Umbrellas for mountaineers: the pros and cons of using them in the mountains
If hiking is your passion, today you have the widest range of accessories that will make it easier for you to practise your hobby.
In this universe of products, accessories and equipment for hiking, there is one that you may not have in your possession, but that you may find very useful, I am talking about the mountain umbrella; a umbrellas for mountaineerswith the reinforcements, resistance and the necessary functionality to accompany you on your mountain outings.
In many countries, it is common practice to use trekking umbrellas as it allows you to protect yourself from the rain, beyond the waterproof jacket; in other places it is the great unknown. In this article, we will show you the pros and cons of using it, as well as some useful tips for the safe use of a trekking umbrella, and other recommendations of interest related to hiking.
We begin by describing the characteristics of the hiking umbrellas.
- Handle design and materials for comfort and ease of use.
- Lightweight and resistant materials.
- Wind resistance is a vitally important feature when using an umbrella in the mountains.
If you are going to use a mountain umbrella, we suggest you follow these simple recommendations:
1. Never open the mountain umbrella when it is windy and the terrain is exposed.The explanation is obvious: you can lose your balance and fall, and if you are climbing a steep slope in the company of other mountaineers, you also put them in danger, as the umbrella can slip out of your hands and cause an accident.
2. Never use a trekking umbrella when there is a thunderstorm. Storms turn umbrellas into potential lightning rods.
3. In very cold or snowy weatherFor one thing, the snow makes the umbrella useless, and the arm you hold up with the umbrella gets colder faster, hindering blood circulation.
4. Finally, avoid using hiking umbrellas in rough terrain.If we are climbing, the use of umbrellas makes it difficult to move, we would only have one arm to hold on to, and it could put us at risk.
In addition to having a trekking umbrella, it is always advisable to be better prepared, to carry the necessary equipment for mountain activitiesto deal with an unforeseen weather contingency. Never forget to wear a hat, to cover your head and protect you from the sun and rain, and to wear appropriate clothing for adverse weather - we recommend the three-layer system-. To emphasise the use of the three Gs: hat, gloves and goggles.
There are many stories about whether or not to use umbrellas for mountaineers, and like any other accessory, there are instructions and guidelines for their correct use.
The best advice we can offer is to use it responsibly and with common sense, and to follow the recommendations described in this article to avoid any accidents or discomfort.
