REASONS TO BUY
Ample canopy size
Easy to use
Relatively stylish
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Bulky
Heavy
Weatherman Collapsible Review
A quality umbrella that is durable and stylish but isn't very compact
For the color we tested, we enjoy how it matches the changing Fall colors. Though we can see this being a welcome color for any season.
Credit: Sara Aranda
By Sara Aranda ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 11, 2023
RELATED: The Best Umbrellas of 2025
Our Verdict
The Weatherman Collapsible is well-made and offers some quality features, such as the auto-open button, wind vents, and even a small stash pocket in the canopy. The size of the canopy is on the larger end, which is great for rain protection. However, even though it isn't a fixed-length umbrella, it doesn't collapse down to the more compact sizes we are used to seeing. It is also surprisingly heavy and overall is rather bulky, which means its ease of transport is low. Despite these drawbacks, the functionality and reliability make it a suitable choice. Best for casual use, it does offer greater durability than many of its compact competitors.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Weatherman Collapsible is made with Teflon-coated polyester, fiberglass, some other unknown metals, a rubber handle, and utilizes two velcro closures when it's time to pack it up. This model features wind vents, a small stash pocket on the underside of the canopy, and reflective fabric at the hem. The handle has a button to deploy the canopy automatically, though manual closure is required.
A notably deep canopy that offers great rain protection.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Rain Protection
The Weatherman has a 40-inch diameter and garnered an above-average performance for this metric. We measured the canopy depth to be about 11 inches, and the outer arc length ranged from 47.25 inches to 50 inches. The octagonal shape and relative depth allow for greater rain protection over that of shallower competitors. We really enjoy having a more expansive canopy than what is often typical of the lightweight, compact models. We could hide more of ourselves under the canopy, and if we tilted the canopy back for greater visibility, the depth helped maintain protection. The wind vents also help disperse pressure from the wind, which allowed us to handle the umbrella with greater security and balance.
This model has generous dimensions and quality waterproof material.
Ease of Transport
The main drawback of the Weatherman is that it's one of the heaviest we've recently tested. Weighing in around 23 ounces (1.44 pounds), we do not consider this to be notably lightweight. In addition, the packed length is 19.5 inches, which we think most people will find overly long. The model is not a fixed-length umbrella, but it isn't a compact one, either. The relative bulk and weight make it a bit more of a hassle to carry and stow, but at least the handle has a leash, and there is a sleeve to help compress and streamline the canopy.
The packed length is larger than expected but it doesn't bother us as much as the weight does. Shown sans sleeve.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Construction Quality
Online, the manufacturer only lists fiberglass as a material for the frame, but it's obvious that the main shaft system is made from metal, and only the ribs shaping the canopy are made from fiberglass. Typically, fiberglass is stronger than metal, pound for pound, but having a metal shaft doesn't necessarily mean durability isn't high. Since the canopy folds, there are more moving parts than a fixed-length model, meaning that the opportunities for breaks and failures are higher. In general, we feel that this product is made fairly well. During our wind tests, the canopy inverted around 25 mph, and when pointed directly into the wind, the canopy began to collapse right around 55 mph, which is what the manufacturer states as its max wind speed (a very impressive feat!)
The internal structure is a combination of unknown metals and fiberglass. The wind vents help disperse air pressure and during our driving wind test, this model made it the advertised 55 mph (impressive!)
Credit: Sara Aranda
Ease of Use
The auto-open button and mechanism work well enough, though the deploying speed is a little slower than some of the ultralight models. Not enough to cause frustration; just something we noticed. The manual closure is easy to do and pretty self-explanatory. The main drawback is, again, the weight. Wielding the Weatherman over longer periods tired our arms, and we feel that the balance of its weight isn't as easy to handle as some of the other competitors.
Even though the trim material soaks up a little water, its reflective capability doesn't lessen.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Versatility
We really enjoy the slightly muted color choices of the Weatherman. We think this helps mitigate over-exposure when it's really sunny out (to a certain degree), but it also provides a bright pop on gloomy days. At the time of this review, several other solid colors were available to choose from, ranging from the more subdued darks to other bright colors, such as red. All of them still have silver reflective hems, which offer a nice and all the more unique accent. Too, having a small stash pocket is fun, and the logo design isn't overwhelming, either. With these added perks, our opinion is that versatility is above average.
The Weatherman Collapsible was also fairly bright in the sun, but not to the level of blinding.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Should You Buy the Weatherman Collapsible?
This product appears to be well-constructed, and it provides ample rain protection; however, we wonder why it costs as much as it does. We wouldn't necessarily categorize this as a specialty or luxury item, so in relation to many of the others we've tested, the cost seems to be a bit on the high end. Nonetheless, if cost and product weight aren't deterrents for you, then you shouldn't be disappointed with the rain protection you'll get. Overall, the Weatherman Collapsible occupies the middle ground between the traditional fixed-length designs and the ultralight, compact travel ones. If you're looking for something rather straightforward but stylish, and don't mind the relative bulk, then there's nothing really to complain about here. We appreciate the more versatile look and the sturdiness of the construction.
What Other Umbrellas Should You Consider?
A similar compact model is the Repel Windproof Travel, but if you want something far more lightweight, consider the SY Compact Automatic or even the reverse-design Lanbrella Travel umbrella.
Impressive durability and fun styling, we only wish it didn't weigh so much.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Weatherman Collapsible versus top competing products:
—Sara Aranda
You Might Also Like
