We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Travel Accessories The 10 Best Travel Umbrellas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Trust us: getting stuck in a downpour will not have you singing in the rain. By Maddie Michalik Maddie Michalik With nearly a decade of experience in the toy industry, Maddie Michalik is a trusted expert and go-to source for the latest product trends and news related to toys, games, kids’ products, youth entertainment, and more. Maddie has been featured on national and local TV outlets providing expert commentary and top toy and gift recommendations, including The Drew Barrymore Show, the Associated Press, Today in New York, CBS New York, NY1, and affiliates from coast to coast. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 28, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Comments In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ You May Also Need Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure/Elena Garcia Today’s forecast calls for never getting caught in the rain. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets, trekking through scenic landscapes, or simply commuting to work, having the right travel umbrella can make all the difference in staying dry and comfortable. From lightweight and compact options ideal for keeping in a bag at all times to larger umbrellas that can cover both you and your travel partner, we've rounded up the best umbrellas to suit every traveler's needs. Our Travel + Leisure team tested 18 travel umbrellas to assess ease of use, protection, durability, portability, and value. We evaluated and compared each option based on overall construction, packability, performance in wet weather and windy conditions, coverage, drying time, and sturdiness. (Read more about our comprehensive testing process below). We will continue testing our picks for six more months to ensure each option’s reliability and durability, and we will update this article if anything should change. Scroll down below to find your next travel umbrella guaranteed to make sure you never get caught in the rain. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Weatherman Travel Umbrella at Amazon $69 Jump to Review Best Compact: Davek Mini Umbrella at Davekny.com Jump to Review Best for Two People: ShedRain Jumbo Compact Umbrella at REI $45 Jump to Review Best Quick-dry: Totes Titan Umbrella at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Most Affordable: Sy Compact Travel Umbrella at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best Inverted Design: SIEPASA Inverted Reverse Upside Down Umbrella at Amazon $19 Jump to Review Most Stylish: GustBuster Automatic Umbrella at Amazon $62 Jump to Review Best Prints: SALE ShedRain Compact Umbrella at Amazon $20 $17 Jump to Review Best Value: EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella at Amazon $13 Jump to Review Best for Sun Protection: Sport-Brella Versa-Brella at Amazon $41 Jump to Review Best Overall Weatherman Travel Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $69 at Amazon $69 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Weathermanumbrella.com Why We Love It We were impressed by this umbrella’s performance and sturdiness. What to Consider The price tag is worth it — but not if you’re prone to losing umbrellas. There’s nothing quite as humbling as an umbrella that flips inside out at the slight whisper of wind, leaving you awkwardly trying to flip it back as you stand in the rain, but this Weatherman umbrella proved its worth during testing. Our team member took this product out during an intense storm in San Francisco akin to a hurricane complete with “purple winds,” and this umbrella stepped up to the challenge like a true hero. It made it through strong winds and rough handling like a champ without popping inside out. Our team member reported back, “It felt like the wind was going to pick me off the ground and the umbrella survived that!” It also dried quickly and showed no signs of wear. The grip was comfortable, and the umbrella provided ample protection from the rain. Weighing under a pound and just shy of a foot long when unopened, it’s the perfect size to throw into a bag or backpack without feeling like it’s even there. The color options are impressive with 11 styles to choose from, ranging from classic black to fluorescent pink. When it comes to weathering storms with style and reliability, this umbrella takes the cake, leaving flimsy alternatives in the dust. It’s a worthwhile investment, but if you’re notorious for misplacing umbrellas, then you may want to think twice — or at least be extra careful. The Details: 11.8 inches (closed) | 38-inch diameter (open) | 14 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia Best Compact Davek Mini Umbrella PHOTO: Davek View on Davekny.com Why We Love It This is the smallest, most lightweight option on our list. What to Consider This umbrella is not suitable for more than one person. Compact and lightweight, the Davek Mini Umbrella is the perfect choice to bring anywhere with you as an “emergency” umbrella, slipping effortlessly into coat pockets or fanny packs without weighing you down. We were impressed that this option is only seven inches long when not in use (for reference, that’s as tall as an iPhone 