ShedRainWindPro - Vented Auto Open Auto Close Portable Compact Travel Umbrella for Rain and Wind with Teflon, Black

Says auto open--works fine / auto close--is not auto but manual close, to reset springs and length.push close Ad is misleading OR I just can't get the auto close feature to work ! / For man as slightly heavy from canopy size and construction. Putting it back into pouch is tight fit, so not a snap - would not want it if used OFTEN. Thought description rather made item seem like a one-handed easy operation, Anyway still to test out and figure if it somehow will AUTO-CLOSE as in ad, but seems highly unlikely. Too expensive for just auto open and manual close, unless the operation, material, and construction is as good as it appears. Due to size, slightly heavy closed or open is expected. Appears will be great in wind and rain-strong looking shaft and as compact as a reg. one. Expect will last rather long and work well, unless if frequently used. Good canopy design to protect two people. Rated 3 stars, as not tested-and misconception, I think so far, about the AUTO-CLOSE not being a real feature. I consider it top-of-the-line in general, so extra cost appears a good investment, vs. dealing with umbrellas breaking and small, but cheaper. Better than a TOTE brand, for sure. ---------------------- UPDATE UPDATE - On first use with light sprinkle and wind under 10 mph, it turned inside-out. Very surprised because of excellent construction, especially the wind resistance design at top, allowing wind to pass thru a small 2nd layer canopy cover. / Auto open button may require a few opening attempts. NOTE; Springs under good tension, so manual close requires good push./ Dry well, so no shaft rust ! / 1 star added to rating--BUY UPDATE--kept me dry few times in windy driving rain. A MUST TO OWN ! ADDING 5TH STAR for rating after using lots of times in rainy florida. UPDATE UPDATE -- NOT taking away 1 STAR for the tight fit to get this back into storage bag....mostly because I do not need an umbrella very often. UPDATE April 2014 - Carrying for "if it rains" - nice size. Cannot defend it under heavy wind really, as usually just rain with light wind....and when I use it, I'm usually on my bicycle, so holding it while steering makes keeping real dry, difficult. I do recommend it as probably one of the best, from Amazon. UPDATE Aug 2016 --owned 4 1/2 years --- Very Very seldom used as I'm retired, but sure works well when needed.

This is my go to umbrella when I am out walking and on a trip. Still works great, doesn't blow out, and no issues opening or closing. Definitely will buy again if need a second umbrella.

This is got to be the sweet spot! Compact enough, that you’re not caring around some big stick, but opens up to a gigantic size relative to what it folds into, truly amazing! On a super windy day, it didn’t fold over and flexes just enough to wear a doesn’t break! Got one for each of my kids, and will probably get a back up if and when this one ever breaks, which doesn’t seem like anytime soon!

I have purchased umbrellas from this company 3 or 4 times over the years. In general, they have held up very well. I have had some mild issues with very heavy wind/rain (downtown Chicago can do that). When my last umbrella had some issues with spokes after a few years, I figured I'd buy a new one from this company and keep the other in case of emergency. Well the new one arrived a few weeks ago and we haven't had much rain of late, so I hadn't needed it. Today, I needed it. After exiting my train for the 10 plus minute walk home, it was raining heavily. The umbrella opened fine right away and I was happy for the larger diameter for coverage. When I got home, I pressed the button to close it so I could unlock the door. So far so good. I am really happy with the umbrella. Once inside, I want to open it up again so it can dry. In the semi-opened phase (canopy collapsed around the pole/handle), I press the button. And...nothing. I looked at the instructions about how I am to close the umbrella for storage. I am instructed to push umbrella and handle together. Seems logical enough except that I cannot push them together. I have used the umbrella exactly one time and can no longer use it at all as it will not open OR close. The real slap in the face? My window for returning via Amazon closed two days ago. To return it, I would have to buy a poster tube for mailing. I visited the company's Amazon page and there is no way to contact them either. ShedRain: if you see this, help!