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The umbrella that can withstand gale-force winds
The best umbrellas...
The Good Housekeeping Institute braved the elements to test out 24 compact and stick umbrellas and find you the best.
Putting them through their paces the team were testing for strength in strong wind, durability, and water resistance. They carefully consider the design, how easy it was to use and the usefulness of any instructions supplied with it.
Although many broke in the early stages, there was a surprising number of survivors. Find out how they scored here...
MORE: HOW WE TEST UMBRELLAS
Gustbuster Metro
COMPACT WINNER: Gustbuster The Metro
93/100
*Did not blow inside out
*Elastic on canopy allows for strong gusts to pass through vents
*Waterproof and colourfast
*Rustproof
*Auto open button
*Lifetime guarantee
*Comes with cover
*Stick handle
*Quite big for a compact – wouldn’t fit in small handbag
£29.99, amazon.co.uk
Collar and Cuffs Storm Defender City
STICK WINNER: Collar and Cuffs London Storm Defender City
92/100
*Did not blow inside out
*Stylish design
*Wooden hook handle
*Comes with cover
*Auto open button
*Vented canopy
£24.50, collarandcuffslondon.com
Black Pagoda Umbrella
Black Pagoda Umbrella - Stick
91/100
*Did not blow inside out
*Silver UV lining
*No cover
*Handle can be slippery to hold with gloves on
*Auto open button
£19.95, umbrellaheaven.com
Blunt Classic
Blunt Classic Stick Umbrella - Stick
91/100
*Did not blow inside out
*Rounded safety tips on spokes
*Felt sturdy in use
*No cover
*Two year guarantee
£48.00, bluntumbrellas.co.uk
Warwick windproof walking umbrella black top
Warwick Windproof Walking Umbrella - Stick
91/100
*Can blow inside out but clever mechanism prevents damage and it is easily pulled back into place
*Wooden hook handle
*Auto open button
*No cover
£19.95, umbrellaheaven.com
Blunt XS_Metro with Tile
Blunt XS_Metro - Compact
90/100
*Did not blow inside out
*Comes with zipped cover
*Auto open button
*Rounded safety tips on spokes
*Quite big for a compact
£50.00/£59.00 with tile device, bluntumbrellas.com
Fulton Stormshield
Fulton Stormshield - Stick
90/100
*Did not blow inside out
*Soft grip stick handle
*Vented canopy
*Comes with cover
*Quite stiff to open on initial use
£25, fultonumbrellas.com
Collar and Cuffs Storm Protector Mega Ribs
Collar and Cuffs London Storm Protector Mega Ribs Umbrella - Stick
86/100
*Did not blow inside out
*Auto open button
*Powerful opening mechanism makes opening effortless
*16 ribs for extra strength
*No cover
*Hook handle
*Handle was quite slippery in use
£24.50, collarandcuffslondon.com
Totes Xtra Strong Compact
Totes Xtra Strong Compact - Compact
85/100
*Didn’t blow inside out easily
*Frame is strong enough to pull back into place without damage
*Auto open button is quite stiff
*Comes with cover
*Good compact size
£28, totes.co.uk
Marks and Spencer Collection
Marks & Spencer Collection Spotted Compact Umbrella with Stormwear - Compact
79/100
*Does blow inside out
*No damage to frame after wind test
*Comes with cover
*Manual open and close
*Good value for money
*Good compact size
£10, marksandspencer.com
Heart Umbrella
Heart Umbrella - Stick
77/100
*Does blow inside out occasionally
*Soft grip stick handle
*Fun novelty design
*No cover
*Manual open and close
£18.90, umbrellaheaven.com
High quality Walking Umbrella Teal
High Quality Walking Umbrella - Stick
77/100
*Does blow inside out
*Quite hard to pull back because of the size
*Rubber walking tip
*Hook handle
*Silver UV lining
*Spokes pop out during use and need to be slotted back
*No cover
£14.95, umbrellaheaven.com
Stormfighter stealth
Stormfighter Stealth Fighter Windproof Umbrella - Stick
77/100
*Did not blow inside out
*Unusual shape makes it harder to control in strong gusts
*Less coverage than a standard shape
*Comes with a cover
*Manual open and close
*Lightweight for a stick umbrella
*Doesn’t stay closed unless strap is fastened around it
£34.95, umbrellaheaven.com
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