13 Pro Max). Despite its smaller size, its robust mechanics, sturdiness, quality, and forecasted longevity make it a worthy investment at $60. Plus, with a range of 10 vibrant colors to choose from, it adds a touch of fun to rainy days. This umbrella is perfect for solo strolls but not ideal for sharing with a friend — unless you're comfortable with a little cozy closeness. The Details: 7 inches (closed) | 34-inch diameter (open) | 8 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Manual PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker Best for Two People ShedRain Jumbo Compact Umbrella PHOTO: REI $45 at REI View on Shedrain.com Why We Love It This umbrella provides more than ample coverage for two people. What to Consider We wish the handle was longer, although that’s not a deal breaker. Bigger isn’t always better, but in this case, it might very well be. Despite its jumbo size, this umbrella is easy to handle and comfortably fits two individuals. With a spacious canopy and sturdy construction, it's a reliable shield against the elements, even boasting windproof capabilities up to 75 mph. It is on the longer side at 15 inches when closed, but it’s still compact enough to fit in a small carry-on suitcase. We love that it comes with a rubber wristlet so you can easily throw it on your wrist or hook it onto the outside of your bag when not in use. Bonus points: it only takes this umbrella about 10 minutes to fully air dry. The Details: 15 inches (closed) | 54-inch diameter (open) | 1.35 pounds | Steel frame | Auto-open The 14 Best Rain Boots for Women of 2024 PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager Best Quick-dry Totes Titan Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $35 $25 at Macy's Why We Love It Overall, we recommend this umbrella for its portability, durability, and ease of use, in addition to standing out as a top choice for water repellency and fast drying. What to Consider We would suggest improving the closing mechanics for a smoother operation. Say goodbye to leaving your soaking wet umbrella out to dry overnight. The standout feature of this umbrella is how quick it dries after use, only needing minutes to fully dry. Despite facing moderate rain and strong winds of 25-28 mph, this umbrella held its ground admirably. Its one-handed, button-operated opening proved to be smooth, though closing required a bit more force. With a generous 43-inch canopy, it provided ample coverage for one person. The sturdy frame and solid mechanics withstood the wind during testing, offering a secure grip with its textured handle. Compact and lightweight at just 11 inches when folded, it's easily portable for on-the-go use. The Details: 11 inches (closed) | 43-inch diameter (open) | Aluminum frame | Auto-open PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott Most Affordable Sy Compact Travel Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $14 $12 at Amazon Why We Love It For how compact it is, we were impressed at how wide the canopy was when open, providing great coverage from getting wet. What to Consider Minor improvements could include enlarging the closure loop for easier fastening. If you’re searching for affordability, durability, and style, then look no further. As the most budget-friendly option on this list, this umbrella impressed with its user-friendly design and effectiveness in repelling water. Its easy one-button opening and closing mechanism, though requiring a bit of muscle to fully close, was easy to operate. The comfortable handle added to its appeal, enhancing grip and comfort. Portable and lightweight, it easily fits into various bags without adding bulk. There are multiple colors and prints to choose from, providing an option for every taste. The Details: 10.8 inches (closed) | 37.5-inch diameter (open) | 12.2 ounces | Aluminum frame | Auto-open PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven Best Inverted Design SIEPASA Inverted Reverse Upside Down Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon Why We Love It This umbrella is lightweight, sturdy, and reliable when it’s windy. What to Consider Given the inverted design, it is too large to fit into an average backpack, tote, or carry-on suitcase. There are a whopping 44 design options to choose from with this stylish umbrella, featuring a solid color, print, or pattern on the inside of the canopy. We thought it was too large to carry in most day-to-day bags, but it would make a great option to keep in a car. In fact, its inverted design makes it especially easy to close when entering a car, while the button-operated opening mechanism provides smooth and hassle-free operation. However, after three months of testing, we noticed that the umbrella's spokes will stick and have trouble inverting if we're opening and closing the canopy multiple times in a day. It does also offer hands-free carrying options, such as an oval handle for convenient wrist or bag strap attachment. Some users may find the smooth plastic handle difficult to grip for extended periods. However, the umbrella's ability to stand on its own was a standout feature, adding convenience when setting it down. Despite its lightweight and slim profile, it offered ample coverage for one or even two people, with sturdy construction that held up