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<DIV><A href="mailto:vaporjourney@gmail.com">vaporjourney@gmail.com</A> writes: I like it much more than the compact Dainty umbrella which Switchback has. The 'wings' that the umbrella fabric is attached to are much more sturdy, which will be good for wind. It is much easier to open the umbrella, and INFINITELY easier to make it stay open. My Dainty was extremely tricky to get it to stay open. A latch at the top wouldn't ever seem to keep hold. Very frustrating. Then again, I may have had a faulty umbrella. </DIV>
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<DIV>Switchback replies: This may be true. I will just have to test out the Dainty on the trail. If it does not work, then I will just look for another umbrella. But I initially really like the 5 ounce gear weight. As far as size goes, what I was looking for was an umbrella that was basically a big solar hat to cut down on dehydration and water use. That is what the Dainty is. It seems just big enough to cover my pack too in rain or shine. I have found over the years that an umbrella protects just the head and shoulder areas. May be the chest/back area too depending on wind in the rain. I also wear a SunPrecaution.com long sleeve shirt and hat to give me additional excellent sun protection, etc.</DIV>
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