6 Best Windproof Umbrellas UK 2024
Small and foldable enough to slip into your bag or large enough to cover you and your companion, there are all sorts of windproof umbrellas to scour through before you invest. Our shopping guide should give you the information you need to find the most suitable, and we’ve also rounded up our top 6 best buys from John Lewis, Amazon and eBay, from brands such as Fulton and Gustbuster, so you can get to where you’re going safe and dry, rain or snow!
Quick List - Top Windproof Umbrellas
Collar and Cuffs London
Protection and Flexibility for Gale Force Winds
Van Beeken
Teflon-Coated 9 Rib Compact Umbrella With a Hard Case
Collar and Cuffs London
Budget Version of a Classic
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How to Choose a Windproof Umbrella in the UK – Buying Guide
Golf, Walking or Compact Umbrellas? Think About Which Is Most Practical for You
Golf or Walking Umbrellas Are the Original Two-Person Brolly to Shelter the Whole Body
It goes without saying that they are not the most portable option. But if you don’t mind carrying one, you plan to keep it in the boot of your car for emergencies, or you require it for use on an actual golf course, then it may well be worth it for the refuge it offers.
Lengthwise, windproof golf and walking umbrellas fall in the 1-metre range, and will have a canopy diameter of 120cm to 160cm, and sometimes more. Stick to the lesser end of the scale if you like the idea of a big umbrella without too much bulk, or go for the largest canopy you can if you want to guarantee a dry journey for more than one person.
Compact Umbrellas Are Bag-Sized, Foldable and Light
It is worth mentioning that they aren’t as strong as windproof golf umbrellas due to the fact they’re telescopic. Or in simple terms, the central pole consists of several pieces hinged together rather than one solid structure, so there’s a greater margin for breakage.
To achieve a good balance between an easy to carry brolly and one that does its job, we’d recommend looking for compacts with around a 1 metre canopy diameter, and really no lower than 90cm. They’ll fold up to about 30cm, a number you could make a note of for each product if you have a specific bag you’d like to stow it in.
Canopy Material Should Be Polyester or Nylon, and Preferably Teflon Coated
Because these fabrics are woven, by nature there will be tiny pores in the weave that have a chance of letting water in if a coating isn’t applied. So, for the best umbrella material, look for those coated in PU or better still, Teflon. Teflon is water repellant and very quick drying, both desirable qualities in a brolly.
Some umbrellas may forego the Teflon for a higher thread count, and therefore a tighter weave, so if Teflon is out look for those with a 190-210T count to be safe.
Decide Between a Single or Double Vented Canopy
Despite what one may assume, these vents or gaps between canopies will not let any water in! They will however give the wind somewhere to pass through, thus releasing pressure and stopping the umbrella from turning inside out.
There are plenty of single canopy windproof umbrellas too, that do actually invert at very high wind speeds. Don’t worry though, they are designed to do this to release pressure, and the difference is that they will return to their normal position immediately and will not become damaged in the process.
The Frame Should Be Fibreglass or Steel for Flexibility, Strength, and Weight
Note the Amount of Ribs in the Umbrella, With a Minimum Number of 8
Experts advise the minimum number of ribs to go for is 8 for the best wind resistance. Any more will only add to the overall strength, so you could go anywhere between 8-16. If you’re concerned about the weight creeping up with too many ribs, remain on the lower end of the scale, which you’ll find is common in compacts.
What Kind of Handle Do You Want? Automatic or Manual, Wooden or Soft Grip?
Whether the windproof umbrella you want to go for is a larger walking or golf variety or a small but perfectly formed compact, you’ll need to decide if you want a soft-grip handle or a classic wooden or plastic version.
Either could be a hooked J-handle (better for hanging up) or straight (usually more comfortable for the wrists), but in general, those with an additional foam or soft-grip handle are less likely to slip when wet.
Top 6 Windproof Umbrellas in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Collar and Cuffs London 2. Collar and Cuffs London 60 Mph Windproof Jumbo Umbrella | | Protection and Flexibility for Gale Force Winds | |
2 | Van Beeken 3. Van Beeken Yellow Windproof Teflon Folding Umbrella｜Red | | Teflon-Coated 9 Rib Compact Umbrella With a Hard Case | |
3 | Collar and Cuffs London 4. Collar and Cuffs London Windproof Vented Canopy Umbrella | | Budget Version of a Classic | |
4 | Fulton 5. Fulton Black Tornado Umbrella | | Extra Strong and Roomy Compact | |
5 | G4Free 6. G4Free Oversized Double Canopy Golf Umbrella | | XXL Golf Umbrella With 16 Colour Options | |
6 | TechRise 8. TechRise Classic Black Windproof Folding Umbrella | | Basic, Low Priced and Compact |
Collar and Cuffs London 2. Collar and Cuffs London 60 Mph Windproof Jumbo Umbrella
Protection and Flexibility for Gale Force Winds
It’s also very comfortable to hold and not too heavy despite being large enough for two, and there’s an auto-open mechanism to ensure instantaneous protection. We think it looks pretty good too, and there’s a shoulder strap and carry case included.
Van Beeken 3. Van Beeken Yellow Windproof Teflon Folding Umbrella ｜ Red
Teflon-Coated 9 Rib Compact Umbrella With a Hard Case
Shunning the usual 8 ribs for 9, it promises maximum sturdiness and durability and has high-density 210T micro fabric coated in water repellant Teflon. There’s also black if you prefer!
Collar and Cuffs London 4. Collar and Cuffs London Windproof Vented Canopy Umbrella
Budget Version of a Classic
All in all, the price really is excellent for the product, and at only a 29cm folded length it’s very commuter-friendly.
Extra Strong and Roomy Compact
With a large 120cm canopy, it’s cosy enough for two or roomy enough to keep your outfit dry, with nary a wobble in the face of a bluster. The wrap-around case is nifty too and can sit beside your belongings without leakage.
G4Free 6. G4Free Oversized Double Canopy Golf Umbrella
XXL Golf Umbrella With 16 Colour Options
There’s a lot of thought put into the stitching, the fabric, and the handle (it’s EVA foam, the kind you find in comfortable shoes!), and you may also choose from 16 attractive colours, including traditional golf checks.
TechRise 8. TechRise Classic Black Windproof Folding Umbrella
Basic, Low Priced and Compact
There’s a steel shaft and fibreglass ribs and an auto-open, but you’ll have to close it yourself. Whilst it’s designed for strong winds and of course rain, there’s also an extra UV-blocking outer coating for if/when the sun comes out.
Keep Sheltered From the Rain With These Waterproof Wares
Sometimes, we don't get the best luck with our weather here in old Blighty. But that doesn't mean we need to be caught short in a sudden downpour. So take a look at some of our other waterproof products to keep you dry all-year-round.
Top 5 Windproof Umbrellas
No. 1: Collar and Cuffs London ｜2. Collar and Cuffs London 60 Mph Windproof Jumbo Umbrella
No. 2: Van Beeken ｜3. Van Beeken Yellow Windproof Teflon Folding Umbrella｜Red
No. 3: Collar and Cuffs London ｜4. Collar and Cuffs London Windproof Vented Canopy Umbrella
No. 4: Fulton ｜5. Fulton Black Tornado Umbrella
No. 5: G4Free ｜6. G4Free Oversized Double Canopy Golf Umbrella
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.