>>2596934Yes, you have to use a hand, so it’s not compatible with trekking poles. You can strap them to your pack, which works great if the sun is cooperating and you’re heading in basically the same direction for a while. But it’s really not ideal.
>sun protectionIt’s SPF 50. Great for road walks or sparse tree coverage
>heat reflectiveIt’s actually quite noticeable
>rain protectionThis come with the caveat that it depends on the rain, but as always, we pack accordingly.
>wind blockGreat when taking a break
>can catch a breezeThis can direct any slight amount of wind directly on to you, cooling you off.
>privacy while shittingNo one wants to see you shitting. You can squat down behind it. You don’t even need a tree or a bush; just shit wherever.
>knock down spider websA stick works as well but the umbrella is already out.
There are positives and negatives to every piece of gear out there. I was mostly worried the umbrella would get caught on trees, being that the South is subtropical in spots and the trees are generally small and the forests dense (jungles really). But it’s not that bad. If a branch hit it, the umbrella just sort of turns and rotates around it.
Wind driven rain is a big complaint, but again, if you take the wrong gear for the weather that’s on you. The other option is a jacket, which isn’t as ventilated. Just don’t be a retard, and if wind could be a problem (ie, if it’s cold) wear a light jacket as well or go with something else entirely. The light jacket-umbrella.l combo is actually versatile within itself. I use the umbrella alone until the wind picks up, then put on my running jacket.
In the summer it’s an absolute must-have. The rain here is extremely sporadic, with very scattered showers building from humid air blown in from the Gulf of Mexico. I keep the umbrella next to me, in the gimmicky “trekking pole stowage” thing Osprey has on all of their packs.
