10 BEST COMPACT TRAVEL UMBRELLAS FOR COMMUTERS

best compact travel umbrella

Getting caught in the rain without an umbrella is annoying. Getting caught in the rain without an umbrella on the way to work just plain sucks! 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?

The best compact travel umbrellas are:

  • 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

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
Vumos Travel Umbrella with Waterproof Case

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
Fidus Mini Compact Sun&Rain Travel Umbrella

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
Goothdurs Automatic Mini Travel Windproof Umbrella

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
London Fog Auto Open and Close, Self Closing, Tiny Mini Umbrella

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
boy Compact Travel Umbrella Windproof Auto Open Close Folding Umbrella

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
Miserwe Umbrella 12 Ribs Windproof Lengthened Handle Travel Umbrella

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
YUI Galleria Compact Travel Umbrella

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)
Prodigen Travel Mini Umbrella Windproof UV Folding Compact 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
Glamore Travel Umbrella

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.

  • Fortified resin-reinforced fiberglass flexible
  • Three-fold chrome plated metal shaft
  • Larger handle for carrying comfort
  • Comes with a protective cover
  • Automatic opening and closing via button
  • Can be difficult to open and close
  • Requires ventilated area to properly dry out

Glamore Travel Umbrella (check price on Amazon)

Now you’ve got an awesome compact travel umbrella, perhaps it’s time to find an awesome commuter bag to keep it in? Happy commuting!