For trips as short as a weekend in a new city to months-long excursions across the globe, a travel umbrella is essential to staying dry, out of the wind, and safe from the sun’s harmful rays. Whether you fall on either end of that spectrum or somewhere in the middle, this post will help you find the best travel umbrella for you.
Most umbrellas are built with rain in mind, but some go further to protect the user from wind and UV rays. Depending on what you’re using it for and what you expect from a compact umbrella, you might opt for a model that excels at different things.
If you have fair skin and hate being wet, go for an umbrella with more coverage that has excellent UV protection. You might not focus on that if you don’t often go somewhere where the sun is harmful. If you only care about not getting wet, you might go with a durable model that won’t get a hole in it or turn inside out in a big gust of wind. Whatever your needs, there’s a travel umbrella out there for you, and we’re here to help you find it. Let’s dive in!
If weight is the most important thing for you in your quest to find the best travel umbrella, we have the pick for you. Not only is the Montbell Travel Umbrella extraordinarily lightweight, it’ll keep you dry in the rain, too.
It comes in at a meager 3 ounces, which won't weigh down your pack, sling, or hand. At the time of writing, it comes in Sunset Orange, Blue Black, and White colorways. They look outdoorsy, but the White option doesn't look out of place in an urban environment.
It isn't the most compact umbrella when packed down, but it'll work for most uses. Plus, the materials are still durable, so it will last you as long as you take good care of it. It feels flimsier than others we tested, but it operates as we'd hoped.
If you don't mind the outdoorsy look and want a model that won't weigh you down, this might be the best travel umbrella for you!
Why We Like It- It weighs just 3 ounces
- The materials are durable enough for most uses
- It’s small but long when packed down
- It might not be the best choice for rugged adventures
When it comes to umbrellas, there are three points to look at. How does it handle precipitation? Can it be used in the wind? And how well does it block UV rays from the sun? Luckily, with the Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella, you're covered in all three areas—literally.
At the time of writing, there are eight colorways to choose from, so you can find something that matches your style. The materials will stop rain, wind (within reason), and harmful UV rays that can harm your skin. The spine is crafted from aluminum, which is durable but remains lightweight.
The look isn't for everyone; however, considering this model will protect you from anything mother nature throws at you, it might be the best travel umbrella for you!
Why We Like It- Offers protection from rain, wind, and UV rays
- One umbrella can cover most situations while traveling
- The look isn’t for everyone
- Not the smallest option on this list
If you're looking for the best small umbrella that is as unique as you are, look no further than The Original Repel Umbrella. It features colorway designs that go further than just your favorite colors, from Blue Sky to Rainbow and Starry Night. No matter where you end up, you'll have an umbrella that matches the vibes you bring to the table.
This isn't the lightest or most compact umbrella on the market, but it can fit inside your travel backpack or daypack. Plus, it's a reminder that daily essentials don't have to be bland.
The button makes it easy to open and close again, so trips into and out of the rain are a breeze. The canopy has a Teflon coating, ensuring you stay dry and the top doesn't leak. Whether you're looking for something vibrant for your daily excursions or something unique to set you apart in an unfamiliar city, this might be the best travel umbrella for you!
Why We Like It- Comes in multiple patterns and designs in addition to solid colors
- Simple design is easy to use
- It isn’t very lightweight
- Canopy doesn’t feel very durable
I bet you wondered when you'd see an Amazon product on this list. In the modern era, it's hard to escape Amazon Basics gear, and your search for a travel umbrella has likely landed you on their page, wondering whether or not it can be any good for the price. Luckily for you, we're here to say that it is!
The design has a wind vent to prevent the interior from flipping outward in heavy winds, yet it keeps you dry in a torrential downpour. The Amazon Basics Travel Umbrella is a great shout, no matter the weather.
The build quality isn't the best we've seen; however, it's hard to beat for the price. At the time of writing, this umbrella comes in at under $20. For how well it performs, we think it's a solid option in your search for the best travel umbrella for your next trip!
