{"id":180036,"date":"2023-09-19T14:39:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T14:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotworldreport.com\/?p=180036"},"modified":"2023-09-19T14:39:00","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T14:39:00","slug":"best-compact-umbrella-uk-2023-we-tested-11-small-but-mighty-brollies-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotworldreport.com\/lifestyle\/best-compact-umbrella-uk-2023-we-tested-11-small-but-mighty-brollies-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Best compact umbrella UK 2023: We tested 11 small but mighty brollies | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"
IF there\u2019s one thing the Great British weather is known for, it\u2019s an unpredictable nature. <\/p>\n
That's why so many of us like to leave home prepared for rain (even in midsummer) with a compact umbrella. <\/p>\n
But with so many foldable brollies on the market \u2013 in every size and colour available \u2013 which is the best compact umbrella to have with you at all times and what makes a good foldable brolly? <\/p>\n
Read on to discover our raining champions.<\/p>\n
Firstly, if you\u2019re on the lookout for an umbrella that\u2019s small enough to stash away in the bottom of your handbag, stuff down the side of your backpack or even pop into a pocket, you\u2019ll need to consider the folded size of your canopy. <\/p>\n
However, size isn\u2019t everything; durability, weight, opening mechanism, windproofing and overall design will all play a part in ensuring you don\u2019t arrive at your destination looking like you swam there.<\/p>\n
Generally speaking, if your folded umbrella is small and light, then the canopy will also be small and weak, and may even invert in stronger winds, so you need to weigh up whether you prioritise size or performance.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a good idea to have one mini umbrella for a quick dash through sudden showers and a more sturdy option for longer spells in the rain, although there are some brollies on our list that offer a good balance of both.<\/p>\n
If you are looking for a tiny umbrella, it\u2019s worth spending a little more on decent materials and quality craftsmanship, with ribs that won\u2019t rust or break even if they do invert, and a canopy that won\u2019t leak or tear if it gets a bit battered by wind.<\/p>\n
Another element to consider is whether you need an automatic open\/close button. You often pay a little more for this functionality, but it means you can pop your compact umbrella up with just one hand, which is very useful for frequent travellers who may have a pull-along suitcase in tow, or if you\u2019re often just weighed down with lots of other stuff.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Recycled materials, good price, auto open and close, vented canopy<\/em> This folding umbrella from B Corp Roka fits an absolute ton of functionality into one reasonably small package. <\/p>\n Made from triple-coated recycled nylon, the vented canopy stands up against both heavy rain and strong winds, thanks largely to the fiberglass frame that manages to be both lightweight and sturdy.<\/p>\n The springy auto open and close mechanism is quick to release even in a sudden downpour and we loved the fact it can slot into the side of a rucksack; the grippy handle and the wide selection of rainbow colours are a lovely touch too.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/strong>Not specified Folded length:<\/strong> 30cm Canopy size: <\/strong>92cm<\/em><\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Auto open and close, large canopy, very lightweight and slim<\/em> This small but mighty folding umbrella from Austrian brand Doppler brings a spot of sunshine to overcast days. <\/p>\n We were absolutely amazed that such a tiny umbrella managed to have an auto open-close button; it's incredibly useful if you only have one hand spare in the middle of a downpour.\u00a0<\/p>\n The aluminium shaft and carbon ribs also managed to be both impossibly light and super sturdy, and the canopy is big enough for two people to shelter under \u2014 magic, indeed!<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>184g <\/em>Folded length: <\/em><\/strong>26cm<\/em> Canopy size: <\/em><\/strong>97cm<\/em><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Cool design, recycled and sustainable materials, auto open<\/em> Channel your inner-Mary Poppins with this bird-headed compact umbrella. <\/p>\n The sustainably-sourced, duck head birch wood handle (with matching beak) manages to be both aesthetically pleasing and comfy to hold.<\/p>\n We absolutely loved the incredible choice of canopy patterns (made with 100% recycled bottles) and both the auto-open mechanism and steel ribs feel really well made, standing up well to even strong winds.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>350g<\/em> Folded length: <\/em><\/strong>35cm<\/em> Canopy size: <\/em><\/strong>Not specified<\/em><\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Generous canopy, very small and lightweight, surprisingly sturdy, lifetime guarantee<\/em> Don\u2019t let its tiny size fool you; the Davek Mini is made of seriously strong stuff. <\/p>\n Packed with high-grade steel, fibreglass and aircraft-grade aluminium, we found that this little brolly was exceptionally reliable, even in stormy conditions. <\/p>\n Its 18cm size means it is the perfect just-in-case umbrella to have squirreled away at the bottom of your bag, or even stuffed into a coat pocket.<\/p>\n The higher price tag may initially be off-putting, but when you consider that Davek umbrellas come with a lifetime guarantee and loss protection, you may well end up saving on umbrella spend in the long run.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>232g<\/em> Folded length: <\/em><\/strong>18cm <\/em>Canopy size: <\/em><\/strong>97cm<\/em><\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Decent canopy, smooth auto open close, all sustainable materials, robust design, 5 year warranty If you\u2019re looking for a truly outstanding compact umbrella, then look for the brand that invented it: Hans Haupt applied for a patent for a "shortenable umbrella" all the way back in 1930. He called his pocket umbrella \u2018Knirps\u2019 (or tiny tot) and founded a company of the same name to distribute the innovative product.