CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – As a part of my EDC, I carry an umbrella to be prepared for the predicted or unexpected downpour. Most of the small and compact umbrellas that I have tried have been very cheaply made, and after a gust or two of wind, end up in the garbage can along the street and I end up soaked. Let’s see if the Verykal umbrella can solve this issue.
What is it?
The Verykal umbrella is an ultralight automatic opening and closing umbrella.
What’s in the box
1 x Verykal umbrella
1 x Umbrella softcover
Design and features
Features
- Ultralight 162 grams: General automatic umbrellas are approximately 250-300 grams. Succeeded in reducing the weight significantly compared to conventional products.
- Carbon fiber: The umbrella frame is made of lightweight and durable carbon fiber, which is also used for aircraft.
- Nanotech super water-repellent: By refining the water-repellent agent to nano-class fine particles, the water-repellent coating penetrates deep into the fiber and water-repelling continues.
The umbrella comes with a soft cover and is small and slender when closed. There is a wrist loop that is attached to the handle. A
lightweight 15 denier fabric is used for the material part of the umbrella.
The main support structure is made of carbon fiber.
On the center exterior of the umbrella, there is a cap/cover that secures the material and the support structure together.
On the edges of each branch of the support structure that supports the material, there is a small cover/cap to secure the material to the end of the branch/arm.
Performance
The Verykal umbrella is lightweight and convenient for my EDC. I like the fact that it opens and closes automatically with the press of the up or down button on the handle. You do have to close the shaft manually by pushing it into its original position.
I tested it during a period of light rain and it worked well as a head covering which is usually the relevant application for mini umbrellas. There was no significant wind to collaborate its claims of superior wind-resistant capabilities, but since it is now a part of my EDC bag, that claim will eventually be substantiated or dispelled.
What I like
- The compact size
- It is very light
- The automatic open/close
What I’d change
- Nothing at the moment (Final opinion pending more testing during the upcoming winter season)
Final thoughts
After swearing off small umbrellas because of their inability to withstand any significant and repetitive wind gusts, I am now using this umbrella as a part of my EDC bag. The winter storms in NYC have not yet arrived, but from my initial impression, I do believe that the Verykal umbrella will provide more longevity than its predecessors. However, it is also important to keep in mind that small umbrellas are only effective as protection during light precipitation and do not protect the majority of your body during blowing and drifting wind and snow. Since we are closing in on the winter season here in NYC, I will provide an update if it does not perform as expected.
Price: $33
Where to buy: Kickstarter
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Verykal.
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I would be curious as to how well it handles wind. Please keep us updated.