Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2016 8:24:08 GMT -8
Like many of you I have been backpacking for quite a few decades. The most prominent change was the transition from external to internal frame packs. But, this year I've noticed the most baffling occurrence. I live about 2 miles from the start of the CT. As I bike ride up Waterton Canyon each week it seems that about a third of the hikers are carrying open umbrellas. It's not overly hot and it certainly isn't raining.
I can't imagine holding an umbrella for 470 miles. Can someone explain the logic and whether you have joined the umbrella crowd?
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Aug 2, 2016 8:39:50 GMT -8
Well, I've thought about using one strapped to the pack, for more complete shade. But it seems like it wouldn't work very well if a breeze came up. My spouse tried it for a season, decades ago, and decided it didn't work.
I see the parasols a lot in the city. Around here, anyway, it seems to be an Asian thing.
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sarbar
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After being here since 2001...I couldn't say goodbye yet!
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Post by sarbar on Aug 2, 2016 9:10:42 GMT -8
I used to use one for PCT hikes in open areas. It truly cuts down on the sun beating down. Many hiking umbrellas are UL and reflect back the solar energy. You can rig them to the pack. Heck, I use a specialized one on my kid's stroller that has a clamp.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Aug 2, 2016 10:21:01 GMT -8
I think Ray Jardine was an umbrella advocate. I don't carry one, but I can see where it would help alleviate the condensation issues you get with a typical rain shell.
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Post by johntpenca on Aug 2, 2016 10:48:48 GMT -8
The golite chrome dome is pretty popular for the desert sections of the PCT.
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on Aug 2, 2016 11:32:48 GMT -8
Advantages to umbrellas: #1 Keeps out light rain that is straight down #2 Cools through shading #3 Can be used as a sort of windbreak when cooking #4 Obviously allows for air flow
Disadvantages of umbrellas: #1 Doesn't shield legs from rain in even a slight breeze #2 Doesn't shield legs from sun #3 Can't be used as a layer like a rain jacket #4 Must be held for the most part in order to be effective in either rain or sun (thus can't use two trekking poles) #5 Wind can often play havoc with it #6 In driving rain it is completely ineffective #7 Catches on brush and tree limbs
I don't carry one but I might if I did desert hiking. Don't underestimate the cooling power of one of those things. I suppose that is the reason most of the hikers you saw were carrying them.
Rumi
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Aug 2, 2016 17:50:24 GMT -8
I just finished a 5-day in the Sierra and used an umbrella for the first time -- loved it. It never rained, the umbrella was for shade ("umbra" is Latin for shade, after all). I strapped it to my shoulder strap and it stayed put hands-free, allowing me to use my trekking poles. I tend to sweat from my head, and no hat no matter how ventilated makes me feel cool, with the umbrella I could feel the breezes all across my scalp. A couple of times it caught the wind but I just turned my body a bit and it was never a problem. The one I used is the SwingTrek LiteFlex with silver coating, the same thing as the old GoLite Chrome Dome and that is now sold by SMD, GG, etc. Weighs 8 oz.
No it isn't the be-all end-all for raingear, no umbrella is. But it would supplement very well.
My only real complaint about it is that the handle is a bit short for attaching to your shoulder strap, it ends up pretty low and can obstruct your wide-open views. When going uphill in particular it's hard to see what's ahead. To address this I moved it up further on my shoulder strap, and that worked but it also tilted the umbrella back as my attachment points were higher up. I found a sweet spot where my views were good and shade was still good as well.
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