Reasons Why I Love Using an Umbrella When Hiking

I've carried an umbrella for every backpacking trip since my my three night backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains back in 2017. What was the deciding factor from that trip and why do I still carry one?
On my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2022 I will also be carrying an umbrella throughout my hike starting in February. Why do I like them so much? If you will be vlogging on trail I would suggest an umbrella even more.
Chrome umbrella (8 oz)
Swing Trek Umbrellas Liteflex Trek Umbrella Silver - amzn.to/3HOzDHB
My UL umbrella of choice:
Snow Peak Ultralight Umbrella (5.1 oz) - amzn.to/3xdFjpF
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Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera with 18-135mm Zoom Lens - amzn.to/36Xte9K
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E - amzn.to/2ZlUyOi
--Other Gear:
Comica Traxshot Super Cardioid Stereo Mic - amzn.to/2YOz8aU
PowerDeWise Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Mic - amzn.to/2EEwqLd
AOKA 28in/1.1lb Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead - amzn.to/3trUwAW
Video editing application: Davinci Resolve Studio 17.4
Image editing program: Gimp 2.10.28
Vector Drawing: Inkscape 1.1
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#backpacking #umbrella #thruhiking #hiking #appalachiantrail #gear #hikinggear #shelter #tips #hikingtips #advice

Пікірлер: 59

  • @FreddyEnergizer
    @FreddyEnergizer2 ай бұрын

    I always have a Umbrella with me on hikes. :) Montbell bit lighter and smaller then the yellow one you are holding. - I put Velcro tape on the handhold.. and use Velcro strips to connect it to my backpack less problems with wind.

  • @jhonyermo
    @jhonyermo Жыл бұрын

    Regarding the umbrella: Lawton Ginter, in his book, I HIKE p173in said it best for me: "[the umbrella] "Gave me the opporitunity to lollygag a bit. You see, most hikers walk very quickly in the pouring rainl Granted, most waterproof jackets keep the rain from seeping in but the cold rain zaps the heat from your body due to convection. It's just a simple fact of allowing the cold water to land on your chest and shoulders for hours on end. With the umbrella, the rain never hits your chest and shoulders and subsequently allows you to stay warmer. It is like walking with a small tent over your head all day.. The other thing that hikers wearing only rain jackets typically don't do is they don't take breaks. Who wants to take a break in the pouring rain on the side of the trail to only get more more soaked and more cold. I took breaks every hour or so with the umbrella. I could squeeze in and get my entire body under the umbrella's perimeter." • Also nice to not have the hood of your rain jacket or poncho making that cowling over your head. Umbrella gives you much better field of view instead blinders. Ray Jardine in his book Beyond backpacking also praises the umbrella. And entire chapter "Umbrella" on the topic. "You ever seen hikers in rain jackets lounging around at rest stops,---out in the open--during a heavy rain? It doesn't happen. But the umbrella makes those rest stops quite plausible." p.105

  • @sheilahenry7279
    @sheilahenry72798 ай бұрын

    Also, if need to use restroom on trail but too many people everywhere. Can get off & set umbrella up on ground to provide privacy

  • @williammize4352
    @williammize435219 күн бұрын

    Very clever and thanks

  • @outcastsix7021
    @outcastsix70212 жыл бұрын

    I got one a few years back thinking it would be bit comical which at the time it was but man, I ended up loving it both for crazy rain and oppressive sun beat down. HIKE ON! Hope to see you on the AT in Virginia next year.

  • @justbob4731
    @justbob47312 жыл бұрын

    Always thought the looked goofy, but I tried one on a 500 mile hike and from then on I never do a long hike without one. Soooooo helpful and useful with both sun and rain. If in doubt, try one (with no one looking) and I am sure you will find them to be an asset.

  • @nedanother9382
    @nedanother9382 Жыл бұрын

    I'm a yes almost every time. My last trip in August I was coming down from Glen pass in the sierras. It was 157 degrees full sunshine. I vividly remember thinking to myself "if someone offered me to trade my umbrella for a cold 6 pack of beer, its a hell NO! Same with rain...the no wind rain, it's not often it saves you but once you are saved there's no going back.

  • @thomasmosch8113
    @thomasmosch81132 жыл бұрын

    like always informative and great video

  • @wmpopper
    @wmpopper4 ай бұрын

    Excellent observations and review, thank you Mr Jay.

