Trekking Umbrellas
GoLite Collapsible Trekking Umbrella
$50, 10 oz. (including case)
One size
golite.com
MontBell U.L. Trekking Umbrella
$39, 6 oz. (including case)
One size
montbell.us
My kids and mom were pretty psyched when I pulled out these trekking umbrellas during periods of cold rain on a weeklong, hut-to-hut trek in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park. Considering how light and compact they are, either of these is worth carrying on backcountry trips where you expect hours of rain. They differ mainly in size (although the GoLite also comes in a more durable carrying case with a small carabiner). The GoLite measures 38.5 inches edge to edge and 11 inches long when closed, and the MontBell 32 inches edge to edge and nine inches when closed. Both provide good coverage, the GoLite obviously a bit more. While strong gusts inverted both of them (each would pop back to normal, undamaged, when pointed into the wind again), the GoLite’s thicker shaft and slightly burlier frame appears more durable. Go for the GoLite if you expect steady wind, and the MontBell for calmer conditions. If you want a stronger, though heavier trekking umbrella, check out my review of the Davek Traveler Umbrella.
—Michael Lanza