THERE’S nothing worse than getting drenched when the heavens decide to open, but having the best compact umbrella can prepare you for drizzly days.
An essential for when you leave your abode, compact umbrellas are easy to pack away in your bag and take out when needed.
While some people may prefer to opt for a less portable option, they can be tricky to carry around when you’re off out and about.
Compact offerings not only fold away like a dream, but also provide coverage much like huge brollies so you can stay nice and dry.
If you love to step out in style, there are plenty of umbrellas available in a range of striking prints and colorways to suit your outfits.
Alternatively, you could opt for a neutral or monotone option that will stand the test of time and match any clothing.
Available at different price points, you may want to invest in a more durable umbrella or a cheaper variation that will be less of a worry to lose.
We’ve rounded up the best umbrellas on the market that will see you through rainy days.
Best compact umbrellas at a glance:
- Best overall: Repel Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrella
- Best quick-drying: Totes Signature Auto Open Umbrella With Neverwet® Technology
- Best design: Vera Bradley Women’s Mini Travel Umbrella
- Best eco-friendly: Totes Recycled PET Eco-Friendly Umbrella with NeverWet®
- Best for sunlight: ESUFEIR Travel Rain Umbrella
- Best for adults and kids: Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella
- Best for lightweight: Totes Super Slender Umbrella
Best overall: Repel Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrella
- Repel Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrella, from $29.99 at Amazon – buy here
An umbrella that gives into strong winds is never ideal, but this heavy-duty pick from Repel has been engineered to withstand whatever mother nature throws at you.
Built with a Teflon-coated double-build canopy, this sheds water to keep you dry at all times, as well as blocking out sunlight, making it great for days when you fancy a bit of shade.
The simplistic design and color make this versatile enough for all the family to use when they’re heading out and it’s lightweight so you can hold it with ease.
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Best quick-drying: Totes Signature Auto Open Umbrella With Neverwet® Technology
- Signature Auto Open Umbrella With Neverwet® Technology, reduced to $15.99 at Totes – buy here
Featuring a multi-colored pastel design, this umbrella is an aesthetic dream that would be guaranteed to add a bit of brightness to a gloomy day.
This has been made with Neverwet® Technology to stop the rain from penetrating through and the umbrella will stay four times dry, so you won’t have to contend with dripping.
The premium, textured handle includes a stylish metallic coating and a secure comfortable grip.
One touch is needed to reveal a full 42-inch canopy that will protect you from downpours.
This umbrella also folds to just 12 inches when you’re ready to store it away.
Best design: Vera Bradley Women’s Mini Travel Umbrella
- Vera Bradley Women’s Mini Travel Umbrella, $30 from Target – buy here
A destination for accessories, tote bags, and backpacks, Vera Bradley knows how to nail a design and this brolly is no exception.
Adorned in a stunning floral print in contrasting colors, this is perfect for running errands or heading on days out.
Praised for easily fitting into handbags, this mini travel umbrella is a must-have to ensure you don’t get caught in any drizzle.
And best of all, it features a handy push button to open out when you need to take cover.
Best eco-friendly: Totes Recycled PET Eco-Friendly Umbrella with NeverWet®
- Recycled PET Eco-Friendly Umbrella with NeverWet®, $28 from Totes – buy here
As well as protecting yourself from the weather, you could protect the environment with this umbrella from Totes, which is made from 100% recycled PET plastics.
Less water is also used during production and the handle and strap are made from renewable resources, so you can be sure you’ll be doing your bit.
Much like other offerings from the brand, this umbrella has been created with NeverWet® invisible coating to stay drier.
The auto open and close feature makes this a breeze to use and the wide tie strap has been included for neat storage.
Best for sunlight: ESUFEIR Travel Rain Umbrella
- ESUFEIR Travel Rain Umbrella, $16.89 at Amazon – buy here
An umbrella that will have you covered come rain or shine, this pastel pick includes a black coating inside that protects against 99% of the sun’s rays.
Aside from keeping you cooler during the summer months, this has an outside coating that will keep you dry when the rain sets in.
Fiberglass and a high-strength iron shaft are also featured to keep your brolly intact during strong winds.
This also comes with a matching case so it’ll take little room in your bag.
Best for adults and kids: Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella
- Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella, $21.99 at Walmart – buy here
When it comes to umbrellas, nothing beats a classic multi-colored design and, at $21.99, this eye-catching offering from Rain-Mate is a great pick that is also bound to go down a treat with kids.
Created to fit in backpacks, suitcases, purses, and briefcases this folds down to just 12 inches and opens up to 42 inches so you can rest assured you’ll be protected against the elements.
The umbrella includes an auto-open and close function along with a non-slip handle for increased grip.
Flip-safe technology and reinforced fiberglass ribs ensure that this can serve in any weather conditions from sun and rain to snow and winds.
Best for lightweight: Totes Super Slender Umbrella
- Super Slender Umbrella, reduced to $9.99 at Totes – buy here
Made with high-quality materials, this lightweight umbrella is great for popping away in your purse or backpack thanks to its ultra-compact design.
Coming in a vibrant blue shade, the canopy opens to 43 inches and folds to 9-1/2 inches, with a carry strap that makes transporting this around super easy.
Simply manually push the runner to open the umbrella and pull the runner to close.
What is the best umbrella brand?
This is generally down to personal preference and which umbrellas will stand the test of time and see you through different weather conditions.
While some brands are more favored than others, Totes offer a variety of different brollies at a range of price points.
Samsonite is another brand that gets rave reviews and Amazon also stocks an extensive range of umbrellas from some of the best brands.
Which is the best windproof umbrella?
In addition to Totes, Repel umbrellas feature windproof designs.
The brand’s Wind Resistant Travel Umbrella features 9 Fiberglass Ribs to prevent it from turning inside out in strong winds.
They’re also durable and backed by a lifetime replacement warranty.
