Umbrella?

[max patch]

Since I carry one I do not understand why you say not around wet or snowy branches. That would actually be another great time to have one. Hit the branch with the umbrella then walk under. Those that walk under without get full of snow... But not us. Unless its too bad, then just go under and open back up. .... I really like how these umbrella threads go. Everybody who never uses one says it won't work for the AT. How would they know? They don't use one. .. But ask somebody who does and they'll tell you they never leave home without one. ... Kinda like people asking about tents then somebody jumping saying tents won't work on the AT. You have to have a hammock.

I like it when gaiter wearers say they don't have to stop every hour and remove stones from their shoes.

[Dogwood]

For the AT, NO especially not in the south in those "Green Tunnel" scenarios with all the Rhodies, laurels, etc and ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE and especially NO IF that was my only way to stay reasonably NOT SOAKED. Much of the AT is single track, a 3 ft wide trail. Hiking past folks w/ an umbrella(full size umbrella, NOT one of the smaller hat umbrellas or diminitive width sized umbrellas) with a typical thru-hiker mindset, I gotta go gotta go gotta be somewhere else mindset, while being conscientious enough to not poke someone in the face or have it tear or snag on something gets old on. Some miles of the AT are like being in a mine shaft with other people. Not the brightest place to try to hike with a large umbrella. Other miles the AT is open and the trail is wide, much like many trail miles north of VA but by that time some wouldn't use an umbrella anyway because it's summer and don't mind as much getting soaked. I wouldn't solely rely on an umbrella for rain protection on the AT IF I wanted to stay reasonably NOT SOAKED. I'm yet to witness a single AT thru-hiker carry or employ an umbrella on their entire hikes as a sole way to stay NOT SOAKED.

[no-name]

There has been a time on every one of my section hikes that I wanted one, either for rain or sun. I did use one when I did an overnighter on the Florida Trail. It was good for the spider webs, the bright sun, and then the heavy rain. I often wonder about the go lite ones and the slight differences. I know I want one!

[lonehiker]

I'm yet to witness a single AT thru-hiker carry or employ an umbrella on their entire hikes as a sole way to stay NOT SOAKED.

That is good enough for me. If Dogwood has yet to witness this, then it must never have happened.......ever....... period.......close this thread nothing need more be said.

[Dogwood]

Lonehiker, that's kinda funny but not in the spirit of my post. I sincerely would find it sad if that's all that you or anyone else take from what's been said here. HYOH. It's all just opinions anyhow.

[The Snowman]

carry one off and on mostly for in camp use some times for trail use.

[lonehiker]

Lonehiker, that's kinda funny but not in the spirit of my post. I sincerely would find it sad if that's all that you or anyone else take from what's been said here. HYOH. It's all just opinions anyhow.

Dog, it's all good. I was just flipping you crap. I have a different sense of humor that many (most) refuse to appreciate.

[Wise Old Owl]

Yes clearly it opinion... question... if you have one and are hanging on and the wind is from behind and you are traveling uphill - Would that be cheating?

Serious if you have good tested gear and have used it at the local state park on a bender or circle hike... do you really need one? Yes I have used them - not on the AT, loved the Poppins part! good post.

[Wise Old Owl]

Dog, it's all good. I was just flipping you crap. I have a different sense of humor that many (most) refuse to appreciate.

You are amongst friends! - I geet it!

[excuses]

I carry one and find it great to keep the rain off my glasses. The attachment to the pack strap was a way to keep both hands free. It is quick to deploy when the weather plays on again off again.

[Dogwood]

'I was just flipping you crap.'

I knew you were. I can take it though. I like it when people question and say what about this? have you ever thought about from this angle? how does that apply to me for my hike?, etc. It's actually good in many ways for everyone. I get stuff wrong too. I sometimes get away with it here though. I don't pretend to have all the answers for everyone. I'm still working on that for myself as a never ending work in progress. Sometimes, it may seem like I'm talking down but that's not my intention. My desire is for others to do it(whatever it may be) better than me and offer me help(different perspectives) too. I need help too! I don't mind someone else reaching the summit first before me. I don't publically give enough thanks to all here for their assistance helping me to become less ignorant.

[skinnbones]

Isn't that cheating? lol

[Abner]

My Umbrella is one of my favorite pieces of gear. Great in downpour, great in light rain, Actually keeps just a bit of heat underneath in a chilly rain, helps even my broad brimmed hat in a downpour by keeping any rain from running down the back of my neck, great in blazing hot sun, excellent cover for open end of a tarp.... I've found it infinitely useful on my trips along the AT. I like my friend the umbrella.

[RCBear]

I wont necessarily question the efficacy of using one (though it seems like a major pia)...but I will question the manliness of it. ;-)

[dmax]

Umbrellas are like ponchos, trekking poles, stoves, trail runners, etc... Some people like them, so people don't.

[lissersmith]

I always take my Golite umbrella... I think it is a great way to stay dry without overheating in a rain jacket... At night if you need to walk about camp in the rain, you can stay dry...

[Comet Omega]

Have a friend taking one of the Golite type umbrellas. She has two camel back hose clips pointed in opposite directions on the shoulder strap and the umbrella staff clips in so she can go hands free and still use hiking poles.

[bfayer]

I really don't care what gear other people use or don't use. I do have to agree with others that have said, you hear them talked about online way more than you ever see them out on the trail. Same thing with Kilts. I would have to say I have probably seen more folks hiking with ice axes on the AT than umbrellas.

Maybe I'm just not out hiking during umbrella and kilt season

[Weather-man]

Interestingly enough I had a few friends who attended the German/Austrian military Bergfeuer (arguably the most difficult Mountain Leader course in the world) school and they all carried small umbrellas in admin/non-tactical situations. Seemed to work out nicely in training, especially if carried in such a way that you could grab it quickly when taking a break.

[HikerMom58]

Dog, it's all good. I was just flipping you crap. I have a different sense of humor that many (most) refuse to appreciate.

lonehiker... you called him Dog! He's DW!