[pct-l] umbrellas revisited

[CMountainDave at aol.com (CMountainDave@aol.com)]

The following summaries are from reviewers at well known backpackers field 
test organization on Birdie Pal umbrellas: 

In summary, I must say that this umbrella is a well designed, well crafted, 
water shedding tool. ? The materials have a feel of quality, the operation of 
opening and closing the umbrella is smooth. ? The form, fit, and function of 
the Birdiepal Outdoor Umbrella is absolutely first rate. 
I would recommend this umbrella to anyone who is considering an umbrella for 
general application. I would recommend the manufacturer without reservation, 
given the high quality of this product. 
? As I said at the beginning of this report, ? I really like the idea of 
using an umbrella, but until someone invents one that accommodates all of the 
vagaries of Nature, I'll keep using my poncho.

In my Field Test Report, I listed a few ideas which would make using an 
umbrella much more practicable for me.? I have included that list here as well 
because it has been reinforced to me over the past several months:

"1. I would make the shaft as long as a standard walking stick so that it 
could replace one of my poles. (possibly adjustable)
2.? I would make the canopy tear drop shaped (or rectangular at the very 
least).? This would provide a larger area of coverage which could be rotated to 
block rain as needed, but would be narrow enough to not be snagged by trees so 
easily.
3.? I would get rid of that silly little compass.
4.? The handle would have to be a full sized handle"
As an addendum to this list, I would also like to see a way of attaching the 
umbrella to any backpack which would be both easy to use (quick connect/ 
disconnect), and stable enough to be reliable.

?? As reported before, I did use the umbrella for sun protection while 
stopped on a rocky bald, and was quite comfortable, in spite of the black color of 
the canopy. To test the umbrella on a woodsy trail, I have left it up for some 
hiking in wooded areas.? In spite of numerous brushes with leaves and small 
branches, the umbrella is holding up unscathed.? I have been able to slip the 
handle between my back and pack, or between the sternum strap and a piece of 
elastic tied around a shoulder strap.? If I switch packs, I may have to devise 
another carry method, or hike with one pole while using the umbrella.? 

Wind? All I have to say about that is ha ha ha... The Birdiepal Outdoor 
laughs in the face of wind! It has no fear of wind! Seriously though, this thing is 
the toughest umbrella you'll find. Wind is NO problem.
Now, we don't do comparisons on (deleted to keep list pure), but since the 
Junior and Outdoor are made by the same manufacturer, I'll say just one thing: 
Personally, I will probably carry the Junior into the backcountry in preference 
to the Outdoor. The weight savings is important to me, and the difference in 
the handle and lack of metal parts in the Outdoor don't really make much 
difference to me. And the compass? Cute, but not really much of a necessity for me. 
Although the compass actually does work if you are careful to hold it level!
Final Word: If you need an umbrella, buy a Birdiepal Junior or Outdoor. 
(period) You will have it forever and you will be glad you spent the money!

  So I guess my questions are: Are the above opinions relevant to the PCT 
list? Were past opinions posted about umbrellas  relevant to the list? Do they 
destroy the purity of the list? Did past opinions posted on umbrellas destroy 
the purity of the list? How is having potential daily posts (no I' m not going 
to, but I could) better than having one monthly digest? Do the above reviewers 
have some sort of agenda for Birdie Pal umbrellas? Inquiring minds want to 
know, in more ways than one
   Next up Frogg Toggs ( not really-- it's too much of a pain in the butt to 
keep copying and pasting)