It’s always worth having an umbrella in your bag, or by your door, to prepare for the arrival of a dark, looming cloud. So to help you find a reliable model, we've put a number of umbrellas to the test here at BBC Countryfile Magazine, including sturdy golf umbrellas; compact models for everyday use and dome designs.
Before you buy, think about when you'll be using your umbrella. Are you looking for a large canopy for football viewing on a wet Sunday morning, or a neat brolly you can chuck in your bag for a daily commute? Head to our short buyer's guide for more on what to consider when buying an umbrella.
Best umbrellas at a glance:
- Best smart umbrella: Barbour Tartan Walker Umbrella
- Best for value and everyday use: Mountain Warehouse Classic Umbrella
- Best for windy and stormy conditions: Fulton Stormshield Double Canopy Golf Umbrella
If you plan to head out in all weather, check out our round-up of backpack rain covers and wellies, ideal for muddy dog walks.
Best umbrellas reviewed
Barbour Tartan Walker Umbrella
Best smart umbrella
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- Diameter: 120cm (approx)
- Length: 102cm
- RRP: £43
The word ‘dapper’ springs to mind with this tartan number from Barbour, and if you’re a fan of the brand’s country-chic aesthetic, you’ll not be disappointed with the look of this umbrella.
The walking-style model features a roomy canopy and an engraved wooden handle which looks sophisticated, and is comfortable to hold.
You glide the runner up manually, and we found it wasn't as fidgety compared to some of the automatic models on test.
Coverage was great, and the canopy’s fabric feels strong. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry, but we struggled to keep the umbrella down in windy conditions, so this model is best suited to wet, but calm, conditions.
Pros: Good-looking design, decent coverage
Cons: Too lightweight for windy conditions, expensive
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Fulton Birdcage Umbrella
Best for coverage
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- Diameter: 84cm
- Length: 94cm
- Weight: 530g
- RRP: £25
Made famous by The Royal Family, the Fulton Birdcage umbrella is a popular design, so we were keen to put it to the test.
The iconic dome-shaped canopy offers excellent coverage from the rain, and you feel nicely protected underneath thanks to the shielding bubble effect. While you can see through the clear vinyl canopy, it’s a tad blurry.
The handle feels particularly strong, and the runner glides effortlessly, so overall we were impressed with the quality of the materials. However, the umbrella arrived covered in a light dust, as if it had been lying in a warehouse for a long time. It’s easy to clean so it’s not a huge issue, but it’s not what you expect from a new item.
The unique canopy shape makes this umbrella a useful choice for tight spaces, such as a narrow street, so we’d recommend it for city use, as well as countryside strolls and sports watching.
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Fulton Stormshield Double Canopy Golf Umbrella
Best for viewing sports, windy and stormy conditions
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- Diameter: 131cm
- Length: 101cm
- Weight: 720g
- RRP: £30
Thanks to a wide double canopy spanning 131cm, Fulton’s Stormshield Umbrella offers impressive coverage and great wind protection.
As the name suggests, this model is designed for windy conditions, featuring a windproof vent and
fibreglass frame. Is it up to the challenge? Yes. Tested in wet, windy and wild conditions, this umbrella felt incredibly strong. The canopy remained taut, and at no point did we feel the canopy would turn inside-out.
The two Velcro tabs ensure the umbrella furls tightly, and the canopy opened and closed smoothly. The rubber grip has an almost sticky feel for a secure hold — handy in stormy conditions.
The only downside? It’s quite heavy, and therefore not the easiest to hold with one hand.
Pros: Super value for money, strong, durable
Cons: Heavy
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Mountain Warehouse Classic Umbrella
Best for value and everyday use
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- Diameter: 103cm
- Length: 89cm
- RRP: £18.99
A firm favourite on test, the Mountain Warehouse Classic Umbrella performed well in heavy rain. We were fans of the sophisticated and traditional design features, including the large curved wooden handle which was very comfortable to hold.
The tips of the umbrella are also wooden, so we’re not overly confident this umbrella is the most durable option out there. The canopy doesn’t feel as high-quality as the other models on test, but we were impressed with its performance.
The surprisingly glamorous automatic push button functions well, for an effortless opening — a snappy pop up for when the heavens open!
Overall, a budget-friendly, no-frills umbrella that does the job well.
Pros: Great value, handles heavy rain
Cons: Lots of wooden features
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Totes X-tra Strong Plus Umbrella
Best for travel and light rain
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- Diameter: 107cm
- Length: 32cm
- Weight: 428g
- RRP: £40.00
The Totes X-tra Strong Plus Umbrella is a suitable choice for light rain but we'd say its name is a bit misleading. We had issues in particularly blustery weather with the umbrella flipping inside out, so it's not as strong as its 'X-tra Strong' branding suggests.
The auto open/shut mechanism initially worked a treat - just the one button to pop your brolly up and down - but we found with time the button became stuck. The trick is to make sure the umbrella is fully pushed down before you can open it back up again. Once you get the knack, it's straightforward to use.
You’ll find neater compact designs on the market, but we were a fan of the long handle as you can really grip on when drudging through the rain. This is the brand’s eco-friendly range, and the fabric is 100% recycled PET polyester.
Pros: Travel-friendly, comfortable handle
Cons: Auto button can jam, not storm proof
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For hands-free protection in the rain, discover the best waterproof ponchos.
How we tested
Our team headed out into drizzle, rain and blustery conditions to discover how well the umbrellas could handle the elements. To reach a rating out of five, we scored each model on the following categories:
- Strength: does the umbrella hold up well in the wind, or does it flip inside out? Does the umbrella feel secure when holding?
- Coverage: what is the diameter of the canopy, and does it offer sufficient coverage?
- Quality of materials: do the materials feel durable and are any of the umbrella parts easily damaged after use?
- Comfort to hold: is the umbrella handle comfortable to hold whilst walking, and is the handle easy to grip onto in wet conditions?
- Opening function: whilst battling the rain, does the umbrella open effortlessly with a smooth glide, or does it take some handling?
What to consider when buying an umbrella
Portability
Compact and lightweight umbrellas are ideal for keeping at the bottom of your bag, so you're always covered for those unexpected rain showers. If you're looking for ample coverage however, and you're happy to carry the umbrella, a golf umbrella is a solid investment — ideal for wet strolls and sports viewing. Bubble umbrellas are another great option for coverage, and offer a quirky, retro look too.
Automatic vs Manual
Automatic umbrellas are appealing for their ease — effortlessly open up your canopy with one hand, at the bush of a button. They can become fidgety with time however, so look out for a well-functioning button! Manual gliders are not as quick to open, but can often be a reliable option.
Wind Resistance
In particularly stormy conditions, you'll want an umbrella that can handle the elements. Look out for features such as double canopies and fibreglass constructions.
For wet weather hiking, check out our review of the best waterproof trousers and the best kids' waterproof trousers.
