I hate the rain, but New York City is now notorious for its wet, humid summers, so I find myself trekking through rainy weather more than I’d like. As someone who refuses to ruin a good outfit with a technical rain jacket, I’m fairly well-versed in the world of umbrellas (I own several, and each serves its own purpose). Plus, I’m an analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, so I formally put umbrellas to the test in our Lab, not just out on my commute.
Over the years, GH textiles experts, including myself, have tested more than 40 umbrellas to help you find the best options for any wet weather scenario. When we evaluate umbrellas in the Lab, we consider factors like how easy they are to use, how much coverage they offer, and if they’re actually water-repellent (believe it or not, umbrellas have failed our water-repellency tests before). We also share umbrellas with GH staffers and testers who take them outside to see how they withstand not just rainy but windy conditions. Whether you’re rushing through the city like me, dodging raindrops on your way to the car, or heading out in a windy torrential downpour, these umbrellas will have you covered…literally.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Weatherman Trek Umbrella
- Best value: Samsonite Windguard Umbrella
- Best wind-resistant: ShedRain Vortex V2 Umbrella
Weatherman Trek Umbrella
Weatherman Trek Umbrella
Pros
- Vented canopy to withstand strong gusts of wind
- Proved water-repellent in our tests
- Ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold
Cons
- Not as compact as other umbrellas
| Weight | 1.41 lbs |
| Canopy size | 40 in. |
| Length (folded) | 19.5 in. |
Our favorite umbrella is the Weatherman Trek Umbrella, which has stood out through years of testing. It’s a practical, durable umbrella with thoughtful design details that take it to the next level. And, yes it’s $74, which feels pricey especially when there are so many cheaper options out there. But we truly believe this initial investment is worth it, since you shouldn’t have to keep replacing umbrellas after every heavy storm. Plus, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty with registration.
Built to withstand strong winds, this umbrella has a vented canopy. Instead of air from a big gust of wind getting trapped at the top of the umbrella and forcing it to flip inside out, the vent allows the air to flow through the umbrella. In addition to ventilation, the umbrella has a sturdy fiberglass frame with eight spokes to support and uphold the canopy during windy days.
According to Weatherman, the umbrella is able to withstand winds up to 55 mph. During our tests to determine how much force the canopy could withstand before inverting, we were impressed by this pick’s results: It received a perfect score for being able to resist just over 10 pounds of force. I’ve personally taken this umbrella out on many stormy days without ever feeling like the canopy would flip, even when heading into the pesky wind tunnel next to my office.
The material aced our water-repellency tests too. It was sprayed by our specialized rain tester machine with temperature-controlled and pressurized water for a set amount of time. This particular umbrella blocked all moisture from soaking through, meaning it will actually prevent you from getting soaked on a rainy day.
Along with its impressive structural integrity, the umbrella has an ergonomically designed rubberized handle that makes it more comfortable to hold than other models we’ve tested. It’s not only easy to grip, but the umbrella’s push-button lies right where your thumb rests, so it’s conveniently positioned to open in a pinch. The auto-open function worked perfectly each time we tried it in the Lab, allowing the canopy to extend and lock into place. Though it has a manual closure, we had no difficulty compressing the canopy into place in one sweep.
While it’s sold as a “travel” umbrella, it’s pretty large compared to other collapsible umbrellas we’ve tested. The canopy provides 50 inches of coverage, which is plenty of space to cover you and a backpack or to squeeze in a friend. It folds down to just under 20 inches and needs two straps to secure the canopy in place, so it’s not exactly ideal for throwing in your work bag for a weather emergency. It’s too large for me to walk with every day, but I have friends and family who love to keep it in their cars. Weighing in at 1.41 pounds, it’s definitely not heavy, so I don’t mind carrying it around when I know I’m going to encounter some particularly wet and windy weather.
The umbrella slides into a carrying case made of the same water-repellent material so you’re not dripping water wherever you go, and it has a stretchy wrist strap for hands-free use. The edge of the canopy is trimmed with a reflective material, so you’re visible at night, which is a huge bonus for me in a busy city with tons of traffic.
