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Product Description
Frustrated by the number of umbrellas that end up in landfills, the folks behind New Zealand–based Blunt set out on a mission: to make an umbrella that actually works—one that won’t break in a storm, when you need it most. The result? Read More
I purchased one of these as my emergency car unbrella for when I forget to prepare for the weather and it has not let me down yet. A bit heavier than other compact umbrellas but it lasts and the flimsy ones don't so it is a good trade.
The umbrella comes nicely packaged in a poster style case.
The case is strong and I see myself using it for other things in the future.
The Umbrella "Sleeve":
The sleeve opens at the end with a zipper allowing the umbrella to be inserted easily so long as you smooth the canopy properly before rolling it up.
The sleeve may be too tight for others but in my opinion this is good as it compresses the umbrella and allows it to be kept nicely compact.
The Umbrella:
My use case was the very windy and rainy Canadian fall.
The canopy held up extremely well. It handled inversions very well , didn't rip/tear anywhere and held up well to the abuse.
The canopy was flexible. It remained taught but flexed just enough when harsh winds where thrown against it
The extending and collapsing mechanism of the umbrella is good. I don't have to deal with bare metal or weak latches that deform after some use.
The way they've done the stitching: If they hadn't done it they way they did, it would have surely gone the way of your typical supermarket umbrella.
Design:
I find the umbrella aesthetically pleasing and it's durability outstanding.
The size for this fold up isn't really a problem for me due to the sleeve. That and I just chuck the thing in my backpack anyway so space isn't really a problem.
The Blunt branding is pretty much everywhere but from across the street I doubt others will notice it and it isn't obnoxious.
Issues, Problems, Flaws:
The handle on the umbrella wobbles. This is unacceptable for an umbrella of this price. How is this still a problem in modern umbrellas at this price point?
This isn't for tall people. The sizing of the canopy may be technically correct but do take notice of the pictures. The umbrella curves in around the points. I'd rather much have a full sized umbrella compared to this.
However, that doesn't discount always having a durable small umbrella on hand for emergencies.
You require conscious effort to ensure the umbrella collapsing lock actually engages. Sometimes it does and others it doesn't. You need to pay attention to it and forcefully push it into place until you hear the not single but subtler double click. This is annoying. I double click it, take my hand off it and then it explodes into me and more importantly the people around me on the bus.
You need to fold the umbrella properly each and every time you try to put it into the sleeve. I believe the compression zipper thing on the sleeve could be much better. Particularly in cases when you kinda just need to chuck it in there cause you will be taking it out later to dry anyway.
In conclusion:
3/5 Various Pros and Cons
Am I going to toss this out? No. For the sole reason that I don't want to have to buy other umbrellas again and again. This was also quite the investment. This sure has it's flaws but it being relegated to emergency duty at the bottom of the backpack is fine for me. It does it's job. The canopy system is fantastic and I'll definitely be looking into getting a bigger full sized one to put in the car or something. If the handle didn't wobble, I would have easily overlooked the other annoyances like the closing and sleeve.
If you're built smaller and are ok with the little annoyances then this might be right up your alley.
Great umbrella, but it's somewhat small. (Beware if you are a tall person) .
The umbrella is great quality wise, but it's somewhat small. The compact size it's not necessarily a bad thing (it's a umbrella designed to be portable after all), specially if you a "compact" person. If you are tall person (six foot or taller), this is not a product for you; Look for the Blunt Classic 47".