Backpacking Umbrella Head and Hands Free Version 3.0 - How to Make

This video describes how to make Version 3.0 of my ultralight backpacking umbrella and attach it to my pack (Zpacks Arc Blast). Another video showed me using this umbrella in the rain while backpacking:    • Backpacking Umbrella Head & Hands Fre...  

This backpacking umbrella for sun and rain is
(a) hands free,
(c) centered on one's head,
(d) usable in windy conditions,
(e) lightweight,
(f) height and tilt adjustable,
(g) easy to deploy, stow, attach, and detach,
(h) inexpensive, and
(i) does not interfere with one's pack or views,
(j) does not interfere with putting on or taking off one's pack,
(k) helps shield the top of one's pack from the rain,
(l) pushes away nearby plants and their branches with ease,
(m) accepts a trekking pole as a shaft to be used off-pack,
(n) works as a wind-screen for your backpacking stove,
(o) can be self-standing,
(p) can be used to cover items on the ground in camp much like a low-profile vestibule,
(q) probably prevents mountain lions from biting the back of your neck, and
(r) can still use the original shaft / handle which is attachable/detachable,
(s) ....

If one uses a rain skirt (instead of a pack cover) to help shield one's pack from rain, then the skirt waist opening will be under the umbrella and covered.

The ideas presented in this video may be used with other umbrellas and packs with slight modifications and/or customizations.

The actual detailed construction instructions start at 8:40 and a parts list at 12:05. I used a Gossamer Gear Chrome Dome umbrella which is the same a Euroschirm Liteflex Swing trekking umbrella, but similar umbrellas including 6-rib, 7-rib, and 8-rib umbrellas. However, make sure that the handle or shaft can be cutoff with a tube cutter to make room for one's head under the umbrella and close to its center. (For instance, I do not think the Zpacks Lotus umbrella would like its handle cut off leaving enough room for one's head.)

Once again, here is a short video of me backpacking in the rain with this umbrella:   • Backpacking Umbrella Head & Hands Fre...  

Thanks for watching! All questions and comments are welcome!