Specs: Six Moon Designs Rain Walker SUL Umbrella
MSRP: $60
Weight: 5.5 ounces
Materials: Carbon fiber shaft, spreader, and ribs
Canopy: 10d silnylon
Handle: EVA foam
Shaft Length: 23.5 inches
Open Canopy Width: 37 inches
Coverage: 7.5 square feet
The new Six Moon Designs Rain Walker SUL raises the bar for ultralight umbrellas, using a carbon fiber shaft and ribs to weigh in at a scant 5.5 ounces. The broad canopy protects your upper body from sun and rain, making the Rain Walker crucial equipment on long desert slogs or days of hiking in the rain.
Why Carry an Umbrella?
I’m the guy who took years to switch from boots to trail runners, and who thought umbrellas were for English bankers.
So why use an umbrella when I have a raincoat?
A raincoat has drawbacks. Water runs down your face during a driving rain. Sweat builds up inside the coat on warm days.
So why not an umbrella? They’re light, packable, and easy to attach to a backpack, making an umbrella an inviting choice for endless rainy days on a long-distance hike. Or essential while trekking in the hot desert sun.
Because I live in New England, testing in the desert was out. So I carried the new ultralight Rain Walker SUL from Six Moon Designs in the rain.
I still wore a raincoat because this was February and March in southern New England after all, and the rain was cold. I can see ditching the clammy rain gear entirely on hot summer days, which is what I usually do, but now letting an umbrella keep my head and upper body dry. And by attaching the umbrella shaft to my shoulder strap (see hands-free options below) I can still use my trekking poles.
Rain, Sun Protection
Rain: The Rain Walker kept me dry from head to waist. Protection for your arms depends on which side of your body you hold the umbrella or attach it to your shoulder strap. Hold it in your left hand and your left arm is well protected, while the right arm has some exposure. The ideal spot for weather protection would be in the center of your body, but then the umbrella shaft is in your face.
Sun: The Rain Walker has a green or dark teal canopy and no UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating, but still can provide protection from the sun. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that black umbrellas blocked at least 90% of ultraviolet radiation, with white umbrellas blocking 77%. Purple, blue, green, red, and pink fell in between. Compare that with the Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow umbrellas, with a UPF rating of 50+. That’s enough to block 98% of UV rays.
Use in Varied Terrain
Through the Green Tunnel: You may have to open and close the Rain Walker frequently if you’re on an overgrown trail or one that has blowdowns you need to duck under. Attaching the umbrella to your shoulder strap means you could be taking your pack off frequently. But on a well-cleared trail, the Rain Walker does well.
Through the Desert: Although not UPF rated, the Rain Walker should provide shade and protection in the hot sun. Just remember to cover up your arms and legs, or slather them with sunscreen.
Above Treeline: I wouldn’t even think of using the Rain Walker above treeline because of greater lightning exposure, especially on the Colorado 14ers. And winds on exposed terrain could be a problem.
Random Thoughts
In the Wind: Gusts of 7mph tugged at the umbrella while attached to my backpack. I wouldn’t be comfortable carrying in winds of say more than 10mph. The National Weather Service classifies a wind of 8-12mph as a gentle breeze, capable of setting leafy tree branches in constant motion and blowing a flag out straight.
EVA Foam Handle: Comfortable and cushy, with raised grips to keep the handle from sliding through your fingers.
10d Silnylon Canopy: A material similar in strength to that used for tent flies. Sags when wet, but still provides protection.
Weight: At 5.5 ounces you’ll barely know you’re carrying the Rain Walker.
Packability: Stows easily in a side pack pocket, and its small profile keeps it from snagging on trail brush.
Shoulder Strap Mount: Six Moon Designs sells a backpack umbrella shoulder strap for $10, but there are other choices. I wound a strap around the Rain Walker’s shaft and backpack shoulder strap, although this method takes awhile to undo. I could see using Velcro straps to fasten the umbrella shaft to your pack shoulder straps. Or using small bungee cords. The internet has innumerable suggestions for fastening an umbrella to a pack. Just be sure to test your system on a rainy day hike before heading into the backcountry. However you strap the umbrella to your pack, keeping the canopy as close to you as possible provides the best protection. I recommend having the canopy resting on your pack.
Ease of Use: Opens and closes easily. No release button to mess with.
Country of Origin: Manufactured in China.
Warranty: Unused items can be returned within 30 days for a full refund, less shipping charges.
Pros
Weight: At 5.5 ounces, Six Moon Designs says the Rain Walker is the lightest full-size hiking umbrella on the market. I couldn’t find anything lighter.
Size: Thin profile when closed, easy to stash in a pack side pocket.
Easy to Use: Opens and closes by moving the canopy slide up and down.
Sun Protection: Probably the strongest reason to use an umbrella.
Cons
Cost: Among the highest-priced umbrellas I could find. But if you’re serious about being ultralight, you already know that ultralight gear is costly.
Not Good in the Wind: Slight winds tugged at the umbrella; strong winds would definitely wreak havoc.
Overgrown Trails, Blowdowns: A weak spot for umbrellas.
Overall Value
Is $60 a good price for an umbrella? The Rain Walker is made of carbon fiber, a material used for ultralight gear. As an example, quality carbon fiber trekking poles cost twice as much as aluminum poles. So yes, $60 seems in line with the high price of ultralight carbon fiber gear.
Similar Umbrellas
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Trekking Umbrella
Open Canopy Width: 38 inches
Collapsed Length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 8.5 ounces
Canopy Materials: 30D Ultra-Sil
Shaft: Aircraft-grade aluminum
Sun Protection: Not given
MSRP: $44.95
Gossamer Gear Liteflex Hiking (Chrome) Umbrella
Open Canopy Width: 39.4 inches
Shaft Length: 25.2 inches
Weight: 8 ounces
Canopy Materials: 100% polyester with Teflon coating
Shaft: Fiberglass
Sun Protection: UV protection factor 50+
MSRP: $39
This product was donated for purpose of review.
