The 12 Best Travel Umbrellas of 2023 | by Travel + Leisure

When you get caught in a rainstorm while traveling, you have a few options. You can jump into a taxi (which may be expensive) or duck into a bar or cafe until it lets up (which might disrupt your whole itinerary). Or, you could just soldier on and continue sightseeing with a trusty umbrella.

Below, you’ll find the best travel umbrellas on the market so your day can continue as planned, including our top pick, the justifiably popular Weatherman Travel Umbrella. We also have options perfect for walking in crowded New York City, inverted and extra-waterproof models for exploring Seattle, and impossibly compact, lightweight umbrellas for the most efficient packers. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option you’re likely to misplace, or a sturdy stalwart with a lifetime guarantee, you can find an umbrella on this list that will keep you dry on even the rainiest and windiest days.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Weatherman Travel Umbrella at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Windproof:Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella at AmazonJump to ReviewBest With Case:Yoobure Small Mini Umbrella with Case at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Bubble:Hunter Transparent Moustache Bubble Umbrella at Hunterboots.comJump to ReviewBest Waterproof:Samsonite Windguard Auto Umbrella at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Cities:Blunt Metro Umbrella at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Compact:Davek Mini Umbrella at Davekny.comJump to ReviewBest Hands-free:Huriia Wearable Umbrella at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Inverted:BetterBrella Umbrella at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Designer:Kurt Geiger London KGL Umbrella at BloomingdalesJump to Review

Best Overall

Weatherman Travel Umbrella

View On AmazonView On Weathermanumbrella.comWhy We Love It

This sturdy, fiberglass-frame umbrella withstands winds up to 45 miles per hour and weighs less than a pound.

What to Consider

The canopy is only 38 inches in diameter, so it doesn’t provide as much coverage as wider umbrellas.

Weatherman The Travel Umbrella has pretty much everything you’d want in portable rain protection. It is lightweight and compact, and the handle features an automatic open and close button for struggle-free transitions. The canopy is lined with reflective trim for evenings (or very dark days), and it comes in 11 colors including super-bright neon shades, which come in handy when you want to stand out in a crowd. But take note: this packable umbrella’s canopy is only about 38 inches, so it’s not going to provide as much coverage as some of the larger options on our list. 

Price at time of publish: $69

The Details: 14 ounces | 11.8 inches (when closed) | Plastic, fiberglass | 8 Ribs | Automatic open

Best Windproof

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

4.9

View On AmazonView On WalmartView On Repelumbrella.comWhy We Love It

A vented, double-canopy design and nine fiberglass ribs prevent this umbrella from turning inside out, even in the windiest circumstances.

What to Consider

It has a very small handle that proves challenging for bigger hands.

Having an umbrella turned inside-out is inconvenient and frankly embarrassing. Perhaps it’s your history with garbage umbrellas that inspired you to read this very article. Well, allow me to introduce the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella, which is designed to stay intact even in gusty weather thanks to a vented double-canopy and nine fiberglass ribs. Buyers can choose from a ton of cute designs, including a rainbow stripe and basic black with a blue-sky lining. And, in case of emergency, this umbrella comes with a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $30

The Details: 15 ounces | 11.5 inches (when closed) | Resin-reinforced fiberglass | 9 Ribs | Automatic open

Best With Case

Yoobure Small Mini Umbrella with Case

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

This adorable little umbrella comes with its own zipper-close case.

What to Consider

With only six ribs, this model won’t be as sturdy as other compact umbrellas.

This diminutive umbrella comes with a matching case, so you can keep your umbrella dry and clean when you’re not using it. Designed for rain and sun, the Yoobure Mini Umbrella comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns, and it provides UPF 50+ protection from the sun. This model would fit perfectly in the water-bottle pocket of your backpack or in your car console.

Price at time of publish: $14

The Details: 8 ounces  | 7.1 inches (when closed) | Fiberglass, aluminum, polyester | 6 Ribs

Best Bubble

Hunter Transparent Moustache Bubble Umbrella

View On Hunterboots.comWhy We Love It

This bubble umbrella provides deeper coverage, thanks to its long canopy, and the clear panels ensure you can still see where you are going.

What to Consider

It doesn’t fold up compactly and is heavier than other options on this list.

