Before I left for the PCT, a veteran PCT thru-hiker recommended I take an umbrella for at least the desert portion. I’m not much of a hat person because they make me feel hot and sweaty, so I decided maybe the umbrella would be a good idea. After several weeks of use I can say I LOVE IT. It’s definitely worth the 8 ounces. I feel I need less water because I’m staying cooler and I don’t have to wait for rock/tree shade to take breaks–very much a morale booster during the hot, dry, stagnant desert days.
I will say, though, that I feel like Mary Poppins while using it and the “Spoonful of Sugar” song is often stuck in my head. You’ve been warned!
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Happy Trails!
Dixie
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Dixie, I’m very interested to know how your securing the umbrella to your pack, any variations of securing it. Thanks and greetings from Australia. Keep up the good work. Paul from Perth, Western Australia.
I saw that you were using that umbrella the other day….Good idea youngin”! Keep the heat off of you as much as possible through the desert.
Dixie:
Do you have to CARRY that umbrella by hand all the time, or can it be attached to your pack?
Thanks in advance, and GOOD LUCK ON THE PCT!!!!
Sounds like a great idea in the desert. I like using two trekking poles. I saw that you use one pole while using the umbrella. How well does that work?
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious right?
Hello again, Dixie!
I just watched Episode 2 of your PCT hike. This “idea” may be too late for you to use on your current hike, but I will mention it anyway. Could you put some kind of solar {photovoltaic} cells on your umbrella to allow you to recharge your electronics as you are hiking?
Good Luck, and Stay Safe!!!
– Allan
My umbrella is my favorite piece of gear.
Just stick it in your chest strap and away you go, hands free. 🙂
I’ve been eyeballing those umbrellas for a few years now. I don’t know if I’m totally sold on them yet, still following your use of it on the CDT this year. I think I need to hike with someone who owns one and borrow it to make up my mind on it, and find a decent way to attach it to my pack.