The 10 Best Compact Travel Umbrellas For Commuters

Compact travel umbrellas for commuters is like one of those non negotiables items you simply have to make room for.

Getting caught in the rain without an umbrella on the way to work just plain SUCKS! It’s guaranted to ruin your day. I’ve been caught many times, and as I sat there on the train, sopping wet and feeling sorry for myself, I promised I’d buy myself an umbrella. I might only need to bring it out several times per year but man, was that a good purchase.

Don’t be like me. If any part of your commute is in the open, you need a compact travel umbrella in your bag. But there’s a lot of them out there – so the question is, which one is right for you?

Best Compact Travel Umbrellas for Commuters

Small: Space inside your commuter bag is a premium. You want an umbrella that when folded is takes up as little space as possible or fits snugly in an outer pocket.
Sturdy: If your umbrella is unable to withstand wind you’ll be paying far more in the long run by continually needing to buy new umbrellas.
Waterproof: A waterproof case or cover will help stop your wet umbrella from making everything in your bag also wet. Quick dry fabrics also make a big difference.

Note: There’s generally two sizes when it comes to compact travel umbrellas, what I’ll refer to as ‘small‘ and ‘compact.’

Compact Umbrella: These are truly small umbrellas, usually very light and fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand when folded. The smaller umbrella means not as much protection from the rain, but the space they take up in your bag is minimal. Given umbrellas are sometimes only used several times per year, this can be a great option.

Small Umbrella: These small umbrellas offer slightly more protection from the rain due to their larger canopy but are heavier and if kept inside your commuter bag occupy can mean little else will fit. These are best used if your bag or backpack has an outer pouch or clip which thankfully many do as they’re designed with this in mind.

This list covers both sizes of compact travel umbrellas.

1. Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella with Teflon Coating

Great all-rounder ( #1 featured on Good Morning America)

The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is a great all-round umbrella, combining durability with a heavy emphasis on repelling water with its Teflon coated canopy. This umbrella should last you for a long time but if you’re wanting something smaller that will fit inside your bag, read on!

Superior water repellency with Teflon coated canopy
Three-fold chrome plated black metal shaft, and strong metal frame
Ergonomic, slip-proof, and rubberized grip handle with wrist strap which allows for easy carrying
Protective travel sleeve
Vibrant color options (gotta love that yellow!)
Lifetime warranty
Some people report difficulty opening and closing, specifically the automatic opening can sometimes be too fast – be careful!

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella with Teflon Coating (check price on Amazon)

2. Vumos Travel Umbrella with Waterproof Case

Extremely small and light

The Vumos Travel Umbrella is perfect if you want an umbrella that’s literally tiny – even inside its case. This tiny umbrella will comfortably sit in the bottom corner of your commuter bag and be forgotten until such time that you’re caught in the rain. The drawback of course is the amount of rain blocked will be less than other umbrellas but it is very much the essence of a commuter umbrella.

Weighs less than 210 grams (less than 8 ounces)
Includes a 7” waterproof travel case which fits in the pocket
Comes in a huge range of colors and patterns
Solid strength and durability with metal shaft and fiberglass ribs
Comes with a lifetime or money back guarantee
Due to being so compact it has a small umbrella radius which is not ideal if you’re often caught in rain but but perfect for an emergency commuter umbrella

Vumos Travel Umbrella with Waterproof Case (check price on Amazon)

3. Fidus Mini Compact Sun&Rain Travel Umbrella

Good for both sun and wet weather protection

The Fidus Mini Compact travel umbrella is a great option if you’re walking in the open for part of your commute. The UV coated canopy will drastically reduce the amount of UV rays you’re exposed to along with offering general sun protection. It is of course very handy if you’re caught in the rain as well!

Button-free, manual opening design protects your finger against pinching against finger pinching
Six-ribbed aluminum alloy design with a metal shaft
UV coated canopy which blocks 95% of UV rays if used in the sun
Waterproof coating
Can be opened or closed with minimal strength
Doesn’t come with a case so better attaching to outside of bag if not completely dry

Fidus Mini Compact Sun&Rain Travel Umbrella (check price on Amazon)

4. Goothdurs Automatic Mini Travel Windproof Umbrella

Automatic opening/closing

The Goothdurs Automatic Mini Travel umbrella is another great smaller option, but this time with one touch automatic opening and closing which can be simply fantastic for commuters as we’re often carrying things like coats, our commuter bag, shopping purchases etc. The convenience of one-touch opening when rapidly needed in the rain cannot be understated!

