Coverage is a comfortable 94cm when open, which just about kept two of us dry, and the high-grade steel, fibreglass and aircraft-grade aluminium frame was rock steady. The Solo packs down to a respectable 30cm when closed, to fit in a larger bag or rucksack, yet it’s as solid in high wind as a larger stick style. Inside, the umbrella is the ideal compromise between a teeny handbag-sized option or a long stick umbrella that can’t be folded away. We’ve never swooned over an umbrella before (honest) but this elegant brolly from New York company Davek had us at ‘hello’, with its smart red gift box. But, given its affordable price tag, it’s a pretty good buy. The handle is a little uncomfortable to hold with its bulbous size and foam texture, and it’s also on the heavy side. There are a few things to consider, however.

Plus, this one opens and closes automatically, and folded up so that we could store it away easily in our rucksack. It’s strong, featuring reinforced polymer ribs of steel for extreme strength and a vented canopy, so never felt like the thing was going to collapse in on us in high winds. We always felt protected from the elements under this brolly, and it never flipped inside out. Featuring a wide canopy that two people can just about fit under, and a clever three-stage automatic frame. The Fulton tornado is one majestic-looking umbrella. You’ll be in good company if you choose a Fulton – the family-run business was founded in 1956 and its umbrellas were used by Queen Elizabeth II, and now the King and Queen Consort, because even royalty can’t escape the British rain. It comes in a range of bold and bright colours, as well as more subdued hues, plus it’s pretty lightweight and can fit neatly in a backpack, though maybe not a small handbag. The handle is super comfortable to hold, and the genius half-zip case meant we didn’t have to wrestle trying to put it back in its sheath. It has an auto-open button, and the umbrella release button is rubberised, so there’s no danger of catching your finger on any metal tabs, collapsing down with ease.

It never blew inside out in strong, 30mph winds (it’s rated up to 95mph), and remained strong and sturdy in our hand. It also has a 360-degree spinning canopy to protect the core mechanism if it is knocked. That’s because the Blunt metro has reinforced pockets at the canopy edge to keep the spokes out of harm’s way and stop them from popping out as they often do on cheaper umbrellas. Its design is thoughtfully engineered, and helped us avoid close calls and accidental pokes in the eye when navigating busy London streets. Whatever the occasion, we’ve tested a number of umbrellas that will have you covered – literally.īlunt’s metro umbrella is the dreamiest brolly you’ll ever lay your eyes on, with a stylish, scalloped design that not only looks good but is also practical. We’d also recommend getting a waterproof jacket if you’re determined to stay completely dry. There are clear umbrellas for weddings, lightweight umbrellas for kids and windproof umbrellas that won’t have you shamefully trying to pull them right-side out. Handbag and backpack umbrellas that can be pulled out at a moment’s notice, larger umbrellas that can protect the whole family and can be chucked in the car boot, and golf umbrellas for, well, golfers. There are so many factors to consider, such as design, durability, size, weight, handle grip, whether it opens and closes automatically or manually, reinforced canopies, cases and more. Investing in a sturdy umbrella that can survive the wind and rain will ensure you’re not left sopping wet and miserable, clutching desperately onto a brolly that’s flipped inside out.īut picking one that will last a lifetime isn’t as easy as picking rain-soaked daisies from the garden. If there’s one thing you can rely on in life, it’s the unpredictable British weather.

Double sided velcro straps wide