well against gusts of wind during testing. For what you pay, you get a lightweight, incredibly sturdy umbrella that is easy to use and reliable in the wind. One thing to note is that the umbrella is available in a long and short version. We tested the long version, and noticed that it was too big to fit into our medium checked suitcase. We believe the shorter version would be better suited for compact traveling purposes. The Details: 31 inches (closed) | 49-inch diameter (open) | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open The 9 Best Rain Jackets for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang Most Stylish GustBuster Automatic Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $62 at Amazon View on Gustbuster.com Why We Love It You can add a custom metal engraving on The Metro’s hardwood handle for a stylish detail. What to Consider This umbrella is better suited to fit in a backpack or tote than a smaller purse or pocket. Have you ever considered adding a personal touch to your umbrella? Well, now you can with the option to engrave on this Gustbuster option. While it is considered a splurge, the ability to customize your umbrella adds a unique flair to an everyday item and also makes a great gift option. We love this umbrella for its ease of use and impressive water repellency. With a simple button operation and secure Velcro closure, it offers convenience and security, although its slightly larger size may make it bulkier to carry compared to smaller travel-size umbrellas. Despite its larger dimensions, it provides ample coverage for one person and possibly two, thanks to its durable construction and sturdy materials. After three months of testing, we noticed that it sometimes flip inside out with heavy gusts of wind, but otherwise hasn't suffered any rusting, bending, or breaking. The Details: 16 inches (closed) | 43-inch diameter (open) | 1.1 pounds | Alloy steel frame | Auto-open PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel Best Prints ShedRain Compact Umbrella PHOTO: Target $20 $17 at Amazon $19 at Target View on Shedrain.com Why We Love It Lightweight, compact, and available in multiple prints, it fits easily into various bags, making it a versatile choice. What to Consider This umbrella is best for one person. Pick up this ShedRain umbrella if you want to brighten up a sad, rainy day. This travel umbrella comes in a variety of punchy prints, from colorful florals to bold patterns. In terms of performance, the umbrella excelled in repelling rainwater, offering sufficient coverage for one adult and possibly two, although they would need to be close together. While not tested in extremely windy conditions, it still proved sturdy and durable, drying off quickly after we used it, with no signs of wear. Lightweight and compact, it fits easily into various bags, making it versatile for different situations. Priced at under $20, we’d say it’s an affordable option to add to your inventory of travel accessories. The Details: 12 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 13.6 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada Best Value EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon Why We Love It This umbrella offers excellent value for its quality and design, outperforming some more expensive brands. What to Consider While the umbrella's compact size is convenient for portability, it does not provide sufficient coverage for multiple people during heavy rainfall. Four words: ballin’ on a budget. With its simple yet functional build and impressive performance compared to pricier alternatives, this travel umbrella earned our praise and recommendation as a budget-friendly, reliable choice for rainy days. Its automatic push-button opening mechanism, ergonomic handle, and compact size made it easy and comfortable to use during testing. Despite its small size when closed, it provides surprisingly ample coverage when open, suitable for one person. The umbrella's quality surpasses typical travel-size umbrellas, with sturdy construction and wind-resistant design. We found that it effectively repelled water and dried quickly after use, maintaining its functionality and appearance after we used it during light rainstorms. Highly portable and lightweight, it fits easily into various bags without taking up much space. The Details: 11 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 14.4 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open The 8 Best Rain Jackets for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung Best for Sun Protection Sport-Brella Versa-Brella PHOTO: Amazon $41 at Amazon $28 at Target $30 at Dicks Sporting Goods Why We Love It This umbrella’s best feature is its versatility, making it a highly adaptable option for providing shade in various outdoor settings. What to Consider It's a clamp-on model, so it's not intended to be used as a handheld umbrella. Did somebody say beach day? This umbrella is best to take on the go to the beach, pool, park, or anywhere you think you’ll need some extra shade. This umbrella has a 1.5-inch clamp that will hold onto anything, making it versatile for any outdoor situation. While primarily designed for sun protection, it proved durable and provided satisfactory rain coverage for one person, although the lopsided