Why We Like It- The wind vent helps ensure it doesn’t flip inside out
- It comes at a budget-friendly price
- The build quality isn’t the best
- Not many colorway options
If you're looking for a small umbrella that fits into the palm of your hand, look no further than the Davek Mini. It isn't the lightest model we've tested; however, there isn't much to complain about at eight ounces.
When closed, it's around seven inches long. Yup, just over a half foot! At the time of writing, there are ten colorway options, so you can snag one that matches your travel gear. The logo is relatively large compared to the size of the umbrella, but we don't mind that much. How often are you showing off your travel umbrella?
Size isn't everything, but the Davek Mini keeps you dry from precipitation, which is what matters. It doesn't excel in use for two people, but you'll both have your heads covered! Be sure to pack a rain jacket if that’s how you plan to use it. For those looking for a just-in-case model that does the job without taking up much room, the Davek Mini might be the best travel umbrella for you!
Why We Like It- It fits into the palm of your hand when compressed
- Has good coverage for such a small umbrella
- Won’t work well for two people
- The loop on the handle doesn’t feel very durable
We've got you covered if you're looking for a compact budget umbrella that comes in various colorway options. The EEZ-Y Windproof Travel Umbrella is around $15, has 14 colorways available, and has Amazon Prime shipping (at least at the time of writing)!
The design utilizes a two-tiered canopy (some might call it a slit) to ensure the wind doesn't turn the umbrella inside out, but it keeps you dry in the process. The shaft is fiberglass, which is typically more durable than aluminum but is heavier. The canopy material doesn't feel as stable as others we've tested, but it's holding up strong.
Considering the price point, colorway options available, and durability of the spine, this might be the best travel umbrella for you!
Why We Like It- The button open and closure is snappy and quick
- Budget-friendly price point
- Materials aren’t the highest quality
- It feels cheap while using it
There's something appealing about a simple umbrella without any frills—a model that simply gets the job done. Right? The LifeTek Windproof Travel Umbrella checks that box and has a wide width, which we dig. What else can you ask for?
The Teflon-coated canopy does the heavy lifting as far as precipitation is concerned. The opening and closing mechanism is made of hardy fiberglass, lightweight aluminum, and versatile resin for a smooth process. The button is easy to click, making using this compact umbrella quick and stress-free.
There are 42 and 45-inch canopies available, which are wide enough for two people to stay mostly dry, but be prepared to get snug together. If you want a simple model to complete the job, this might be the best travel umbrella for you!
Why We Like It- Has a Teflon coating for water protection
- Does well in windy conditions
- It can be difficult to close
- Getting the cover back on takes some learning
Many budget-friendly umbrellas have handles that are subpar. The mechanism is sound, but carrying it for extended periods can be uncomfortable. Enter the Balios Travel Folding Umbrella!
Materials are top dog here. The handle is made of wood and feels comfortable to hold onto, even for an extended period. The shaft is crafted from steel, which is more durable than fiberglass or aluminum. The case has a zipper, which makes it easier to open and close than those without an opening.
All those materials considered, this compact umbrella is heavier than most on this list. However, it's still a good size for travel and will fit inside most packs without much fuss. If you want premium materials and are okay with the weight, this model from Balios might be the best travel umbrella for you!
Why We Like It- The handle feels and looks premium
- It’s wide enough for two people to use
- It’s on the larger side of travel umbrellas
- Wood might not last as long as some synthetic materials
A budget-friendly compact umbrella is ideal for trips that might get rugged or that you'll need to bring many things home. If you lose it, you won't be bummed; if it makes it back, it's a bonus. The Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrella fits the bill and works wonderfully in the interim.
There are nine colorways available at the time of writing, so you can get one that matches your vibe. The handle is made of rubber, which is comfortable to hold onto.
The umbrella handles well in wind and rain, which is the most important thing. The materials aren't the most durable, but we haven't had any issues with them failing so far! If you want a basic option that won't break the bank, this might be the best umbrella for you!
Why We Like It- Budget-friendly pricing
- Numerous colorways available
- Might not last long on rugged adventures
- Colorways aren’t always spot-on with images online
So there you have it; some of the best travel umbrella models on the market. Whether going to a city or on a rugged adventure, hopefully, you’ve found an umbrella that’ll keep you dry on your journey!