Re: [pct-l] Umbrellas and Tyvek (unrelated)

["Jennifer R. Doebler" <TUBABABE@psu.edu>]

Hey Dave,

>I see that the subject umbrella has come up again and, instead
of
>asking about making one, I wonder if anyone has come across an
ultra
>light already made one. I thought I found a pretty good compact
>umbrella, but I got caught in a monsoon in Singapore and it has
never
>been the same since.


We have yet to field test the ones we've bought, but we're planning on
experimenting with Totes Professional.  It's this eensy-weensy
collapsible umbrella that opens to "full size" (whatever that
means) that--with only 2 modifications, remomoving the handle and cutting
off the velcro strap--weighs in at a very exciting 5.75 oz.  The one
Jardine modified was your average standard umbrella that was not
collapsible.  My personal concern, one that Mike does not currently
share, is that there is something more robust and durable about a
one-piece shaft than a telescoping shaft like that Professional. 
However, if you decide to go with modifying one after all, Mike found
another umbrella that is so far wonderfully durable called the
Gust-Buster.  It has a fiberglass construction and the covering has
these interesting wind vent things that prevent a lot of typical
problems, but before modification it is rather heavy; I figure it will
weigh in a 9 oz. after modification.  That's all we have for you.
:)

--Team "On Fire"
   M & J