If you’re looking for something a little smaller but are still interested in Weatherman, the brand offers a true Travel Umbrella (pictured in gray) that’s much more compact but still offers 40 inches of canopy coverage. It collapses to 11.8 inches and weighs less than a pound, making it a better option for on-the-go use, but it’s not as heavy duty. It’s not vented, so it’s not as wind-resistant.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Weatherman’s Golf Umbrella (pictured in blue) is massive. With 68 inches of canopy coverage, the umbrella provides plenty of space for two (or more) to stay nice and dry, but it’s 42.5 inches long when closed.
Samsonite Windguard Umbrella
Samsonite Windguard Umbrella
Pros
- Double canopy to protect against wind
- Compact size is easy to carry
- Auto-open and close
Cons
- Not as sturdy as others
| Weight | 1.41 lbs |
| Canopy size | 38 in. |
| Length (folded) | 11.6 in. |
In addition to umbrellas, I also test luggage for the Textiles Lab, and Samsonite has been dubbed our best luggage brand for years. I was surprised to learn that the brand carried umbrellas, although I wasn’t surprised when it performed well in our tests. For just $26, this umbrella is well-equipped with helpful features to keep you dry and comfortable.
With 38 inches of canopy coverage and a folded length of just under 12 inches, the umbrella is relatively compact but packs a punch. It has a full double canopy, so there are two distinct layers of material in the canopy to help it resist strong gusts of wind. However, it is compact and not quite as sturdy as the other featured umbrellas, so it wasn’t able to withstand as much force and inverted more quickly. That being said, I’ve taken this umbrella out in many storms without it flipping.
After trying the umbrella during her daily commute, a consumer tester shared, "I’ve never used an umbrella that made me feel as protected—it felt like a normal spring day under this umbrella, even though I could see the windy rainstorm in front of me." Still, it’s not quite as sturdy as other umbrellas I’ve evaluated.
The umbrella also excelled in water-repellency tests, preventing water from soaking through the material, so it should keep you nice and dry when you’re out braving a storm. It has a cover made of the same water-repellent material that slides right over the umbrella canopy when it’s collapsed too.
My favorite part: The umbrella has an auto-open and auto-close function. Most umbrellas are auto-open—you can click a button to raise the umbrella canopy, and it locks itself into place. But when it’s time to lower the umbrella, it’s your job to pull the mechanism down and compress all of the spokes. When this umbrella is open, all you have to do to close it is click the button again, which compresses the canopy. Then, give the top a push to collapse the shaft and lock everything into place.
The handle isn’t the most comfortable I’ve tried, but it does have a slight curve for a better hold. I’m 6 feet tall and have big hands, so it just fits my grip but could be more substantial.
Despite the umbrella being compact, the canopy is held into place with two hook-and-loop straps, which keeps it nice and secure when not in use. The wrist strap is comfortable, and the umbrella is easy to carry around without weighing me down, since it’s just 1.41 pounds.
ShedRain Vortex V2 Umbrella
ShedRain Vortex V2 Umbrella
Pros
- Auto-open and close
- Reinforced steel frame and vented canopy to withstand strong wind
- Rubberized handle is easy to grip
Cons
- Doesn't come with a cover
| Weight | 0.95 lbs |
| Canopy coverage | 45 in. |
| Length (folded) | 12 in. |
My memory of visiting the Eiffel Tower is tainted because I accidentally left behind this umbrella while there. It was my go-to, and I had to walk through cold and rainy Amsterdam without it during the next leg of my trip. Not only was the umbrella my favorite, but I know several editors who reach for ShedRain’s Vortex V2 umbrella when it’s rainy. It’s $40 and offers 45-inches of canopy coverage, which is the sweet spot between our best overall and best value picks.
The umbrella has a vented canopy with a steel frame, which is reinforced with a unique internal cable system, making it extra sturdy. When I tested its ability to withstand inversion, this umbrella performed better than all other umbrellas of a similar size. It took more pounds of force to flip this umbrella canopy inside out, meaning it will hold its own against strong wind. Like with the other umbrellas featured, I’ve never experienced this one flipping over during my walks in the rain.
Though there isn’t a coordinating cover to stop the umbrella canopy from getting you and your bag wet, it’s still easy to carry around. It folds down to an even 12 inches and weighs .95 pounds. Plus, the strap to wrap up the umbrella is thick, so it keeps the canopy securely closed.
