Gear and gear hacks provided by Colleen Link
Using a hiking umbrella or reflective sun umbrella on the Camino has many benefits, some being
- the temperature under the umbrella can be as much as 10 deg lower, especially as any breeze is not restricted by a hat.
- in the rain, it is easier to use a cellphone for offline maps, and to have a drink or a snack. (It’s frustrating trying to navigate a wet cellphone with wet fingers or gloves)
It is important to have a windproof and one which is reflective or UV rated.
As many pilgrims use trekking poles, I’ve researched a few ideas to attach the umbrella to the pack strap. I’ve purchased a hydration bladder clip and an elastic bungee, haven’t yet tried these.
I think that the combination of a lightweight raincoat and an umbrella would be a great combination for rain, if the umbrella is attached to the pack strap. A poncho would work if the umbrella is held.
The best protection from the rain is an oilskin, which is far too heavy for a Camino.
Goretex and pertex jackets are not ideal whilst walking in the heat,
See video below 👇
For my next Camino, I have a rain skirt, 15d nylon, weight 70g, purchased from AliExpress, paired with a Snow Peak mini hiking umbrella, weight 145g, purchased from Amazon.
Amazon sells G4free mini reflective umbrella at 120g.
- https://amzn.asia/d/7XLiEYD (Amazon Australia)
- G4Free Liteflex Hiking Umbrella Mini Compact Ultralight Collapsible Reflective Silver Trekking Backpacking Umbrella (Amazon Australia)
Further Faster sells UV hiking umbrellas, as does the Camino website 👇
https://www.santiagodecompostela.me/products/swing-handsfree-trekking-umbrella
feature image: Photo by Aqif Hussain on Unsplash
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