Coolibar UPF 50+ 42 Inch Sodalis Travel Umbrella - Sun Protective

My wife uses this all the time, as we live in a tropical country with blazing sun. My wife calls it her portable shade tree. I feel a definite and immediately noticeable difference between being under its shade and without it. I recommend the silver one hands down! She could have bought the black one but doesnt like the color. Also, she is used to the silver one and knows that she likes it.

I live in Arizona, and have a 20-minute walk into work every morning. I use this umbrella every day and it does its job well. It really does feel cooler when I walk under it -- this can make the walk in to work bearable when its 100+ outside (whereas my regular rain umbrella does not). And more importantly, it seems to be very effective at shielding my skin from the sun. Im fair-skinned and paranoid about cancer, and I feel very protected when I walk under my Coolibar. Two caveats. (1) This umbrella is thick and bulky and harder to fold up than a normal umbrella -- you kind of have to muscle it. It comes in a little sheath and Ive never once been able to get mine back into the sheath. (2) It only lasts so long. My first one lasted about two years of consistent but gentle use before starting to fall apart; I managed to get a third, limping year out of it. Ive just received my second one -- so, it was worth ordering again, but it would be nice if it lasted longer.

I bought this to protect myself from the intense sun here in the southwest. It works great for providing shade and allows air to flow through the woven vents around the top. I decided to take it with me on a trip to Six Flags and Disneyland. Anyone whos ever stood in line for hours at a time in the summer heat at one of these places knows how unbearable it can get. It made a big difference. It was easy to open and close and also easy to stow and carry. It doesnt, however, do well in strong wind. I would definitely recommend this product but urge some caution if strong or gusty winds are present.

The handle was a little wobbly from the day 1, but I figured it should be OK, and it was; it blocked the suns rays nicely. That is, until late summer this year. It literally collapsed one day while in use, with a big BANG! Now it wont open. Automatic umbrellas mechanism tend to go before the rest of the umbrella, but really, you would think it should last a little longer at this price. Ive had a rain umbrella (with automatic mechanism) given to me as a free-bee live much longer than this. I think this one is overpriced for the quality. UPDATE: I contacted Coolibar; it turns out the umbrella is guaranteed for life. They replaced it for free. I have my finger crossed that this one wont collapse like the last one. (It was difficult not to have my best sun protection for a while.)

Kept me cool in the Ca sunshine!

Works for the sun but it is very flimsy when it’s even just kind of windy. Should cost less for sure ! Definitely just for one person, not big enough for 2 people

Bought this umbrella Oct 2012 for month-long India trip and used daily. Hate sunblock and can get away with less because this provides so much protection. Seems to lower outside temp by 10-15 degrees, so not only protected but also lot cooler. Taken it on multiple international trips since and, in fact, currently on 10-day Jordan trip (Dead Sea today) and lifesaver yet again, given constant sun/heat. But this has been my go-to umbrella since purchase. Live in New England and have used it for rain, snow, sleet, sun. Its beginning to show some wear/tear, partly because of the nature of the silver coating and also Im not careful with it at all. Rarely use protective cover, as I should. Im giving it 4 star, but 4.5 if I could, but not 5 stars because it isnt perfect. A bit heavy and does turn inside out in high winds, but I can live with both minuses. When this one wears out, will buy another and try to protect it more.

Good sun protection. It does feel a little flimsy compared to the other top brand, but its not for busting the wind; its for protection against sun damage. The other brand doesnt consistently produce the 43 umbrella, and that one is only available through one vendor; so this meets that gap. I bought two and use one everyday.

I love my Coolibar umbrella! I could not wait to get it out of the box and immediately use it on my long walk to the market. I started carrying an umbrella/parasol a couple of years ago, in addition to wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat Since then I have seen a few others pick up on this sensible idea. Most of the others were Asian woman. I was so glad to find this Coolibar titanium umbrella that had UV protection in a portable size. Not only is it convenient, it is not too heavy, and looks smart with every possible outfit. I also like the hunter green lining. Reminds me of the traditional dark green porch and beach umbrellas that I remember fondly from my childhood. This umbrella is chic, practical and makes a statement that you are an intelligent self-protective person. I love carrying it. It keeps me cool under a blazing hot southern sun. It stores easily it its own case and fits nicely into a tote bag when indoors.

The umbrella was small and did not offer much protection from the sun, and the material caught the wind easily, making it difficult to hold on to.