As someone who has worn the same pair of Hunter rain boots for over a decade, I can attest to the enduring quality of this British brand, and the Hunter Transparent Moustache Bubble Umbrella is no exception. Bubble umbrellas are great for ensuring your makeup stays intact, or if you want to eschew raincoats but stay as dry as possible. This extra-long, extra-wide canopy is designed to cover your entire head, with transparent panels that let you see in front of you. I particularly love the cheerful colorblock accents in yellow, navy, green, and red.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: 16.4 ounces  | 35 inches (when closed) | Waterproof polyethylene, fiberglass, plastic | 8 Ribs

Best Waterproof

Samsonite Windguard Auto Open/Close Umbrella

View On AmazonView On Samsonite.comView On StaplesWhy We Love It

This lightweight umbrella is coated with Teflon, so it repels water and dries very quickly.

What to Consider

This model isn’t as sturdy as some of our other favorites. 

Nothing feels worse coming out of the rain than having to sit next to a soaking wet umbrella, which is one reason we endorse the Samsonite Windguard Auto Umbrella. The canopy is coated with Teflon, making it more waterproof than most umbrellas and very fast-drying. Thanks to the automatic open-close feature, you can close it up and take shelter quickly without worrying about a dripping wet mess. 

Price at time of publish: $35

The Details: 13.1 ounces | 12 inches (when closed) | Polyester, stainless steel | 8 Ribs | Automatic open

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Best for Cities

Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella

View On AmazonView On Bluntumbrellas.comWhy We Love It

This soft-edged spinning canopy makes it safe to walk down crowded sidewalks.

What to Consider

You’ll have to manually close it.

As a 5-foot-2 New Yorker, I have a very rational fear of umbrellas and their potential to poke me in the eye. The Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella dispenses with pointy ribs in favor of rounded edges and a canopy that spins when it’s knocked. This high-tech umbrella is just 38 inches in diameter, so it won’t take up too much space on the sidewalk, and we love the bright pink, orange, and yellow options for dreary days. Our only gripe is that, for the price, we’d love an automatic close function. 

Price at time of publish: $89

The Details: 12.7 ounces | 14.7 inches (when closed) | Aluminum, stainless steel | 6 Ribs | Automatic open only

Best Compact

Davek Mini Umbrella

View On Davekny.comWhy We Love It

This umbrella is tiny but tough at just 7 inches in length. 

What to Consider

If you’re the forgetful type, an umbrella this little could be a liability.

Measuring only 7 inches in length, this teeny-tiny yet highly durable umbrella weighs less than a pound and can easily fit in a coat pocket. Available in 10 colors, the Davek Mini is no-frills — it opens and closes manually — but looks incredibly dapper. Of course, an umbrella this small is easy to misplace, but don’t worry: if you lose it, Davek will replace it for 50 percent of the sticker price. 

Price at time of publish: $59

The Details: Less than 1 pound | 7 inches (when closed) | Fiberglass | 6 Ribs

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Best Hands-free

Huriia Wearable Umbrella

View On AmazonView On Huriia.comWhy We Love It

The shoulder-mounted design makes this umbrella great for dog walks and on-the-go coffee chats.

What to Consider

This lightweight umbrella is not designed to withstand wind.

The Huriia Wearable Umbrella Holder and Umbrella was designed with photographers in mind, but this clever setup also works for hikers, urban explorers, or anyone else whose hands are too full. The Huriia umbrella is custom-made to fit in the shoulder mount, but it also works just as well as a handheld umbrella. It also comes with a strap that you can hang on the holder when the weather clears up. 

Price at time of publish:  $42

The Details: Less than 1 pound | 10 inches (when closed) | Fiberglass | 8 Ribs | Automatic

Best Inverted

BetterBrella Umbrella with Reverse Open/Close Technology

View On AmazonView On WalmartView On Buybetterbrella.comWhy We Love It

The reverse-open feature keeps you dry when you’re collapsing this umbrella — which makes it ideal for getting in and out of cars or buses.

What to Consider

It’s over 30 inches long when closed, so it won’t fit in a small suitcase.

This umbrella isn’t going to fit into your purse but, what it lacks in compactness, it makes up for in genius. The BetterBrella Inverted Windproof Umbrella’s reverse-open design means it tucks away the rain-drenched surface when you close it, so your clothes and floors stay dry. The wide canopy (41.5 inches in diameter) opens and closes automatically to keep you dry from door to door. This umbrella comes in several colorways and patterns to suit your personal style.

