Best weather protection: TOP 5 universal umbrellas

Fare 5053

German engineers have developed a strong steel frame in the Fare 5053 model, which is able to withstand even heavy winds. However, the steel itself is heavy, so this small umbrella weighs 245 grams. The frame is chromium-plated, which means that there is no rust due to the action of moisture.

The umbrella dome is made of water-resistant polyester, which does not let in not only water, but also the sun's rays. By the way, the diameter of the dome is 98 cm – the largest of the 6-spoke umbrellas, not including umbrella canes. Each spoke is made of durable fibreglass with a length of 53 cm. Thanks to the "anti-weather" technology, the spokes of the umbrella do not break when the dome is turned out, but return back in one movement. Fare 5053 has a mechanical type of assembly. Its advantage is that it fails less often than an automatic or semi-automatic. But at the same time, both hands are needed to open the umbrella, which is not very convenient when one is busy with a bag.

In the end part of the umbrella handle there is a retractable Fare logo made of polymer material. Instead of this logo, you can install a label with information about the owner of the umbrella (phone number, address), so that if it is lost, it can be returned. There is a special plastic "check" on the cord for removing the label.

Fare AC Regular 7119

The Fare 7119 umbrella-cane has an anti-storm design, which consists of a 1 cm thick galvanized steel rod and eight fibreglass spokes. The spokes are a two-rail structure that provides flexibility and strength when bending the dome during strong winds. To ensure that the connections of the sections are not damaged by sudden gusts of wind, the manufacturer has provided steel protective "petals" in the umbrella design.

The dome is made of waterproof polyester. With a diameter of 105 cm, it is able to freely protect two people from the rain. The dome material has the highest degree of UV protection UPF 50+, which complies with the European standard DIN EN 13758-1. The hook handle is made of non-slip plastic, so it is easy to hold even in strong winds.

Fare 7119 has a semi-automatic folding mechanism. When folded, Fare 7119 has a length of 85 cm – you can no longer put it in the bag. Also, due to the ungainly design and thick rod, the umbrella-cane weighs quite a lot - as much as 440 gr.

Euroschirm Dainty

Euroschirm has released a compact model that is perfect for hiking. The length of the umbrella when folded is only 15.5 cm, so that it can be put even in a woman's purse or worn on a belt. This "umbrella" weighs only 195 grams. However, due to its compactness, it has a small dome diameter of 86 cm. Additionally, a bright case is included, which can be attached to a hiking backpack.

Despite its compact size, this "baby" is very durable. Euroschirm Dainty fibreglass spokes are not only flexible, but also withstand air flow at speeds up to 133 km/h and the impact of water from the hose. The dome is made of polyester, which has a protective layer that meets the UPF 50+ standard. It will protect the wearer from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

At the ends of each spoke in the fabric of the dome there are reflective "triangles". They are not visible during the day, but in the headlights at night they shine brightly, notifying the driver of the presence of a pedestrian. The handle is made of non-slip ABS plastic, however, according to user reviews, it has an uncomfortable ellipsoid design. The model is made in eight different colours, so everyone will choose the most suitable option for themselves.

Piquadro AC2212GL

The Piquadro AC2212GL has a fully automated design, thanks to which it opens and closes at the touch of a button. The Italian umbrella has six spokes made of fibreglass (fibreglass), which are able to bend in the wind without mechanical damage. The main rod is made of aluminium, which makes the umbrella lighter than other models in this price segment with a steel structure. The weight of the model is only 198 gr.

Like Euroschirm Dainty , this model has quite compact dimensions – only 18 cm folded. The diameter of the dome is 88 cm, which refers it to the "small" type, that is, only for one person. The umbrella is delivered in a convenient case, which has a length-adjustable strap. Thanks to this, the umbrella in the case can be worn both on the shoulder and on the wrist. Many people note the comfortable handle, which has a pear-shaped shape.

The Piquadro AC2212GL model has implemented the "anti-weather" technology. It allows the umbrella to withstand the wind flow at a speed of more than 100 km/ h without damaging the structure. But for such a high-quality umbrella model, a person will have to pay quite a lot.

Blunt XS Metro

The Blunt XS Metro was designed for severe New Zealand storm loads. The radial load system RTS was introduced, which ensures optimal tension of the dome during the opening of the umbrella. The company's engineers equipped the model with "floating ribs", that is, the spokes are fixed on the dome not rigidly, but freely. Thanks to this, the spokes do not break through the fabric in a sharp gust of wind. By the way, the ends of the spokes do not stick out of the umbrella, but are neatly hidden in pockets called Blunt Tips. According to the tests, the umbrella withstands a 12-point storm, which corresponds to 117 km/h.

The dome is made of waterproof polyester Quick Dry, which dries within 10 minutes even after heavy rain. The main rod, like the spokes, is made of durable fibreglass, resistant to wind loads. On the convenient handle there is a button for automatic opening of the umbrella. It closes with two hands, since a semi-automatic system is involved here.

Despite the fact that the model has only 6 spokes, it weighs as much as 373 grams, which is quite a lot for umbrellas of such dimensions. However, this is due to the decent thickness of the main rod. The manufacturer presents as many as 10 colours of this model, from which both men and women can choose the right one for themselves. The price of this model is high, which is due to its good quality.