Full size rain umbrellas are fantastic at keeping you and your bags, or even you and a companion, dry. The wide reach of their canopies can be twice as wide as you would find in smaller, more compact travel umbrellas, but their length can make them unwieldy when they are not in use. Luckily, a folding umbrella can provide you with the coverage you want while still keeping a light, compact profile.
How it Works
The mechanics of most parasols and umbrellas are relatively simple. The central tube is surrounded by a spreader assembly that pushes a series of wooden, plastic, or metal ribs out and away from the tube. Catch mechanisms at the top and bottom allow it to remain open or closed, and need to be released by hand before it can change from one state to the other.
A folding umbrella is a little different because the ribs are jointed, allowing the canopy to fold in on itself as the umbrella is collapsed. This means that instead of having a canopy that is twice as wide as the it is tall, the canopy can be up to four times wider than the tube is long. That’s quite the spread!
All Shapes and Sizes
These kinds of umbrellas are distinct because of their mechanical features, not their use. That means that you can find a folding umbrella for any occasion or purpose, from shade at the beach to golfing to providing shelter from the rain. There are just as many options for colors and styles with this feature as without, so whether you want a fashion accessory, a branded premium for your business, or you want to show pride in your local sports team, there will be an option for you.
Cost
On average, this style does not cost any more than a traditional umbrella would. There are some designs and sizes that will naturally be more expensive than others because of the kinds of materials, the craftsmanship of the designer, or the size of the canopy, but the folding feature does not actually add to the overall cost in an appreciable way. This makes the folding umbrella a super effective compact option for travelers, since it provides all of the same options at the same costs as traditional a traditional design.
A folding umbrella can unfurl a large-size canopy without taking up a lot of storage space. This will allow you to keep your folding umbrella in a bag or a large coat pocket until it is needed, providing a simple, lightweight solution.
