RS Recommends: These High-Tech Umbrellas Will Help You Stay Dry, Visible and Connected
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With everything going “smart” these days, umbrellas are one of the latest items to get their own updates. These are different than your average connected product. Because they’ll be exposed to the elements like rain and snow, they aren’t always loaded with heavy electrical components like an indoors gadget or device. But many of today’s best new umbrellas still have handy and clever built-in features for both practicality and fun in the rain or sun. Looking to upgrade to a smarter umbrella? Here’s what you should know.
Smart Umbrella Shopping Guide
Features like your umbrella’s connectivity, notifications and extras like built-in LED lights can make a big difference when you’re out in the rain.
Connectivity: An umbrella with built-in Bluetooth or app connectivity can help ensure you never leave home without your gear if it’s about to downpour. Plus, when paired with your phone, Bluetooth can make sure you never lose your umbrella ever again. If you start leaving a place without it, some umbrellas will send you a notification on your phone that reminds you to go back and grab it. There’s also the option of a built-in Bluetooth speaker for sitting with friends in the sun while staying shaded.
Lights and Notifications: These also have the ability to tell you when to bring it along if rain is in the forecast. This can be done via connection to an app so you’ll get a pop-up on your connected device whenever storm clouds start to creep in, but some have even started using an LED light in the handle of the umbrella itself to alert you. LED lights along the inside can be a fun feature that increase visibility for traffic to see you, and a built-in flashlight is great for finding your way home on dark and stormy nights.
Other Extras: Smart doesn’t have to mean electronic. A lot of these take the convenience and practicality way up above traditional umbrellas that have been doing the same thing for decades. That might include features like a better aerodynamic design or clamps, as well as stronger and lighter materials.
The Best Smart Umbrellas
Below, we’ve picked our favorite smart umbrellas worth your money that will keep you dry.
1. Weatherman Windproof Umbrella
This umbrella pairs with the Weatherman app, and lets you save locations so you’ll always be notified when rain is on the way. It also alerts you to snow in real time, so you’ll never get caught in nasty weather unprepared.
But even without all the smart features, this umbrella is built tough and able to stand up to 55 mph winds without flipping inside-out, thanks to the fiberglass shaft and ribbing. It’s also quick-drying. It’s also water-repellent and reflective so cars can see you crossing in front of them when it gets dark.
2. Versa-Brella
The extremely useful all-weather Versa-Brella goes way beyond being great for rain. This pairs well with sunny days, with its built-in UPF 50 protection from 99.5% of UVA and UVB rays. A handy clamp is included on the handle. It latches on anything under 1.5 inches, so you can enjoy the outdoors hands-free, no matter the weather.
It can adjust and swivel, making it convenient to always find that perfect angle. At just 1.8 pounds, it’s light to hold even in heavy winds. The material itself is tough and strong. When you’re back inside, simply fold it down and store it in the compact carrying case.
3. Bestkee Lightsaber Umbrella LED Umbrella
Bestkee’s umbrella resembles a light saber, with a power button on the handle and seven LED lights on the shaft. The polyester fabric dries pretty quickly, and the eight fiberglass ribs inside hold against heavy winds. There’s also a flashlight built into the bottom, so you can easily see things in the dark.
4. Leagera Auto Compact Umbrella with LED Lights
Made with DuPont teflon, this water-repellent, fast-drying umbrella also happens to be windproof and lightweight. There’s a 360-degree flashlight built into the handle, making it easy to see where you’re stepping in a nighttime downpour, along with rainbow-colored lights for increased safety and visibility.