design (one half of the umbrella is longer than the other) required adjustments in windy conditions. The material is durable, but we found that the frame can be flimsy depending on what it's attached to. The Details: 36 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 1.8 pounds | Aluminum frame | Auto-open PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza Other Travel Umbrellas We Liked Three additional travel umbrellas we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list due to minor issues but still had notable features that may meet the needs of some travelers. Blunt Metro Umbrella: It’s clear that this umbrella’s structure provides durability, but despite its quality build, we found it to be too large for daily commuting and travel. However, this could be an excellent option to keep at home. Samsonite Windguard Auto Umbrella: The umbrella's durability and quality materials make it feel sturdy and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, providing reliable protection. However, it requires significant force to close, which could be challenging for individuals with limited hand or arm strength. It also only comes in one color option: black. EuroSchirm Swing Liteflex Ultra-light Weight Trekking Umbrella: This umbrella has a lightweight design and spacious canopy that accommodates two people comfortably, but the high price point and elongated size of the collapsed umbrella limits its portability and affordability compared to other travel umbrellas on the market. Our Testing Process Our T+L team tested 18 travel umbrellas in everyday scenarios to assess ease of use, protection, durability, portability, and value. We followed a comprehensive examination to evaluate each option, including overall construction, packability, performance in wet weather and windy conditions, coverage, drying time, and sturdiness. We used the umbrellas in a variety of practical scenarios, including rainy and windy days, and tested them while commuting to and from work to determine functionality, versatility, and durability. We took notes on how easy it was to open and close the umbrellas and their portability in different sized bags. Special attention was paid to the durability and quality of the umbrellas’ materials, including the fabric, wire structure, handle, and pole, to assess long-term resilience. In wet weather conditions, the umbrellas’ performance was evaluated in terms of its coverage, sturdiness, and comfort. Assessments include whether the umbrella adequately protects from rain, its size when fully open, the comfort of the handle, and stability in windy conditions. If exposed to rain, we also took notes on the time it took for the umbrella to dry completely and any signs of wear and tear. Some options did not make this list due to low-quality materials that blew inside out too easily and didn’t offer adequate coverage in the rain. Our long-term plan includes testing these umbrellas for an additional six months to monitor each umbrella’s performance and durability in different travel scenarios and weather conditions. As we continue to test the umbrellas in various real-world settings, we will take notes on portability, practicality, and durability, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each travel umbrella’s reliability. We will update these results if our findings should change and as we test new umbrellas. Tips for Buying Travel Umbrellas Think about how compact you need it to be Before purchasing the travel umbrella that is best for you, take a moment and think about your intended use. Determine whether you need the umbrella for occasional travel or everyday use, as this will influence factors like durability and portability. Assess whether the dimensions — especially the length of it when not in use — and weight of the umbrella suit your preferred method of carrying it, whether in a pocket, purse, backpack, or by its strap/handle. We recommend opting for umbrellas that are specifically designed for travel since they are often more compact and lightweight compared to regular umbrellas. Additionally, pay attention to the dimensions of the umbrella when it’s fully open. Some travel umbrellas are designed for one person, while others are larger and suitable for two. Choose the size that best fits your needs, whether you prefer individual coverage or sharing with a travel companion. Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker Prioritize durable materials When you're on the hunt for a travel umbrella, don't forget about durability. Look out for ones that have durable materials to ensure longevity and reliable performance, including fiberglass, aluminum, or sturdy steel for the frame and ribs. (Pro tip: all of our recommendations on this list are made from one of these three materials.) A strong canopy fabric, preferably with water-repellent coatings, adds to the umbrella's durability and weather resistance. And, don’t overlook the quality of the handle and grip, as this will make or break your rainy day travels. Choose options with handles made from comfortable, non-slip materials like rubber or foam, ensuring a secure hold even in wet conditions. Ergonomic designs further enhance comfort during prolonged use. Look for useful features When purchasing a travel umbrella, look for useful