I used this for travel, and wanted something that wouldn't blow inside out in a stiff wind. However, although this is sturdy and reasonably compact, it added significant weight to my daily carried items - twice again what I'd normally carry around town visiting shops, art galleries, museums, etc. It turned out to be more trouble that it was worth, and I ended up just getting rained on rather than carry it. I don't think I'd recommend it except maybe as a car accessory!

I purchased three or four Repel umbrellas in 2018 to keep in daypacks and other go-bags in case I was called out on an emergency.

The umbrellas worked flawlessly until two weekends ago when something in one of the internal mechanisms snapped and the canopy refused to open. I was annoyed because I was certain the warranty must have expired after five years or receiving a warranty replacement would be a hassle.

Boy was I wrong. I went on the Repel website, provided the replacement request information, and attached photos of the damage and a copy of the Amazon receipt. I received an email in a couple of days that my request was being processed and I should receive a replacement in a few days.

In a few days, a brand-new replacement arrived. This has been an effortless process and Repel's service exceeds my expectations.

Replacement Repel Umbrella looks like the photos. Brand NEW. Packaging and clear instructions included. Works great both with up arrow and down arrow. I gave this umbrella 4 Stars because my first order arrived without packaging, clear plastic cover, or instructions (Apparently someone had returned it b/c it did not work.) Upon taking the blue sleeve off, the umbrella opened immediately shooting up. VERY DANGEROUS. Fortunately, it was pointing away from me. After this event I tried to close it by pressing the down arrow. Would not close. l forced it close. Next, I tried opening it with the up arrow. Shot straight out like a missile. Very powerful. Pressed down button to close. Would not close. Tried several times without success. Called Amazon. Customer Service said, "We will replace by sending you a new Repel umbrella, and will email you a print label to send back defective umbrella, by dropping off at UPS store." I did this. Replacement Repel Umbrella arrived next day after calling Customer Service. Very pleased with this service. But also, a bit disturbing to have received an "obviously" returned defective umbrella the first time. If it's new, it should be in their packaging with instructions. I learned with a different umbrella, if you try to close it without pressing the down arrow, you can ruin the mechanism. Plus, with the replacement, there was a WARNING that you must point away from your face, to avoid injury when it opens. ALSO, DO NOT LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH THIS UMBRELLA (that's my ADVICE.) One child could literally put out another child's eye if he/she points toward a child and presses the up arrow. As an adult, I like the sturdiness of this umbrella and powerful mechanism.

I bought 2 umbrellas one black and one blue. The blue one has its top part broken off and the black one is perfectly fine. I can still open and close the blue umbrella without it, just disappointed that it broke before I could even use it.
Edit: Their support team has reached out and have been really nice and helpful on this matter, they are going to replace the broken umbrella with a new one. I honestly wasn't expecting them to replace it, let alone reach out to me on the matter.

3 is the perfect number for us. 1 for my son and I to each have our own in the car and 1 for him to keep in his soccer bag. It is quick to open, is compact but with good coverage, and works well even in a very heavy rain. My son has never liked umbrellas much because of them being cumbersome to use and him liking the rain. However, he enjoys this one so much, he will even use it in a light sprinkle 😂