Beware of the rain: 5 keys to choosing the best umbrella

In cities where the wind is rather moderate, the umbrella is the essential tool to arrive dry at your destination, whether it is work, university or the return home. As in the central zone – at least until this winter – it rains less and less, the habit of having a good umbrella has diluted, and many people, suspicious of weather forecasts, simply buy on the street when they see the drops falling. They really fall.

Yet ditch umbrellas have a well-deserved bad reputation: they tend to die after just a few uses, their ribs break in strong winds, and if it’s a deluge, the fabric can even break. crack.

Umbrellas, even if we use them little, should not be disposable. This is less so in our time, where we are more and more aware of the waste we produce. This is why we have put together a series of criteria to take into account before purchasing a durable and reliable umbrella. In this way we guarantee it a long lifespan and accompany us during those rainy days that are always intense.

This portable utensil, as we well know, is used to protect yourself from the rain. It consists of an axle and linkage covered in fabric or other material, extendable and foldable.

According to Aquae Foundation , the first mention of protective umbrellas comes from ancient Egypt, more than 3,500 years ago. At first they were simple palm leaves tied to a stick. Over time, they became an item used by nobles and religious leaders.

During the Renaissance, the umbrella enjoyed renewed interest among nobility and royalty, even though it did not yet have the technology to effectively repel rain. In the 16th and 17th centuries in France, Italy, and England, umbrellas were made from silk and other expensive materials. Its design, which could now be opened and closed more easily, closely resembled those worn by Roman and Greek women of the 4th century BC.

But the innovations that had a great impact on this accessory were the introduction of pocket umbrellas, by Hans Haupt in 1928, and the modern folding mechanism, developed by Bradford E. Phillips in 1969.

Now, after so many centuries, what characteristics should a good umbrella have? Is there any way to know if, in addition to preventing us from getting wet, it will last for many years? To find out, we have established five criteria to take into account.

Generally speaking, the larger the canopy of an umbrella, the more it will be able to protect you from the rain. At the same time, the larger the diameter, the more sensitive it will be to wind which, if it is very strong, can damage its fabric or its stems.

In some regions of the country, such as Punta Arenas or some coastal towns, the winds are so strong – they can reach a hundred kilometers per hour – that no one uses an umbrella. People rely only on their parkas or raincoats.

For more central cities, wind is less likely to wreak havoc on umbrellas. However, if you plan to make an investment over several years, the umbrella must still be resistant to possible storms. If you have a compact Teflon cover, it will surely perform better in terms of its ability to repel rain.

There are umbrellas of different diameters. Some are capable of covering up to two people, but most are only capable of covering one, and some barely protect a very thin person. When purchasing, the idea is to make sure the size is right for you and your lifestyle.

Generally, an awning diameter of at least 38 inches, or just under three feet, is recommended to provide good coverage for a person. But if you have children or like to walk as a couple, there are also larger diameter umbrellas.

At this point, there are several innovations in terms of umbrella material. Of course, its fabric must be waterproof, but there are now also UV resistant ones and some capable of resisting the forces of the wind. Normally, good umbrellas indicate in their description the material with which they are made, whether it is pongee fabric – light and waterproof –, vinyl – heavier but resistant – or reinforced polyester (some have a coating of pearly polyurethane, which makes them even more resistant). ).

The structure of the umbrella consists of a skeleton made up of rods which, when opened, form the canvas. Specialty sites recommend looking for those with at least eight rods, preferably made of fiberglass, a lightweight material but stronger, more flexible and more wind-resistant than aluminum.

When the descriptions talk about 10 or 8 pieces, they are referring to the number of ribs the umbrella has. Eight is generally the minimum for mid-sized or pocket umbrellas. There are mini umbrellas, consisting of six, but if the idea is to play it safe, it is better to have a sturdier umbrella, which hopefully exceeds 10 ribs. The best, although a little heavier, is to have one of 16.

It is a common mistake to assume that the heavier and larger the umbrella, the stronger and more durable it will be. It is the supporting strength of the umbrella cloth, determined by the quality and quantity of its ribs, that will determine how well it functions and whether or not it will fail during use. This also has to do with the materials it is made from. A small and light umbrella, but of good quality, and can withstand much more than a large one bought on the street.

At first glance, they all look the same. However, each umbrella has its own particularity. Here are some types that stand out European umbrellas .

Foldable and comfortable, these pocket umbrellas are the most practical to carry in bags, backpacks and handbags. Perfect for rainy cities, going on a trip or when rain is forecast for the afternoon. The first pocket umbrella from the Knirps brand hit the market more than 80 years ago.

The covers of these umbrellas are much larger than those of pocket umbrellas. More stylish, they are perfect for those who benefit from using the umbrella as a walking stick once the rain has stopped.

These are shorter and shallower, ideal for use on short journeys or at specific times. They are characterized by their lightness and their speed of folding, and as a particularity their handle is straight and not bent, to distinguish them from golf clubs once placed in the cart. Perfect to have in the car.

It is a synonym for “tour umbrellas”, which takes its name from hotel doormen, who carried them to receive and drop off passengers. Unlike the golf umbrella, this one has a curved handle.

*Product prices in this article are current as of June 18, 2024. Values ​​and availability are subject to change.