LifeTek Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrella - Compact, Automatic, Wind Resistant, Strong and Portable - Small Folding Backpack Umbrella for Rain perfect for Men and Women

I'm not an umbrella connoisseur, mind you: I don't have a collection. In fact, quite the opposite--traditionally, I haven't been a big user of umbrellas, except when motivated by necessity, caught in a sudden downpour while out and about. And when I account for those situations, it feels like I consume umbrellas like most people consume paper towels or disposable cups. I've bought so many crappy $15 umbrellas from various tourist destinations or museum gift shops only to have them blown inside out within twenty minutes of purchase, and I've also bought a fair-share of decent $10 Walmart umbrellas that, while acceptable, were larger and more awkward to store than a small hot air balloon. So, I decided to get one that lasts and is compact, and that's how I stumbled onto the LifeTek Traveler. At first, I was worried about the price. However, taking into account all of those desperate, spur-of-the-moment, "crap, it's monsooning!" umbrella purchases, it's really easy to justify the purchase of a more expensive umbrella, like the LifeTek Traveler. And I really feel like I'm carrying a solid, premium umbrella. It's light and narrow (don't expect to fit more than one person under this umbrella), but not at all flimsy. This thing dries out very, *very* quickly, and that's due to two factors. One is the fabric: the material feels markedly different than any other umbrella I've owned (much lighter, "breathable" like high-end athletic clothes), and the Teflon coating keeps it from absorbing water (keeping it lighter in your hand, too). Second is the automatic closing action. When you hit the button to close the umbrella, it snaps closed violently, shaking off any of the water that remains on the fabric. I've gone from downpour to bone dry in my backpack in less than 5 minutes. The only downside that I find with this umbrella is in that automatic closure, and that's only a minor complaint. Once the umbrella close button has been pressed, there's no way to re-open the umbrella (that I've found, anyway) without compressing the umbrella stalk down to its locked state and hitting the automatic opening button again. It's not like cheaper umbrellas where you can just re-open the umbrella by pushing the assembly upward; you have to close it all the way and trigger the opening button. This is a minor, minor complaint, but it does make it a little inconvenient if you're, say, temporarily ducking under a bus stop overhang and want to be ready to re-open your umbrella in a moment's notice. The biggest advantage of this umbrella is the company that stands behind it. As I mentioned, I've gone through a lot of umbrellas, but I've also gone through a lot of umbrella *covers*. I lose them, frequently. And, of course, I lost the umbrella cover for the LifeTek, too. So, I contacted the manufacturer to ask about getting a replacement cover, and within 20 minutes, a representative told me he'd located my Amazon order and had sent me a free cover via Priority Mail! I suspect that if I ever find a defect in the umbrella (very unlikely), they'd be similarly committed to making sure I'm happy. The only disadvantage to purchasing this umbrella is that you won't have a cool Smithsonian sun or Union Jack on your tourist umbrella, but at least you'll look less tacky, and you'll be much drier.

So far pleased with umbrella. Opens and closes easily and reliably. Is light weight and very compact, when folded up. Can fit into just about any bag. Feels very sturdy, but I don't know how it would do in a real storm. Potential buyers should be aware that measurements of the breadth of umbrellas are apparently provided as the distance across the convex (i.e., upper) surface of the umbrella canopy, not the flat, left-to-right, distance across the bottom of the canopy. I suppose that is what they call the "arc", which was stated as being 42.5 inches. So, I found that the umbrella was actually smaller than desired. It measures about 37 inches wide using the flat measurement, and as such it is definitely a 1-person umbrella. I'm not sure I would have bought this umbrella if I had known in advance how wide it actually is. Regardless, I already have several umbrellas, but wanted something that could better protect my face and eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light while outdoors. This all black umbrella, with a tightly-woven fabric cuts out 90-95 percent of the UV light streaming directly down from above, and above 80 percent of light coming head on or from the sides. I measured this using a General Tools UV513AB Digital light meter, also purchased here on Amazon. So, in that regard, the umbrella is doing a great job of protecting my face and eyes. More people should consider an umbrella as an alternative to a wide-brimmed hat, though using an umbrella on a sunny day seems odd. I feel that it is much better than any wide-brimmed hat. Sunscreen is still necessary for times when outside light is very strong. Post-script: I've been using this compact, sturdy umbrella almost daily since purchased 3-1/2 months ago. Hasn't malfunctioned or turned inside out. However, it is definitely not much use in a heavy downpour, which occurred here three days ago. There was no wind or lightning, but the rain was very heavy. This umbrella didn't protect me well from the downpour. Because the umbrella is so small, I felt as if I had nowhere to hide. My legs were soaked from knees downward, and my back was completely wet. Only my head a chest were dry. I decided to buy and use a larger umbrella. The Lifetek Traveler is in my opinion useful only as a parasol.

Very well made umbrella.

I've only had the umbrella for a few weeks, but with all the rain we have had in Texas lately it has already gotten its share of use. The selling point for me on this particular umbrella was its claim that it could hold up to wind and hold its shape. I have not been disappointed in this regard. It has not flipped inside out as many umbrellas are prone to do when the wind forces them. I am a student a needed a compact umbrella that would fit easily into my backpack. I also must walk long distances from my vehicle to whatever building I happen to be going to on that particular day, which can be quite substantial. Therefore it was of utmost importance for the umbrella that I carried with me be an umbrella that would be reliable. In essence I did not want to be "caught out in the rain". When I came across the Life Tek umbrellas I noticed that they have put quite a bit of thought into engineering an umbrella that would stand up to the elements of a rainstorm such as wind gusts. I have put this small marvel to the test in the short period I have had it and it has not disappointed. The frame of the umbrella has kept its shape in the wind and the material has proven to be very water repellent allowing the water to roll right off and easily shake off when going inside. I am very impressed with the engineering, design, and use of high quality materials and construction. It is a very discreet black classic compact umbrella well suited for anyone, especially the business traveler. I'm highly impressed with the LifeTek Travel Umbrella , and would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new umbrella. I did receive this umbrella at a discount for my honest review. I feel this was a blessing and would not hesitate to repurchase this product at the full price in the future, however based on my experience with the umbrella this may be quite some time in the future.

Not your everyday bumbershoot! Not flimsy or cheaply built - really sturdy good circumference of coverage - auto open and close are firm and efficient - canopy supports are STRONG. Great travel accessory!David Hines <[email protected]> 1:57 PM (29 minutes ago) to me, support Hello Doug – We’re very sorry to hear that you experienced a quality issue with your Traveler umbrella by LifeTek. We’re committed to your satisfaction and will process a refund for this order immediately. Please do not worry about returning the damaged umbrella to Amazon. Your satisfaction is our top priority. I will send you a new umbrella today via USPS Priority Mail. Once I receive the USPS tracking number for the replacement shipment, I will send it to you so that you can monitor the delivery of the new umbrella. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we remedy this situation. We trust that the new umbrella will meet your needs and hope to earn your trust and loyalty going forward. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please let me know. Thanks again, David LifeTek On Jul 15, 2015, at 12:41 PM, Douglas C Wager <[email protected]> wrote: Got your umbrella through Amazon - registered it on line today- used it today for the first time - after only two hours of use - opened and closed it three times - on the fourth use I tried to close it - hit the auto button - it collapsed as it should have but then would not close all the way to store, nor would it reopen - stuck half way - PIECE OF CRAP!!!! and at that price it is a total rip-off! I either want an IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT or a full refund and I if I do not receive satisfaction I am absolutely going to trash this in my Amazon review - I am furious...and wet... Sincerely, Doug Wager --