totes Blue Line Golf-Size Vented Canopy Compact Umbrella, Black, One Size

Sturdy umbrella, able to survive the 100mph winds that whip through the streets of downtown Boston. Big enough that it covers you from head to toe, though maybe a little too big for one person when walking down a crowded sidewalk, though the size is just right for 2 people. The strap is flexible rubber and can be kind of annoying when carrying it that way, though, as it bounces all over the place and kind of tweaks your wrist.

I am very picky person, so of course I spent hours searching for an umbrella (crazy, right?). I was a little skeptical about ordering this umbrella because I thought it would be too big, but its actually a good size. Just looks larger online (duh). This umbrella was delivered just in time because the next day there was a thunderstorm with high winds. In the past, my umbrellas wouldnt stand a chance as they couldnt take heavy winds and sometimes my umbrella will turn inside out. Expecting the same for this one, I was surprised that I was able to hold it without any problems - handles wind like its nothing! My only minor complaint is that its a bit on the heavy side. Its my first time owning a vented umbrella so I wasnt expecting the weight to be on the heavy side, but its not a big deal after holding it for a bit. Would recommend this umbrella to anyone!

A few reviewers said that their umbrella performed a self-destruct the first time it was opened. I decided to give it a chance since Amazon has a good return/exchange policy. Sure enough, right out of the box, first time, it flew apart -- a very effective, somewhat startling self-destruct mechanism -- this is a bit beyond planned obsolescence! Okay, give them a second chance. Easy exchange using UPS labels provided by Amazon. Second one is great (so far). Either bad quality control or a bad batch got through. I dont know if I would have had the patience for a third go at it, but as it is I have a nice umbrella acquired in a mildly inconvenient manner.

*Unusual for such a compact umbrella: its high quality gust buster dual canopy holds up very well in strong winds. *Nice padded rubberized handle. *One-handed push-button operation opens reliably when youre holding stuff in other hand and rain is pouring down. *Broad coverage, yet folds compact for stowing in briefcase or backpack. *Red and Black is very visible in crosswalks on dark, rainy Boston days.

Heavy duty umbrella should hold up to winds. Large coverage, enough for 2 people. Kind of bulky and on heavy side but thats what I ordered. The handle could be a little more ergonomic.

Update: 11 years later, we are still together and going strong! I work at a California prison, which means walking miles outside daily, in the middle of a nowhere valley, where the wind whips in every different direction & rain blows diagonally, not vertically. When it rains, the wind is worse and the average life expectancy of an umbrella is one or two wind bursts. I have gone through dozens of umbrellas. I have bought guaranteed umbrellas in the past but they still turn inside out and break. I finally decided to try a vented umbrella but prison regulations do not allow an umbrella with the long tip, like most vented umbrellas have. I finally found this one on Amazon and so far so good. This umbrella is BIG but not cumbersome. It is very sturdy and when the wind was whipping in every which direction, it handled it well and I wasnt worried it would flip inside out like every other one I have used. The first day I used my umbrella, I had 5 compliments -thats a really nice umbrella! which is goofy but just exemplifies how desirable a sturdy, functional umbrella is in our work environment. I gave several people item specs so they could also order this umbrella. I dont like having to spend this type of money on an umbrella when so many have failed in the past but if it makes it through one or two rainy seasons, it is well worth the money. One drawback - it is a bit heavy.

If I could give this umbrella TEN STARS, I would. Its definitely the best Ive ever owned and Im writing this review several years after my purchase. This thing will endure all but the strongest gusts of wind with no problems. Even on the rare occasion that it flips, it has always gone right back into place with no visible or functional damage. Its very large, so it will work for two people or give full complete coverage to one in most conditions (obviously when the rain is coming down at a sharp angle your legs will get wet). You definitely have to sacrifice in terms of portability to get such a high quality umbrella, but I can actually fit this into some of my larger handbags. The only possible negative is that its too big for super crowded streets. However, I rarely have a problem in Philadelphia, so most people should be perfectly fine. I stand away from the crowd at the busiest bus stops or whatever, but I can still easily pass people on the sidewalk just by moving aside or tilting it slightly for a moment.

This is an attractive and appears to be well made umbrella. It works well in moderate winds but I have not had to use it when the winds have been high. It is a nice size and compact for the size of the vent. It is not as large as a golf umbrella. I was not looking for one that big either.

Finally retired my last totes umbrella after 14 years of dependable service in Miamis tropical climate. Its a little smelly, a little bent, but mostly functional so itll sit as backup in the car. This new one feels comparable in build and quality and has already kept me dry in a couple unexpected late-season squalls. The size of this umbrella is its strength, and they only minor complaint I have is that the spring inside to extend it from its collapsed position is too weak, needs a little help to self-open.

Fantastic umbrella. Does not turn inside out when a strong wind comes and is really durable. Ive had mine for well over a year and use it every time it rains. Still works great. I will buy another one when I need a new umbrella. I couldnt ask for anything more than this product offers.