps out most bugs but let's you breathe.

[@steamboatadrift4225]

Thanks AL, great recommendation!

[@wbradb]

Dawg, I have that umbrella. We are umbrella twins.

[@steamboatadrift4225]

I always figured we were united in our desire to throw shade. Stay cool bro.