LifeTek Premium Travel Umbrella - Windproof Compact for Men Women Automatic Open Close Fits in Purse Laptop Bag

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. Read more

Wow, what a cool, compact umbrella. It opens quite large (45") and the opening/closing with a twist of the handle/shank is very novel, and fast. The vented roof would make it windproof as any wind caught in the underside would vent right out. Read more

I bought this umbrella at full price after doing a lot of research, seeing as I wanted something high quality and sturdy with a curved handle (although after using fake spot, I got a little disheartened as to the authenticity of other reviews). Having received it today, I have decided that I like it very much and hope it'll last me many years. I plan to edit this after a few rainstorms to provide general feedback on its function. Here are some of its qualities. - This umbrella is very nice looking and sleek with a shiny black shaft and a comfortable, but not rubbery handle. Everything feels sturdy except the secondary umbrella struts, which reside between the shaft and the primary support struts as seen in the product picture. These are made of plastic, although it does not feel cheap. It also seems to be able to bear some weight, but probably not too much. - There is a hole in the shaft, as many people complained about. This is a downside, but not worthy of a star detraction. It is located two inches above the opening button so it seems to be necessary for the mechanism, as though it protruded through. Otherwise it looks like an extremely well-put-together umbrella. It seems every umbrella has this hole, so I can't really be bothered to call about it, although if there are versions without it I would really like one. - It's heavy. I like that. You might not. - The opening motion is very forceful and causes a small gust of wind. It gives off a very pleasant muted thud as it does this, almost like a car door being shut. Similarly, it can be difficult to close if you don't grab the mechanism with your entire hand. One swift motion does the trick, but it takes some muscle. I would not get this umbrella for a frail elderly parent or grandparent. - There is NOT a wind-resistant double canopy. This and the shaft hole are the only two things keeping it from being perfect, although the double canopy is a matter of taste. - After a few days of twirling it around and walking with it, the choice of the rubber-esque material on the tip means it scratches relatively easily. Still cosmetic, and does not hinder function. - The LifeTek logo is NOWHERE to be found on the umbrella. I love this. Overall this is a pretty solid product and seems worth the money for the quality manufacturing. I'd recommend it to any friends who wanted a higher-end umbrella. Read more