8 reinforced ribs and a sturdy frame and shaft help the canopy withstand heavy wind/rain.
Come with a pouch to keep it in
8.5 inch length will fit in larger pockets
Waterproof 210T Teflon Cloth canopy dries instantly
Automatic opening and closing umbrella for single handed operation

Goothdurs Automatic Mini Travel Windproof Umbrella (check price on Amazon)

5. London Fog, Self-closing Mini Umbrella

Cheap price

No list would be complete without a super cheap option and the London Fog self-closing mini umbrella fits that bill nicely. With a decent array of features it will serve perfectly as an emergency umbrella BUT – you get what you pay for and quality wise – well let’s just say at 7.99 ensure your expectations are in check 🙂

One touch automatic opening and closing
Lightweight – thin when folded
100% polyester canopy
Decent sized 41 inch canopy for a small umbrella
Plastic handle can be a bit flimsy

London Fog Auto Open and Close, Self Closing, Tiny Mini Umbrella (check price on Amazon)

6. Compact Travel Umbrella by boy

Premium German umbrella brand

The boy umbrella compact travel umbrella is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something that combines quality with a reasonable price. boy is a premium German umbrella company, founded way back in 1904 – it’s fairly safe to say they know umbrellas and the fact their reviews are 100% 5 star speaks volumes.

190T pongee coating canopy offers fantastic water repellency even in heavy rain
One touch automatic opening and closing
8 reinforced and flexible metal ribs withstand strong wind
90 days refund and lifetime replacement warranty
boy umbrella is a German premium umbrella brand
100% 5 star reviews
Not as small as other umbrellas, definitely suited to outer pouch/pocket only

boy Compact Travel Umbrella Windproof Auto Open Close Folding Umbrella (check price on Amazon)

7. Miserwe Umbrella 12 Ribs Windproof Lengthened Handle Travel Umbrella

Upscale leather cover

The Miserwe travel umbrella excels in several areas – it’s 12 rib design makes it robust in heavy wind, it’s stylish leather sheath ensures you’ll never be struggling to hold a sopping wet umbrella in a crowded train carriage and the longer handle makes it super comfortable to hold. If there’s one thing common in smaller umbrellas it’s the often very small handles making them awkward to hold (particularly in high winds). If you’ve got a bag with an outer pouch to accommodate it, the Miserwe travel umbrella is a great option.

Very study 12 ribs design
Comes with a stylish, upscale leather cover
Automatic opening and closing via button
Lengthened handle for more comfortable grip
Large enough canopy radius to cover two people
Lifetime replacement warranty
Too large to keep inside commuter bags – definitely needs an outer pocket/pouch

Miserwe Umbrella 12 Ribs Windproof Lengthened Handle Travel Umbrella (check price on Amazon)

8. YUI Galleria Compact Travel Umbrella

Fits in the pocket

The YUI Galleria Compact Travel is a good option if you want something small and easily kept in a jacket pocket if anticipating rain. This can free up your hands if you’re expecting rain, only to have it out in an instant.

Pocket sized weighing only 7oz, perfect for commuter bags
Comes with a pouch
6 fiberglass rib design with aluminium shaft
No button opening or closing meaning no finger pinching
Lifetime replacement warranty
Not as sturdy as some of the other umbrellas
Materials feel of a lesser quality

YUI Galleria Compact Travel Umbrella (check price on Amazon)

9. Prodigen Travel Mini Umbrella Windproof UV Folding Compact Umbrella

Great durability (8 ribs on a small umbrella)

The Prodigen Travel Mini Umbrella offers a great combination of smaller size and durability, packing 8 ribs into a compact umbrella which will fit comfortably within your commuter bag of choice. This fully featured little umbrella is a great choice, particularly if you want an umbrella that looks stylish!

Particularly sturdy for a small umbrella with 8 ribs
UV protection for use in the sun
Thicker shaft for extra sturdiness
Comes in a range of colors and patterns
Can reverse outwards without breaking thanks to flexible ribs
Lifetime warranty
Can initially be stiff to open and close due to the 8 ribs

Prodigen Travel Mini Umbrella Windproof UV Folding Compact Umbrella (check price on Amazon)

10. Glamore Travel Umbrella

Extra strong

The Glamore Travel Umbrella is one of the strongest umbrellas in the list but that comes at the cost of it being slightly larger. This umbrella’s combination of strength and flexibility will see you through rain in heavily windy areas, but it will not physically fit inside your bag (unless your bag is particularly large of course). A good umbrella option with a good price to match.