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Weatherman Collapsible Review

A quality umbrella that is durable and stylish but isn't very compact
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Weatherman Collapsible Review (For the color we tested, we enjoy how it matches the changing Fall colors. Though we can see this being a welcome...)
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
Price:  $74 List
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Manufacturer:   Weatherman
By Sara Aranda ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 11, 2023
64
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 12
  • Rain Protection - 30% 7.0
  • Ease of Transport - 25% 5.0
  • Construction Quality - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6.0
  • Versatility - 10% 7.0

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.
REASONS TO BUY
Ample canopy size
Easy to use
Relatively stylish
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Bulky
Heavy
Editor's Note: On October 11, 2023, we updated this review with edits for clarity and relevant product comparisons.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Umbrella
Top Pick Award
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Price $74 List
$74.00 at Amazon
$50 List
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$30 List
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$26 List$26 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Great canopy size and overall look, but heavy and bulkySimple and protective with exceptional quality for the low weightA more traditional, quality model at a great priceReliable automatic open and close capability with added style notesThe see-through canopy on this fun umbrella is more protective against the rain
Rating Categories Weatherman Collapsible EuroSCHIRM Swing Tr... totes Auto Open Wooden Balios Double Canopy totes Clear Bubble
Rain Protection (30%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
9.0
Ease of Transport (25%)
5.0
6.0
5.0
6.0
5.0
Construction Quality (20%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Ease of Use (15%)
6.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Versatility (10%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
Specs Weatherman Collapsible EuroSCHIRM Swing Tr... totes Auto Open Wooden Balios Double Canopy totes Clear Bubble
Measured Canopy Diameter 40.0 in 37.5 in 42.0 in 40.0 in 33.5 in
Depth of Canopy 11.0 in 9.75 in 10.25 in 9.0 in 16.75 in
Sleeve Included Yes Yes, w/ shoulder sling No Yes, with zip No
Measured Weight (including sleeve) 23.0 oz 10.0 oz 18.5 oz 15.5 oz 16.0 oz
Measured Length (collapsed) 19.5 in 25.25 in 36.5 in 14.0 in 35.75 in
Measured Length (deployed) 29.5 in 25.5 in 36.75 in 25.5 in 35.75 in
Handle Design Rubber handle, inset button operation High-density EVA hardfoam Wooden crook handle, button operation Wooden ergonimic grip, inset button operation Acrylic crook handle
Canopy Material Teflan-coated polyester Teflon-coated polyester, velcro closure Polyester, velcro closure 300 thread-count water repellent fabric, snap fastener Thermoplastic polyurethane, snap fastener
Support Structure Fiberglass High-density fiberglass Wood and aluminum Steel and fiberglass Aluminum and carbon fiber

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.

Performance Comparison


weatherman collapsible - a notably deep canopy that offers great rain protection.
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.

Our lead tester tucks herself into the depth of the canopy.
Our lead tester tucks herself into the depth of the canopy.
A closure look at how rain beads on the fabric.
A closure look at how rain beads on the fabric.
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.

weatherman collapsible - the packed length is larger than expected but it doesn't bother us...
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!)

weatherman collapsible - the internal structure is a combination of unknown metals and...
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.

weatherman collapsible - even though the trim material soaks up a little water, its...
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, there were several other solid colors to choose from, from the more unassuming darks to other brights, like the color 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, versatility is above average, in our opinion.

weatherman collapsible - the weatherman collapsible was also fairly bright in the sun, but...
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?


Manufactured in China, this product seems to be constructed well, and it does provide ample rain protection, but 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.

weatherman collapsible - impressive durability and fun styling, we only wish it didn't weigh...
Impressive durability and fun styling, we only wish it didn't weigh so much.
Credit: Sara Aranda

Sara Aranda