Totes NeverWet technology, Auto Open Auto Close, Black 43 arc Umbrella, Medium

I own a number of Totes umbrellas -- they all work pretty much the same (push-button handle that opens the umbrella, attached Velcro strap to keep it closed). This one claims to have a SunGuard feature that blocks 98% of UV rays and keeps the user cooler -- this means you can use this on sunny days as well as rainy ones (a nice plus!). I cant really comment on the claim of protection from UV rays, but I did try this out on my very hot deck and it did provide some relief from the glare of the sun. The high humidity here in Maryland is a problem, though, but if you live in a dryer part of the country, this should really help on hot days. But what really intrigued me was the claim that this umbrella stays four times dryer than ordinary umbrellas, meaning you wont get wet climbing into your car with a dripping umbrella. Since it hasnt rained here in weeks, I had to test this indoors, in the shower. I compared it to one of the regular Totes umbrellas I own. And surprisingly, this SunGuard umbrella definitely stays dryer. Water runs off it beautifully, and when I pulled it out of the shower, the umbrella didnt feel wet to the touch at all. In contrast, my older Totes umbrella definitely felt wet when I pulled it out of the shower (and it stayed damp for quite some time). This is a huge plus, since youll be able to close this one up soon after stepping out of the rain, without the dripping mess. I havent had a chance to actually test this umbrella in actual rain, so Ill update this review once that happens. But my guess is, it will do beautifully! This is a great umbrella for both rain and sun at a very reasonable price (the tag on the handle listed it at $10). I highly recommend it.

It appears to be just as well built as the two decade old model I have. The push-button opening works well. The push button closing works OK but seems unnecessary. The handle is too small making it easy to press the collapse button by mistake.

It fit in my backpack easily. I’ve used this twice, once in the rain and once for sun blocking. The button to open and close was very difficult to press when my hands and the handle were both wet, as was getting it to lock in place. When I used it next, the were already two holes in the fabric. Sheesh.

Weve had a lot of rain these past couple of weeks and so I have had many opportunities to try this umbrella out. I was very intrigued with its claims that water just rolls off it and it doesnt stay wet like most umbrellas. I hate dealing with a wet umbrella! Now many stores have plastic bags for your umbrellas when you enter. I have been pretty impressed with the Never Wet coating that is on this umbrella. It really does work. Its significantly drier than traditional umbrellas. Its not perfectly dry, but the difference is definitely noticeable. Its not dripping wet. The one push button works as expected. I really like the stretchy bungy type cord handle. I will have to look for the Never Wet feature the next time I need to purchase an umbrella.

The frame bent after one use. Highly do not recommend this product.

I only had the chance to use this umbrella twice before it broke. It somehow ripped from the handle and won’t stay up. I’ve always owned a Totes umbrella because of the quality, but this has to be the WORST umbrella I’ve ever gotten. I’m debating on even getting a Totes umbrella ever again, highly disappointed!

It’s great. Just wish it was a little bigger. Kinda feels kid sized.

LOOKS GOOD

Thumbs up all around for this multi-featured umbrella. What I Like: — First of all, leopard! It looks so great with my black raincoat. Love! — The auto-open is very handy (although it makes the umbrella slightly heavier than those without that feature) and the auto-close is even better. Besides making me laugh at the surprise of its suddenness, the auto-close makes the job of collapsing these types of umbrellas much, much less of a fuss. It only auto-closes the canopy (the top part), but you still have to pull the pole down manually to close it. — I am a big fan of the NeverWet coating on newer Totes umbrellas. It really works. I have a smaller Totes umbrella that has it and it repels water so well that it is virtually dry before I get it folded up. — Sunguard! UPF 50+ sun protection. Living in southern California, a sun-protective umbrella is a must, particularly when attending outdoor sporting and other events. It not only protects you from the sun, but it is so much cooler underneath the umbrella than if you are just wearing a hat and sunglasses. Parasols (para = for, sol = sun) used to be a thing for use under on sun days, and considering what we now know about skin damage from the sun, it would seem that they should become a thing again in places beyond just SoCal. — The stretchy handle strap makes it easy to secure in places where plain straps cant. — It slips easily back in its matching bag without the usual struggle. — Its a one person umbrella, but can fit two heads in a pinch - just not two complete sets of shoulders. What I Dont Like: — Wrapping it all the way up takes a little more effort than does my other Totes umbrella. I like the fact that the Velcro closure is so wide, but it could have been about 1/4 longer. The Velcro parts barely overlap each other. — Its a little long for any purse I have. Longer than I expected, so measure before you buy. Bottom line:This is the umbrella that will definitely go on every trip from now on, plus become the go-to on days where either too much rain or too much sun is forecast.

This is a pretty good umbrella by Totes. It opens and closes quite easily and I like the compactness of it. It will easily fit in bags and is a nice umbrella to keep in a car or take on a trip. Of course, because it is compact, it is smaller than the usual umbrella. Pretty good product for what it is.