[pct-l] New Umbrella System

[Hiker97 at aol.com]

Yes, once again your pal, Switchback, has come through for you.  I  have a 
new 7.3 ounce umbrella system.  
I got a Luxurylite.com umbrella and used the world famous, "Switchback's  
Handsfree Umbrella Holder" device with it.
 
What is so nice about this system is that I can collapse the extended  
umbrella without taking off my holder for the pack shoulder strap  --- like  when a 
gust of wind comes up or you are going through a tight spot on the  trail.  
This is super cool.  The negative is that the umbrella is  slightly smaller than 
my old GoLite Chrome Dome.  But I do not think this  will be a problem.  The 
new umbrella is tan in color.
 
I took the foam pipe installation umbrella holder (to attached to your pack  
shoulder strap easily) and attached it permanently to the umbrella shaft with  
Duct tape.  Then I cut a small portion of foam to go around the bottom of  
the shaft and attached with glue and Duct tape.  This so when the wind pops  up 
and tries to pull the shaft out of the holder there will be a "stopper" to  
keep it in place in the foam holder.  This can happen more than you think  with 
the wind ambushing you along the trail.  The foam holder is cut just  long 
enough so the umbrella can be collapsed with no problem as you walk.
 
The whole thing weighs in at 7.3 ounces, which I think is very acceptable  
for the benefits.  You are greatly protected from the sun (radiation) and  you 
dehydrate less -- your water lasts longer on the trail.  Plus if it is  raining 
you have some nice protection with your rain gear on.  Not bad at  all.  
 
By the way, I added a small piece of Velcro tape to my ThermoRest Trekker  
pillow case to keep the new LuxuryLite.com pillow inside better.  This  simple 
improvement will have huge benefits.  I glued it on, so it would  stick better. 
 You practically melt off to sleep with this pillow and some  nice foam under 
you.
 
I thank you for your attention and support.
 
Switchback the Trail Motel



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