  • @outcast3397
    @outcast33972 жыл бұрын

    Great points! Ordering an umbrella for sure now. Thankyou Jay

  • @KimCrowHikes
    @KimCrowHikes2 жыл бұрын

    You are talking me into this thing I swore off. :) Thanks Jay. X Crow

  • @Zapruderfilm1963
    @Zapruderfilm19632 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the fantastic video on Umbrellas and usage Jay!!😀👍 A couple of days ago I ordered a Six Moon Designs Rain Walker SUL. I’m excited to try it out backpacking on some overnights as well as for my thru hike of the AT in 2023.

  • @FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD
    @FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD2 жыл бұрын

    I swear by my umbrella. It was the Smokys also that got me use it constantly 👍

  • @george-fn6oc
    @george-fn6oc2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Jay. What a joy to hear all of the advantages of an umbrella! I got one, but I just thought about sun and rain.

  • @thegalavantinghikers6905
    @thegalavantinghikers69052 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I purchased the Zpack clip and really like it. We also have the shock cords to keep it place. Great idea regarding using the umbrella to keep the backpack dry while setting up the tent.

  • @larchlarch9851
    @larchlarch98512 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jay good info. It would be safe to say the umbrella has many uses ! Looking forward to seeing you on the AT !

  • @claramullen
    @claramullen2 жыл бұрын

    Good information on this subject Jay. I live in Florida so the umbrella is very useful for shade and rain. I do like the light weight reflecting hiking umbrella.

  • @tpseeker3367
    @tpseeker33672 жыл бұрын

    You are such a library of Information that Everybody should watch & take notes. Not just for hiking either. You have such great ideas in equipment, camping, vehicle & electronics. @JayWandersOut would you consider doing a few vids on the Camera Equipment you use, how you Carry it & store it. Listening to you talk about how the wind can compress the Down in your jacket reminds me of what you went through in your ""Arizona Trail Days 36-37 - The Quilt"". Think a lot of people would be interested in the BAD things that you went through in the cold & how you overcame them & prepared to try & not let things freeze like water filters & Socks. Thanks for all that you are doing to Help others,

  • @JayWandersOut

    @JayWandersOut

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm definitely going to go over my camera gear once I get back to the states and have them all together. It'll be extensive all right and many will call me nuts but I just want better and better quality videos so I think it'll all be worth it.

  • @ricklohr5
    @ricklohr52 жыл бұрын

    Earlier videos convinced me to bring an umbrella on my AT thru-hike next month in March but yours was by far the best and touched on every valid point to confirm that I made the right decision. I'm using the Six Moons Designs "Rain Walker Umbrella." It doesn't collapse but is very light at 5.5 oz. Thanks Jay!

  • @janmariolle
    @janmariolle2 жыл бұрын

    I LOVED this video! It’s not only informative, but light hearted too. I picked up my first umbrella after reading Ray Jardin’s book, Beyond Backpacking. Ive been carrying one ever since. They are also great for shading a dog at high elevation. Pups can curl up underneath and take a little nap. Thanks. I can’t wait to follow along on your next trip.

  • @tpseeker3367

    @tpseeker3367

    2 жыл бұрын

    Awwweeeee that is sooo sweet & for me the shading of the fur fam might just be the #1 reason for me to get an umbrella finally. Seriously Thank You for sharing that idea.

  • @JayWandersOut

    @JayWandersOut

    2 жыл бұрын

    When I had my dog in the very beginning I walked her on leash while holding an umbrella when the weather was nice just so she would get used to it. Once she was used to it when it rained I'd hold this gigantic golfing umbrella over her and I'd wear a rain jacket and she would be protected.

  • @bradorndorff7408

    @bradorndorff7408

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes I too got a few good ideas from Ray's book, some not so good ✌️

  • @papajeff5486
    @papajeff5486 Жыл бұрын

    Just got mine for PCT, Spring, ‘23. Hard to believe it only weighs 4.5 OZ. Thanks, Jay. Your perspective is a wonderful value. Loving watching you and Tina on the AT. Kentucky

  • @madratter
    @madratter2 жыл бұрын

    I used mine on the Colorado trail for sun protection 👍 I had it with me in the beginning of the AT but sent it home before Fontana

  • @jeffreyrule8143
    @jeffreyrule81432 жыл бұрын

    Always carry a Montebell backpackIng umbrella. Also have Six Moons chrome umbrella that I picked up at PCT Days. Happy Thanksgiving Jay.

