LifeTek Windproof Travel Umbrella Fast Drying Teflon Canopy Compact & Strong FX1 (Black)

I was skeptical of a folding umbrella, I've always opted for the big golf-style ones since I'm a big guy, but I've lost two of those now since they don't fit in my bag, and I have a tendency to be forgetful. So I did my research and took the plunge on this one. It's the perfect balance. Fits in my bag, so I have it all the time (no more having to check the weather forecast before leaving), and never lose it since I just fold it up, but it in the case, and back in my bag. It unfolds big enough for me, a 6'4" lineman-type, and between the sturdy spars and the windproofing flaps, seems like it will last years. I recommend this umbrella for absolutely everybody.

Caution: I've used it only once. However, it opens like a charm, is beautifully constructed, closes equally easily and best of all, the canopy is designed such that it almost folds itself back up into its original shape--NO OTHER UMBRELLA EVEN COMES CLOSE! The only ding is that it is not quite as large a diameter as promised (could be the ordering process)--but not small enough to cause me to get out a measuring tape. Oh, and the cover is equally well designed and slips (not crams itself) over the umbrella. Where have these been all our lives!?!

Strong, Portable and slightly beefy (so could be used to club someone if necessary :). Jokes aside, this umbrella feels as though it's made to last. Opening, via the push-button release, feels like the spring-loaded mechanism could also be used as a pilot seat ejector. Only negative is that it's only really suited to one (small) person, so if your planning on traveling with family, buy at least three. Great stuff, look forward to my next rainy adventure.

First thing I noticed was this umbrella has some weight to it. Not that it's heavy or anything, but you can tell its sturdy and well-made. I've used it a few times in the recent storms in California, and it's held up well. It did invert a couple of times during strong gusts of wind, but it flipped back easily and with no damage to the umbrella. I've had other push-button open/close umbrellas, but this one's push-button function is a lot smoother. I would definitely purchase this umbrella again, not only for myself but for my family and friends.

Being wheelchair bound and living in central FL rain is going to happen and lately it has been like a monsoon. Since I am in a wheelchair I travel light but try and be prepared for what life throws at me. This umbrella was the right size to carry and with one hand operation fit the bill for my needs, opening and closing it while in the house worked perfect, but than just the other day I had to use it in a real sudden down pour situation, I press the open button and nothing, I had to push down hard on the top and bottom of umbrella to recock it like a pump shotgun and then I was able to open it. Again I made sure unit was fully closed and locked, second time caught in heavy down pour and again I got soaked because the one touch release would not engage, I had to again recock the unit to get it to open. When it is open unit works great at keeping me and my chair dry, just not reliable and consistent in one touch opening.13SEP15 Update: The problem with the unit was addressed without being asked. The company contacted me immediately after my last post and had a replacement at my door in two days!!! The new one works without any problems, this company has earned all my future umbrella purchases, OUTSTANDING customer service!

I have to state that I walk to my office most of the time, which is a 1.5mile round trip. And living in the NE means mixed weather (not so much rain this summer but it's finally started for Pre-Fall).I will make a comparison as I've bought the LifeTek here, and almost two years ago, bought a Totes. You know the saying, "you get what you pay for"? Well, it's true. I've had a previous 14th month old Totes with "wind-vent" feature on the top. Now, the Tote's was a bit larger but its quality was questionable after first use. I noticed that the new LifeTek repels water immediately and that when entering my building, I didn't need to shake off any remaining rain water more than once.The spring is obviously new, and you need to close with both button and pushing inward from the top bumper. Done.Compared to the Totes, some wind was no issue. The Totes collapes and the top "wind vent" was junk. The fabric came loose and off one of the arms. Nothing worse, I mean NOTHING WORSE than to have your umbrella inside out as it is pouring out and you stop to fix this *^&$!@@!.I am keeping this in my car, as it is compact enough to stay in the door compartment.UPDATE: Finally have had some rains that I can say the LifeTek model has been reliable. ColleagueI was walking with laughed that I shouldn't use it in this wind...after we arrived at destination, I laughed thatthe umbrella had no issue and the look on her face justified it.

This now well-tested umbrella is the bomb! I was in the Baltic region in late April and put this thing to the test. It held up extremely well in the battering winds in Estonia, Russia and Copenhagen. When you hit the open button the thing snaps to life like I've never seen before. It's light weight and compact, yet sturdy and strong. It's a great deal for the price.

Got this to replace a Totes Titan umbrella I had stupidly lost somewhere. That umbrella was fine and could hold its own in the wind, but it had already managed to get a rib bent so that it had trouble closing properly. This umbrella has nowhere for that to happen in the first place. The open/close mechanism is honestly a bit more fluid than any of my previous Totes, and, I know this has nothing to do with the utility, but the fabric is downright soft! It doesn't feel like an umbrella, it feels like an upscale trench coat.It can certainly hold its own against the big dogs, the only possible downside is that a two-year warranty is rather short for an umbrella, but I usually lose them before I can use the warranty anyway. It's also noticeably heavier than a standard travel umbrella when retracted, which can be a little annoying to carry.

I hated so much those 5 pounds umbrellas !!! they are just annoying! this is a product we should have The Automatic button is total luxury

Nice umbrella but a little heavy. The two canopies fold nicely when closing the umbrella. Size is good for 1-2 person. I am happy with the purchase.