Multipurpose Uses of a Rain Umbrella During Hiking

An umbrella is traditionally designed to protect an individual against climatic conditions like rain and sunlight. Umbrellas are also popular among hikers and backpackers to be used as effective water-resistant tools. While going on a hiking adventure, you may need a good-quality umbrella to trek over the wilderness and rain forest trails.

Some great uses of a rain umbrella during your hiking adventure are as follows:

• Protection from rainstorms – Umbrellas are used to stop the rain. They offer an ideal shield against torrential downpour when you are on trekking up a mountain. A sturdy umbrella is your best protective barrier against the rainy weather.

• Good ventilation – Umbrellas offer excellent ventilation for trekkers. They provide rain protection without disrupting the air circulation. Wet hiking trails can be treacherous and hikers can get sweaty while climbing, so ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating. An umbrella can help regulate the body temperature by evaporating the heat and aiding the body to adjust to the changing mountainous weather.

• Less weight – Umbrellas can weigh lesser than bulky rain jackets. You can buy super light umbrellas to minimize your hiking pack weight. Most avid trekkers are known to rely on light umbrellas while following mountainous trails.

• Snowstorm protection – Umbrellas can dislodge snowflakes and protect you in snowy weather. If you happen to be caught in a freaky summer snowstorm, you can trust the umbrella to give you added protection.

• On/off rainy spells – When it is raining for short spells, then it is a waste to carry rain jackets which you may have to remove every time the rain stops. It is much more convenient to use an umbrella for the intermittent rain periods. You just have to stow the umbrella in the backpack every time the rain stops.

• Sun protection – Rather than using a sun-hat, you can use an umbrella to give you shade from the sun's rays. Umbrellas can provide good shade and also let the heat escape so you can walk wearing minimum clothing and use an umbrella to protect the body.

• Double-up as a micro-shelter – If carrying an extra load is not an issue, you can get an offset patio umbrella to use on trails. A patio umbrella can allow you to sit in shade or also to be used as a private spot. When it is raining heavily, you can study a direction map or even prepare a quick meal under the large umbrella canopy.

• Eyeglass protection – If you are a hiking enthusiast who wears eyeglasses, then an umbrella can offer the best rain protection so that your eyeglasses do not get wet. A rain jacket can only give partial protection to people wearing eyeglasses.

Hiking is a pleasurable physical activity if you take adequate precautions and protective gear with you. An umbrella is a great hiking companion as it serves multiple purposes such as doubling-up as a stick, as a protective weapon, as a poor man's ax in addition to giving shelter from the harsh weather.