  • @barondavis5692
    @barondavis56922 жыл бұрын

    Gossamer gear also has an umbrella holder that works well. I to used it for, keeping it near the tent and use it as a shelter when getting up to take a leak when raining in the night.

  • @gravy9587
    @gravy95872 жыл бұрын

    I have the Montbell Long Trail Umbrella (5oz) for use on sunny trails like the PCT or John Muir trail. The unique feature of that umbrella is that it is oblong and covers more of your pack. For wetter trails like the AT or long trail I have the Zpacks bathtub poncho(5oz). More useful in high wind and very multi functional. I still carry a rain jacket as well.

  • @BearTrekAdventures
    @BearTrekAdventures2 жыл бұрын

    Nice video…some very convincing points. I’m torn…I have the Montbell UL umbrella. Thinking about taking it for the colder months. I took it on the Long Trail and sent it home after 110 miles…rugged terrain with rock scrambles make it difficult to use even with shock cord. Other than technical scrambly sections I like them.

  • @TheDoddsworth
    @TheDoddsworth2 жыл бұрын

    Best video on the subject on YT. Often held mine in hand before hikes and considered leaving it out but always took it and have been glad I did.

  • @JayWandersOut

    @JayWandersOut

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yep, love mine umbrellas.

  • @chrispiatt2235
    @chrispiatt22352 жыл бұрын

    Nicely done, Jay. Thanks for covering all of the multiple benefits that an umbrella provides. By the way, might I recommend using a bidet - I haven't used toilet paper in years and will never go back.

  • @ThomasSteves
    @ThomasSteves2 жыл бұрын

    We have used umbrellas for sun as well as rain, but the attachment is always a lot of trouble. I wish the handles were longer, or they were designed somehow to attach better. Always very wobbly. The clip might just be what I need!

  • @bradorndorff7408
    @bradorndorff74082 жыл бұрын

    I had a go-lite for a long time, lent it to a neighbor, never saw it again after that. But I think they are very practical for all the purposes you mentioned ✌️

  • @janmariolle

    @janmariolle

    2 жыл бұрын

    go-lite. Yes. They made great gear. I still use that old umbrella, puffy vest, rain suit, and zipper-less 40 degree sleeping bag. Lol…remember the amigo water filter that ula made?

  • @theskyehiker
    @theskyehiker2 жыл бұрын

    Umbrellas are the best ever. I replace the cord through the handle with an elastic cord that I then thread through my hip belt. For the upper connection I use one of those twisty ties on my shoulder strap to keep it in place. I never leave home without one. And yes, apparently it’s bad luck to open one inside. So says my Dad, who was born in England, a kinda rainy spot on the earth. And I’ll say one more thing. If you are on a trail and you hear a rattlesnake rattling, and you don’t know how to pass the critter, open your umbrella and put it between yourself and the snake as you walk by. This is a very safe way to keep from being an unhappy camper.

  • @HikingWithWhiskers
    @HikingWithWhiskers2 жыл бұрын

    Nice video! I was on the “fence” on getting an umbrella! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!🥾🥾⛺️

  • @JayWandersOut

    @JayWandersOut

    2 жыл бұрын

    I guess it's best to give it a try now and see. I really appreciated it when it was cold and raining or snowing since it kept me warmer.

  • @filiporoque4997
    @filiporoque49972 жыл бұрын

    Funny in Asian countries come Rain or Shine we use the Umbrella all the time and I also used my "Charities" umbrella on my Camino Frances and after a couple of repairs still going strong x Dankeschoen

  • @alanlau3278
    @alanlau32782 жыл бұрын

    Me too. Love umbrellas and have had my chrome dome since 2007. I snapped a strut on the AZT in the Tortilla mtns (sudden gust of wind) but was able to repair it with some gorilla tape. When I got to Flagstaff I picked up a 6MD golite. Yeah, doing #2 in the rain so much easier with an umbrella as opposed to using a poncho or rain jacket!!! I saw your chrome dome in your ULA pack in your AZT videos! The UV protection will pay dividends to our skin for years to come.