features that enhance convenience and functionality. Consider umbrellas with a carrying strap that allows you to loop it around your wrist while walking, keeping your hands free for other tasks. A rubberized handle provides a secure grip, especially in rainy conditions, reducing the risk of slippage. Opt for umbrellas with alternate designs such as inverted umbrellas or those made from Teflon-coated materials. Inverted umbrellas fold inward, trapping water inside and preventing drips when closed, while Teflon-coated fabrics repel water and facilitate quicker drying, ideal for on-the-go use. Additionally, consider other features like automatic open and close mechanisms for effortless operation, windproof designs with reinforced frames and vents to withstand strong winds, and UV protection for added sun safety during outdoor activities. Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang Frequently Asked Questions What is a good diameter for a travel umbrella? The ideal diameter for a travel umbrella depends on personal preference and intended use, but a common diameter range for travel umbrellas is between 36 to 42 inches when fully opened. This size provides a balance between compactness for portability and sufficient coverage to protect against rain. If you plan on using the umbrella for two people, a diameter closer to 48 inches or more would provide sufficient coverage for both individuals. Ultimately, the best diameter for a travel umbrella is one that suits your specific needs and preferences while offering adequate protection from the elements. What makes an umbrella windproof? An umbrella is considered windproof when it's designed and constructed to withstand strong wind gusts without flipping inside out or breaking. Several key features contribute to making an umbrella windproof, including a sturdy frame and a flexible and durable canopy material that can withstand wind pressure without tearing or collapsing. Even automatic open and close mechanisms ensure quick deployment and retraction, enabling the umbrella to be easily deployed even in sudden gusts of wind. Can you bring an umbrella on a plane? Yes, you can bring an umbrella on a plane. According to the TSA, umbrellas are allowed for both carry-on and checked baggage, as long as you adhere to size and weight restrictions. In this case, we recommend packing a portable, compact umbrella to avoid any potential hold ups during a security screening. You May Also Need Staying dry and comfortable on your next adventure takes a lot more than just investing in a travel umbrella, especially if you're visiting cities and countries known for incremental weather. These simple, versatile items will help you tackle any and all elements (without taking up too much precious luggage real estate) so that you can enjoy your vacation no matter the forecast. Hunter Short Women's Rain Boot: Fitted with a slip-resistant sole, these lightweight rain boots provide the right amount of traction on both wet grass and pavement. Despite being "short," they're still high enough to block out any puddle splashes. Carhartt 6in Mens Waterproof Wedge Work Boot: These boots, which reigned supreme during our waterproof men's boots tests, are comfortable right out of the box and stay comfy even after prolonged periods of wear. They're coated with Carhartt’s Storm Defender waterproof breathable membrane, which kept our feet dry while trodding through rainy sidewalks and into big, deep puddles. Outdoor Research Aspire Women's Super Stretch Jacket: This lightweight, breathable, ultra-comfy jacket keeps water out while allowing for a full range of movement. It's very compact and can easily be folded away in a suitcase or backpack. Patagonia Torrentshell Men's 3L Jacket: Ultra-breathable and built to last, this everyday rain jacket is fully waterproof and great for active pursuits in warmer climates. If you happen to find yourself someplace colder, it features microfleece pockets to keep your hands cozy. Why Trust Travel + Leisure An expert on shopping trends and a frequent traveler, Maddie Michalik has been professionally reviewing products since 2014. For this story, she combed through T+L’s detailed testing insights for various travel umbrellas, reading through testing feedback for each umbrella, then referenced product descriptions and additional research to create a comprehensive roundup of the best travel umbrellas today. We Tested the Best Beach Umbrellas for Staying Cool and Comfortable Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Jackie Cucco Jackie Cucco Jackie Cucco is a Commerce Testing Editor at Travel + Leisure, where she assigns, edits, and writes travel-related product reviews based on in-depth product testing. She previously worked as a travel agent, has a Master’s degree in journalism, and has over six years of experience creating gift guides and writing about various products. She has made over 100 TV appearances discussing consumer products and shopping trends. learn more Updated by Asia London Palomba Asia London Palomba Asia London Palomba is a trilingual Italian writer from Rome, currently based in Boston. As a writer, Asia focuses on food, travel, and history, and has covered everything from the best travel products to bring on a trip India to medieval judicial duels. learn more