Lightrek Hiking Umbrella by Gossamer Gear

Great lighteeight umbrella… a little awkward in length, sticks out of my pack and catches on trees etc.

Lightrek Hiking Umbrella

I bought this because it's the updated version of the old GoLite Chrome Dome, which I truly love. This one is 6 oz. (170 g), whereas the Chrome Dome is 8 oz. (225 g). I put the Chrome Dome through the wringer on a Grand Canyon hike as my portable shade and also in wind strong enough to turn it inside out several times without damage. So far, the Lightrek has only been tested in Texas sun and moderate winds while my wife and I do public ministry shifts. I'm looking forward to using this in the Sierra of California later this summer. I think the Lightrek is a worthy successor to my (not quite) retired Chrome Dome. My personal feeling is that the Lightrek Hiking Umbrella is a very functional hiking accessory. It is light enough to find a place in my pack on most hikes.

Nice idea, but…

Think about the actual trail experience. Like the one I encountered on the Long Trail. Hurricane-like rain. Trees. Up. Down. It’s hitting every beach, tree, and shrub you pass. Shifting from side to side, up and down. I carried this thing like an albatross for the subsequent 50 miles just to remind myself how stupid a purchase this was.