When it comes to rainy days, it’s undeniable that a reliable umbrella is a must-have. But it can be hard to find the right umbrella because not all of them are of the best quality. The best umbrellas should be able to stand up to rain and wind, but it should also be easy to open and close, easy to carry, and made to last.
With so many umbrellas to choose from, it can be hard to know which one will work best for you without trying them all. The Textiles Lab at the well-known Good Housekeeping Institute has carefully looked at and tested rain gear, like umbrellas, to help you make a choice. When we tested umbrellas, we looked at how easy they were to use, how long they would last, how much space they covered, and, most importantly, how well they kept water out since some umbrellas broke when we tried to simulate a storm with more water pressure.
The following umbrellas either did very well in our tests or are newer models with unique features that have gotten great reviews from real users. By looking into these choices, you can make an educated decision and find the right umbrella to keep you safe and looking good on rainy days. Below we have mentioned the best umbrellas.
Best Umbrellas Comparison Table
| Umbrella Model | Brand | Auto Open | Windproof | UV Protection | Pop Up Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsonite Windguard Auto Open Umbrella | Samsonite | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| SY Compact Travel Umbrella | SY Compact | No | Yes | No | No |
| Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella | Repel | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Umenice UPF 50+ UV Protection Umbrella | Umenice | No | No | Yes | No |
| Stephen Joseph Pop Up Umbrella | Stephen Joseph | No | No | No | Yes |
Samsonite Windguard Auto Open Umbrella
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsonite |
| Type | Automatic open umbrella |
| Windguard System | Resilient and flexible construction |
| Canopy Diameter | 42 inches |
| Compact Size | Folds down to 12 inches for easy storage |
| Fabric | Water-repellent and quick-drying |
| Handle | Ergonomic rubber grip |
| Frame Material | Sturdy metal frame |
| Weight | Lightweight design, approximately 1 lb |
| Auto Close | Yes |
| UV Protection | No |
Use this umbrella in heavy rain and strong gusts of wind. It was the best umbrella we tested when we looked at how easy it was to turn the umbrella inside out and how well the spokes were connected to the fabric. This size is small, so it’s easy to carry around. If you want to cover a bigger area, you can buy the golf-size version.
Textiles Product Reviews Analyst Grace Wu used this pick during a storm and said, “I’ve never used an umbrella that made me feel as safe. Even though I could see the rainstorm in front of me, it felt like a normal windy spring day under this umbrella.” Overall, it is one of the best umbrellas that you can buy.
Pros
- Automatic open feature for quick deployment.
- Windguard system enhances durability in windy conditions.
- Compact size allows for easy storage and portability.
- Sturdy metal frame ensures long-lasting use.
Cons
- Does not provide UV protection.
SY Compact Travel Umbrella
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | SY |
| Type | Compact travel umbrella |
| Canopy Diameter | 38 inches |
| Compact Size | Folds down to 11 inches for convenient carrying |
| Fabric | Water-resistant |
| Handle | Non-slip rubberized grip |
| Frame Material | Reinforced metal ribs and shaft |
| Weight | Lightweight design, approximately 0.9 lb |
| Auto Open/Close | Yes |
| UV Protection | No |
Umbrellas can be expensive, but this one is a great deal. Even though it’s cheap, it has thousands of good reviews that talk about how it looks and how small it is. Our Lab experts are surprised that this umbrella opens and closes itself automatically and costs so little. It also weighs less than a pound and can keep you dry with a 41-inch circle, which is the area an umbrella can cover. Thus, it is one of the best umbrellas that you can buy.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design ideal for travel.
- Auto open/close mechanism for effortless operation.
- Water-resistant fabric keeps you protected from light rain.
- Non-slip rubberized grip handle ensures a secure hold.
- Reinforced metal ribs and shaft provide durability.
Cons
- Does not provide UV protection.
- Canopy diameter is smaller compared to some other umbrellas.
Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Repel |
| Type | Windproof travel umbrella |
| Canopy Diameter | 42 inches |
| Compact Size | Folds down to 11.5 inches for easy storage |
| Fabric | Teflon coating for water resistance |
| Handle | Slip-resistant rubberized grip |
| Frame Material | Reinforced fiberglass ribs and shaft |
| Weight | Lightweight design, approximately 0.9 lb |
| Auto Open/Close | Yes |
| UV Protection | No |
The windproof travel umbrella from Repel has more than 25,000 five-star reviews, making it the best folded umbrella on Amazon. The umbrella’s ribs are made of fiberglass and are strengthened with resin to make them stronger and keep the umbrella’s top from flipping over while it’s being used. In our lab tests, we found that umbrellas with vented lids were the most wind-resistant. This pick has a double-vented top that makes it easy for wind to move through. Overall, it is one of the best umbrellas that you can buy.
Pros
- Windproof construction withstands strong gusts.
- Teflon coating provides excellent water resistance.
- Reinforced fiberglass ribs and shaft enhance durability.
Cons
- Does not provide UV protection.
Umenice UPF 50+ UV Protection Travel Umbrella
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Umenice |
| Type | UV protection travel umbrella |
| Canopy Diameter | 46 inches |
| Compact Size | Folds down to 12 inches for easy carrying |
| Fabric | UPF 50+ coated fabric for superior sun protection |
| Handle | Ergonomic rubberized handle |
| Frame Material | Reinforced stainless steel ribs and shaft |
| Weight | Lightweight design, approximately 1.2 lb |
Gabby Beckford, a travel expert and the founder of Packs Light, likes Umenice umbrellas because they are small and can be used for more than one thing. For example, this one is made of a UV material that protects you from both rain and sun. She says, “It’s also great at keeping its shape in the wind.”
If you’re like Beckford, you’ll like how the style doesn’t have any extra bulk. “My goal is always to pack as little as possible,” she says. Remember that this doesn’t have two canopies. Still, it is one of the best umbrellas that you can buy.
Pros
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Can withstand strong winds without flipping inside out.
Cons
- Limited color options may not cater to everyone’s preferences.
Stephen Joseph Pop Up Umbrella
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Stephen Joseph Pop Up Umbrella |
| Umbrella Type | Pop Up Umbrella |
This small umbrella is easy for kids to carry on their own because it has characters that kids like, a comfy curved handle, and a light build. Each canopy design has 3D parts that make it more fun, and the 29-inch diameter of the canopy gives kids plenty of shade. We love that the frame is easy for kids to push up and pull down. This makes it less likely that their fingers will get pinched when they open or close their umbrella. Overall, it is one of the best umbrellas that you can buy.
Pros
- Sturdy construction ensures durability.
- Provides protection against rain and light wind.
Cons
- Limited design options may not appeal to everyone’s taste.
FAQs
Most of the time, polyester, nylon, or microfiber work best for umbrella covers. These materials are known for being strong, resistant to water, and able to stand up to strong winds. People often use polyester because it protects well from both rain and sun. Nylon is easy to carry and doesn’t hold water well. Microfiber is a high-quality choice that is better at resisting water and blocking UV rays.
Yes, there are umbrellas that are made to stand up to strong winds. Look for umbrellas with features like a vented top that lets the wind pass through and lowers the chance of inversion. Some umbrellas also have bases that are stronger and ribs made of fiberglass or carbon fiber that are more resistant to wind. These parts keep the umbrella from turning inside out when the wind blows.
The size of an umbrella is important because it shows how much protection it gives. Larger umbrellas with wider bases offer more protection from rain and sun because they can cover a larger area. But they can be harder to move around in tight areas and harder to carry. Smaller umbrellas are easier to carry and take with you, but they might not cover as much. Choose a size that fits your needs, taking things like flexibility and the area you want to cover into account.
