My silver umbrella has quickly become one of my favorite items I carry.
It is a saving grace really.
I carry a Euroschirm trekking umbrella (found on sale at Campmor)
It folds up smaller than the Golite umbrella and the weight difference is neglible.
I walk degrees cooler through the hot desert under my umbrella.
A shady area is magnified by adding my umbrella. Where no shade exists, it provides some comfort.
The first time I popped open the umbrella on a hot, dry, shadeless day, I did feel momentarily ridiculous. However, the instant relief from the pounding sun changed that thought to delight at the inventions of humans.
yes, i loved my umbrella too. it also keeps the top half of you dry when hiking in the rain. many a hiker laughs or declares the extra weight unnecessary, but the times it comes in handy make it worth it. we are few but proud………the solar umbrella crowd.
socks