I’m obsessed with the rubberized wrist strap because it actually stays in place on my wrist without sliding all over. The handle is rounded and uses the same rubber material for a comfortable grip too. Like with the Samsonite umbrella, this one offers auto-open and close, so I don’t have to struggle to close the umbrella before heading down the subway escalator or running inside.
How we test umbrellas
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we test umbrellas for a variety of characteristics, including ease of use, performance, and durability. We have tested more than 40 different umbrella models over the years and most recently evaluated nine new styles in the Lab.
When we test the umbrellas, we use as our unique rain tester machine to simulate a penetrating storm (pictured). The tester sprays pressurized and temperature-controlled water at a swatch of umbrella fabric that is backed by an absorbent paper. After the rain test, we measure how much water the backing paper has absorbed. The less water that has penetrated through the umbrella fabric to the absorbent paper, the better the umbrella is at repelling moisture and keeping you dry.
To analyze an umbrella's resistance to flipping inside out in the wind, we also calculate the force needed to invert the umbrella's canopy. We attach our pressure gauge to the umbrella spokes before pulling on it to determine how easily the umbrella frame will flip.
We also review each umbrella’s construction and design features, including carrying cases, wrist straps, handles, and the umbrella canopy strap. We rate each umbrella for ease of use, as well, considering the umbrella’s open and close buttons and locking mechanisms.
In addition to reviewing umbrellas in the Lab, GH editors, analysts, and other consumer testers take them out on their own wet-weather adventures. We ask testers to share their thoughts on what they liked and disliked about each umbrella and tell us about their experiences.
What to look for when shopping for an umbrella
Buying an umbrella may seem simple enough—they're all meant to keep you dry. But there are several features you should consider before making a purchase.
✔️ Size: Most umbrellas have a diameter between 30 to 40 inches, which is the measurement of an umbrella’s canopy from side to side. Another common measurement used to classify umbrellas is the arc, or the measurement of an umbrella canopy's coverage. Smaller arcs start around 30 inches, while some umbrellas may have arcs up to 70 inches.
Umbrellas vary in size and coverage depending on the intended use. If you're looking for a travel-sized umbrella that's lightweight and easy to put in a purse or suitcase, chances are, it'll have a smaller diameter and arc and will provide less coverage when you open it. On the flip side, larger umbrellas that provide you with more coverage tend to be bulkier and heavier when they're folded down.
✔️ Opening mechanism: Your main choices are manual (you push it open and closed yourself), auto-open (you push a button to automatically open it, but close it yourself) or auto open/close (you can open and close the umbrella with the push of a button). This one's a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that some of the manual umbrellas were still super easy to open in our testing.
✔️ Vented or double canopies: If you want to prevent your umbrella from flipping inside out in the wind, look for an option with a vented top or a double canopy. Vents are small slits or openings in an umbrella canopy, while a double canopy allows for a space between two layers of umbrella canopy for wind to pass through more easily. Without these vents, wind gets trapped against the umbrella and pushes the canopy outward, leaving you with an unusable umbrella and no protection from the rain.
✔️ Handles: Traditional stick umbrellas have a u-shaped or hook-like handle for you to grasp. While there's plenty of space for you to hold the umbrella, these handles aren't always comfortable. Most compact umbrellas or travel umbrellas tend to have smaller handles with a contoured grip that feel more natural in your hand. Also consider whether the handle has a rubberized coating for even more grip.
✔️ Price: While price isn't necessarily an indicator of overall product quality, you may discover that buying the cheapest option will result in having to buy more umbrellas in the long run. Some umbrellas just can't stand up to a lot of regular use.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab in 2022 as a home & apparel reviews analyst. Constantine has tested over a dozen umbrellas in the Lab and has tried even more outside in the rain, including luxury $165 umbrellas and a $5 umbrella she bought on the subway. She currently rotates through a collection of seven umbrellas, including three of the featured umbrellas. She used her personal experience and expertise as well as testing data and tester feedback to determine which umbrellas are worth the investment.
![jennifer garner at peacocks the five star weekend premiere held at the hammer museum on july 08, 2026 in los angeles, california photo by christopher polkdeadline via getty images](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/e417e56d-f9fc-4b35-9e34-5853ed84cf23.jpeg?crop=0.666727075027xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:* "Peacock's "The Five Star Weekend" Premiere")