  • @JayWandersOut

    @JayWandersOut

    2 жыл бұрын

    That Arizona sun is soooo strong! It was unexpected so early in the year.

  • @bretbowlin2617
    @bretbowlin26172 жыл бұрын

    Great video and many advantages I haven’t considered. I have been carrying a chrome type umbrella on my last few weekend trips and discovered a great advantage when setting up my tent in a thunderstorm, as you point out. It covered my pack while I got the fly up and protected me while I then ate supper. Thanks for the great content.

  • @Everydaybackpacker
    @Everydaybackpacker2 жыл бұрын

    So I have been contemplating getting an umbrella for awhile now and you make many really great reasons for it. I may have to pull the trigger. Now to decide which one to get🤔.

  • @JayWandersOut

    @JayWandersOut

    2 жыл бұрын

    Inside my car are 3! One is reflective one, one is the ultralight hiking one, and one is a heavier one with the button that makes it pop open and another button to pop it closed. I'm such an umbrella snob. :)

  • @randysmith6493
    @randysmith64932 жыл бұрын

    Just using a rain shell means your jacket is zipped so you will sweat. with an Umbrella you can hike with front zipper open and you have more air circulation while using an umbrella. Also if you get a battery operated one you can boost your cellular signal. just kidding. Also would like close up view of how your attaching your bungie cords.

  • @JayWandersOut

    @JayWandersOut

    2 жыл бұрын

    I also like the chance to take off my hat when under an umbrella either during sunny days or in rain.

  • @ToXicViper3
    @ToXicViper3 Жыл бұрын

    Spanish say “paraguas” for rain umbrella. Parasol for sunshade umbrella.

  • @bradorndorff7408
    @bradorndorff74082 жыл бұрын

    Yes sir, l love umbrella and always take it on all hikes, l won't even associate with anyone that doesn't carry one. Just kidding on the last part, but l have carried one since the 90's. The most so called waterproof and breathable item you can pack. ✌️

  • @4potslite169
    @4potslite1692 жыл бұрын

    Umbrella’s sound practical and useful…but somehow I just can’t get my head around using one. I guess I’m just not an umbrella person. I don’t even use them at home. It’s a good old hood w a brimmed cap for me. LOL!

  • @MsPennay1
    @MsPennay12 жыл бұрын

    Well thought be nice hv umbrella. 1st time I pulled it out to use the wind on Mountain pulled it inside out quick. So which one is best. Seen others like them but didnt go well here

  • @JayWandersOut

    @JayWandersOut

    2 жыл бұрын

    They'll all flip in string wind, it's whether they survive that flip so you can flip it back and keep using it. You just have to lean it into the wind.

  • @MsPennay1

    @MsPennay1

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@JayWandersOut it happened so fast I was leaning it and didn't think was too strong 🤪. Thought was too cheap lol

  • @mooreoutdoor9841
    @mooreoutdoor9841 Жыл бұрын

    I've always been one of those dudes that is "Too Manly" to use one, but I did just order one for backpacking. I mostly go during the cold months, so a rain jacket (parka) is enough. But I'm going to take some Spring trips and know I would sweat to death in a jacket during warmer weather. I'm backpacking the JMT in Big South Fork next weekend and it looks like rain and 70-degree temps. So, I'm ready to give one a go.

  • @StephanieHughesDesign
    @StephanieHughesDesign Жыл бұрын

    Too heavy and bulky for me. Plus wind can create havoc with them and they are awkward. I prefer to use a hoodie and bandana with a large wide brimmed OR Sunbriolet foldable vented hat. I have enough weight in my bacjpack. My base weight is around 1lbs + 6 lbs for food and water = 22 lbs on average. That is all that i can carry in weight on say PCT or AZT type trails.

  • @solukhumbu911
    @solukhumbu911 Жыл бұрын

    idk where u live but u talked abt every ultralight umbrella except six moons , which is the mother of all. have u tried their carbon fiber shadow umbrella? i think not

  • @JayWandersOut

    @JayWandersOut

    Жыл бұрын

    The carbon fiber sun umbrella is the same design as many other brands all from the original Euroschrim brand and weigh about 8oz. The Sea to Summit or Monte Bell weigh about 5oz.

  • @sandralauzon9416
    @sandralauzon94162 жыл бұрын

    To me its a no brainer.....water dripping fast down my face is my idea of misery.

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