Price at time of publish: $30

The Details: 7.68 ounces | 31.2 inches (when closed) | Stainless steel | 8 Ribs | Automatic open

Best Designer

Kurt Geiger London KGL Umbrella

View On BloomingdalesWhy We Love It

This umbrella is basically business on the outside, and a party on the inside.

What to Consider

Despite its designer status, this umbrella opens and closes manually.

This umbrella presents with a professional, basic black silhouette, but underneath, the lining is all cheer and rainbows. The Kurt Geiger London KGL Umbrella comes in a compact package — just 11 inches in length — and has its own slipcover, accented with a rainbow logo. It’s a perfect baby step from a neutral umbrella to a bolder statement-making piece.

Price at time of publish: $55

The Details: 11 inches (when closed) | Pongee | 8 Ribs

Best Value

Strombergbrand Umbrellas Spectrum Popular Style 16″ Automatic Open Umbrella

View On AmazonWhy We Love It

This umbrella is sturdier than you’d expect.

What to Consider

The lightweight construction won’t stand up to wind as well as our other picks.

The Strombergbrand Umbrella is perfect for anyone who is prone to losing umbrellas — not to mention, both the size and price are just right. At 15 inches long and 10.8 ounces, it easily fits into a backpack or carry-on bag without adding much extra weight, making it the ideal “just in case” umbrella. It even comes in a whopping 25 colors. 

Price at time of publish: $13

The Details: 10.8 ounces | 15 inches (when closed) | Aluminum, polyester | 8 Ribs | Automatic open only

Best Sustainable

Totes Recycled PET Eco-Friendly Umbrella with NeverWet

View On Totes.comWhy We Love It

Totes has expanded its reliable umbrella collection to include eco-friendly materials.

What to Consider

This compact umbrella isn’t a great option for severe weather.

Totes is known for its cute, compact umbrellas, but we especially love this sustainable option. The Totes Eco-friendly Umbrella has a canopy made from recycled plastic, a bamboo handle, and a hemp strap. Just over 11 inches in length, this model is perfect for light packers, yet it expands to an ample canopy size of 43 inches. You can choose from basic black or two botanical patterns.

Price at time of publish: $28

The Details: 11.2 inches (when closed) | Recycled PET, fiberglass | 7 Ribs | Automatic

Tips for Buying Travel Umbrellas

Prioritize size and weight

​​When choosing a travel umbrella, pay special attention to the dimensions and weight. Look for options that weigh less than or just about one pound — but keep in mind some specialized umbrellas (such as windproof or bubble styles) may add some extra weight. 

Choose durable materials

Most umbrella canopies are made from polyester and other synthetic fabrics so take special note of the frame and rib materials. Fiberglass ribs are often sturdier than aluminum ones, and the more ribs in the canopy, the more durable the umbrella will be. For instance, an umbrella specially designed to hold up to wind will have nine ribs, while the umbrellas that prioritize compactness might have just six.

Consider the bonus features

Think about how you are going to use your umbrella and what extras you’d want it to have. If you’re frequently moving from indoors to outdoors, choose an inverted or Teflon-coated umbrella, so you aren’t dragging around a soaking-wet accessory. Automatic open and close can make your life easier, but one more mechanical feature also means one more thing that can break, so check the warranty that comes with the umbrella if you’re in it for the long haul. 

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a good size for a travel umbrella?

Consider models that are 12 inches or less when folded up, as they are likely to fit in most carry-ons and backpacks. When traveling by car or train to very rainy climates, a larger, bubble umbrella is a worthy accessory for lasting protection.

Can you take an umbrella on a plane?

Yes. To minimize hassle, pack your umbrella in your carry-on or checked luggage. Many TSA checkpoints may also allow you to carry a small, compact umbrella outside of your luggage, but it varies from airport to airport. 

How do you dry an umbrella quickly?

Shake off the excess water (preferably not onto someone else) then leave the umbrella open to dry. Alternatively, you can also leave the umbrella closed but unfurled, with the wet surface facing the ground. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Nancy Einhart has lived in two of the rainiest cities in the United States and ruined many subpar umbrellas. For this article, she researched and tested dozens of umbrellas to find the best ones for travel.

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