Repel Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrella - Wind Resistant, Small - Compact, Light, Automatic, Strong Steel Shaft, Mini, Folding and Portable - Backpack, Car, Purse Umbrellas for Rain - Men and Women

A little difficult to close. It’s protective of user.

I loved the look and quality of this umbrella. However, it was too heavy and the handle was not balanced in a way that made it easy to carry once opened. Too much weight concentrated on a small dense handle. Needed a lighter weight, more open convenient handle.

I bought my first of these almost 7 years ago. It looked and functioned like new until someone at a restaurant noticed that I had a better umbrella and stole it. It’s sturdier than any other compact umbrella I’ve used and a stiff wind is no problem for it.

In shopping for a new compact umbrella, I prioritized durability and ease of use. I chose the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella (also called the Repel Easy Touch Umbrella) based on several reviews but particularly based on the testing done by Outdoor Gear Lab web site, which rated the Repel highest for ease of use. I also considered the Lewis & Clark Travel Umbrella, but it wasnt available in navy blue. I think I made a good choice with the Repel. It is 11.5 inches long when collapsed, weighs 14 ounces, and the canopy has a diameter of 37 inches. It has 9 resin-enforced fiberglass ribs for support; they are gunmetal in color. Its entirely waterproof. The umbrellas best features are its automatic open-close mechanism and its handle. The auto open-close is very quiet and smooth. The handle is comfortable, textured for easy gripping, and has only smooth edges. There is no sharp edge at the top of the handle that I find on many compact umbrellas. The button to control the open-close is big but cannot easily be triggered by accident. The one difficulty I find with the Repel umbrella is that it takes some force to push the shaft into the handle to fully collapse the umbrella. The ribs close with the touch of a button. Then you need to place the palm of your hand on the top of the umbrella and push it into the shaft with your other hand on the handle. The instructions say this, but it is really the only way to close the umbrella. You cant pull the shaft down into the handle; you have to push it from the top. The umbrella weights 14.2 ounces by my scale, which is on the heavy side for a compact umbrella. But I like the quality of the handle and the entire umbrella feels sturdy, so Im not complaining. It comes with a matching nylon pouch or cover that is, as expected, a little difficult to get the umbrella back into. The trick is to twist in the direction that the umbrella folds while pulling the cover down over it. Still a nuisance to do while out and about, so I dont use the cover. Repel umbrellas have a lifetime guarantee, which is impressive for an automatic umbrella. I expect this umbrella to last a long time; it is a quality product, both in appearance and in actual operation.

So far, it hasnt inverted in the wind, like my last windproof umbrella... I like that its got a relatively short pole/handle, so its easier to hold onto in heavy gusts. Its a little difficult to close as it takes some force to push the top back towards the handle, but it does seem built to last.

In all honesty I haven’t had the opportunity to see how it fares on a windy day, and that’s the reason I bought it. I based it on the sturdiness of other umbrellas I have had. One thing I don’t care for is how fast it opens and closes. It shoots open with a snap. Watch your fingers! That’s the reason I gave it four stars.

It collapsed the first time a gust of wind blew.

The umbrella is good, sturdy, and compact. One thing I dislike is the closing mechanism where you have to press the button again and then press down with your palm to close it. Usually if its raining hard youre getting a bit wet trying to close the thing.

it’s a great, well-made product and clearly these guys stand by them. I’ve had so many awful umbrellas over the years. This one’s obviously different… they honored the warranty when mine broke in heavy winds. Good umbrella, good company, worth buying

I would like to share an experience with Repel Umbrella and its terrific customer service. I purchased an umbrella in March 2021. A few weeks ago one of the ribs broke so I reached out to them on their website. I explained the problem and asked if the damaged umbrella qualified for a free exchange covered by the lifetime warranty. I heard back less than 12 hours later with a sincere apology and a yes to the replacement umbrella. I supplied the information they asked for the next day and received an email within a few hours containing the shipping information. The new umbrella is due on 7/5 three days after my initial contact. A great big thank you to Carroll who handled my claim, to the warehouse for the quick turnaround, and to Justine for following up the next day. I will definitely be purchasing another umbrella from Repel. Well done everyone.