<\/p>\n Knirps umbrellas have continued their legacy of innovation and the Vision Duomatic is the brand\u2019s sustainable model, made using 100% biodegradable plastic for the handle, runner and top, and recycled PET for the canopy. <\/p>\n The automatic open-close button is a smooth piece of engineering and the opened shelter feels secure and sturdy.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>325g<\/em> Folded length: <\/em><\/strong>28cm<\/em> Canopy size: <\/em><\/strong>97cm<\/em><\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Auto open and close, easy repair, good performance, great for busy streets Weather looking a bit iffy? Tuck the Metro under your arm and you\u2019re good to go. <\/p>\n Available in a cheery range of bright colours, this contemporary looking compact brolly boasts rounded ends (no pointy spokes), plus 360\u00b0 spinning technology, so it can handle knocks and bumps when navigating narrow spaces. <\/p>\n We loved the fact that this umbrella comes with a cover to stop your bag getting wet and is sturdy enough to withstand stormy skies.<\/p>\n Blunt umbrellas are also designed in modular parts, so if the worst happens and your umbrella is damaged you can repair it, rather than purchasing a whole new model. <\/p>\n That saves you from having to fork out for a new umbrella and stops another broken umbrella adding to landfill.<\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 385g Folded length:<\/strong> 37.5cm Canopy size: <\/strong>100cm<\/em><\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Eco friendly, good-canopy, UPF50+ This eco-friendly brolly from the royal family\u2019s favourite umbrella brand is a high-quality compact. <\/p>\n It comes with a surprisingly generous canopy in a pretty pastel marching elephant design, wind-resistant frame and bamboo handle.<\/p>\n We love that this umbrella also offers UPF50+ protection, which makes it a lovely parasol for sunnier days too.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>245g <\/em>Folded length: <\/em><\/strong>23cm <\/em>Canopy size: <\/em><\/strong>91cm<\/em><\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Gorgeous design, tiny compact<\/em> Prepare for compliments on every corner when you step out with the impossibly-pretty Siirtolapuutarha (meaning \u2018city garden\u2019 in Finnish) compact umbrella from marimekko. <\/p>\n Featuring a stunning line drawing print overflowing with flowers as well as a matching case, this brolly folds down into a super-small bundle.<\/p>\n Once opened the canopy does a decent job of keeping bad weather away from your (no doubt effortlessly elegant) outfit, and is the ideal city companion for wet weather.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>215g<\/em> Folded length: <\/em><\/strong>18cm <\/em>Canopy size: <\/em><\/strong>94cm<\/em><\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Extremely lightweight and small<\/em> Weighing roughly the same as half an apple (yes, really), this ridiculously lightweight compact umbrella needs to be held to be believed. <\/p>\n Perfect for keeping in your bag for a downpour emergency, you won\u2019t even notice you\u2019re carrying it around with you. <\/p>\n The high-density polyester fabric will keep you dry in sudden showers and even though the feather-light carbon ribs are a little shaky in a breeze, their flexible design will withstand inversion without damage.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>86g <\/em>Folded length: <\/em><\/strong>20cm <\/em>Canopy size: <\/em><\/strong>83cm<\/em><\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Bright colour, well made, smooth auto open and close<\/em> This compact offering from super-stylish brolly brand London Undercover has a lot to love in such a neat package. <\/p>\n For starters, we adored the bold neon orange shade, which proved to be both impossible-to-lose and the envy of everyone who spotted it.<\/p>\n The auto-open close is really slick and the all-black steel frame looks really smart too. The 100% recycled canopy is a generous size and it feels built to last you through many rainy days.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>400g <\/em>Folded length: <\/em><\/strong>30.5cm <\/em>Canopy size: <\/em><\/strong>96cm<\/em><\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Lots of designs available, small compact, affordable, made from recycled materials<\/picture>Lashing it down <\/span><\/p>\n
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The best compact umbrellas, at a glance<\/h2>\n
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Roka Waterloo Recycled Nylon Umbrella<\/h2>\n
13<\/span>
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Not the smallest compact<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>5\/5<\/em><\/p>\nDoppler Zero Magic Automatic Pocket Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Small Velcro fastening struggles when wet<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>5\/5<\/em><\/p>\n\n
Original Duckhead Peanut Butter Checkers Eco-Friendly Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Slightly larger compact<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>5\/5<\/em><\/p>\nDavek Mini<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Expensive<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>5\/5<\/em><\/p>\nKnirps Vision Duomatic<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Cons:<\/strong> Larger compact<\/em>
Rating: <\/strong>5\/5<\/em><\/p>\nBlunt Metro Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/strong>Expensive, a larger folded package<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nFulton Eco Planet UV<\/h2>\n
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\u00a325<\/s> \u00a316.46 from Amazon – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/em>Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Too big for pockets, manual open<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nSiirtolapuutarha Mini Manual Umbrella<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Not as robust as some, a little pricey<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nFulton Aerolight<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Can\u2019t withstand strong winds, smaller canopy<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nLondon Undercover Auto Compact<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Larger and heavier compact<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nTotes ECO-BRELLA Supermini<\/h2>\n
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