Gossamer Gear Lightrek Hiking Umbrella (Chrome)

Gossamer Gear Lightrek Hiking Umbrella

Gear: Gossamer Gear Lightrek Hiking Umbrella (Chrome)

Gossamer Gear has positioned the Lightrek as an ultralight full‑size trekking umbrella. The Chrome model weighs around 5.8 oz (164 g), with the Gold variant coming in just slightly heavier ( 6.7 oz)

Its extended dimensions are about 25″ long by 37.5″ wide, folding down to 25″ × 1.75″ for easy packing

Category: Backpacking / Hiking

Weight: 5.8 ounces

Price Range: $43

Its extended dimensions are about 25″ long by 37.5″ wide, folding down to 25″ × 1.75″ for easy packing

The frame uses aluminum (Chrome) or carbon fiber (Gold), while the canopy is 100% polyester with a durable DWR coating and UPF 50+ protection

The handle is made with high‑density foam or EVA and lacks locking hardware—simply push upward to open

Sun & Heat Protection Capabilities

Designed primarily for desert trekking (e.g. PCT, CDT, Arizona Trail), this umbrella truly lives up to its promise of sun mitigation, reportedly reducing the felt temperature by up to 15 °F under its canopy

Rain & Wind: Practical Performance

While its focus is sun protection, users report it also handles light rain well, keeping both hiker and pack drier than a rain jacket alone—though it's not meant for heavy downpours or sustained wind .

Wind performance is modest. It's generally effective in breezes up to about 8 mph when strapped to your pack, or up to 10–13 mph when held in hand, but it becomes unwieldy beyond that and is not suited for alpine ridgelines or gusty exposure

The Trek

Handling & Storage

Hands‑Free Use: Many backpackers wedge the handle under their chest strap to free up poles—others use an optional clamp or DIY rig. It works reasonably well but can loosen occasionally

Storage: Its slim form factor allows easy storage in side pockets or straps—yet it does add bulk externally to the pack and may snag on branches in tight terrain. Which is what happened to me on my last hike with the umbrella. It snagged on something, and it was never seen again, at least by me.

Hot Hike

Pros:

• Ultralight at ~5.8 oz (~164 g)

• Broad canopy (~37.5″ width) gives solid shade coverage

• UPF 50+ sun protection helps reduce sunscreen & water need

• No metal parts—fiberglass frame avoids lightning risk

Cons:

• Can act bulky and snag on trail vegetation

• Performance drops in wind, not ideal for exposed areas

• Short shaft may cause arm fatigue if hand‑held for long

If you hike in harsh sunshine—especially in desert or high UV environments—the Lightrek Hiking Umbrella offers exceptional shade, light protection, and water-saving benefits in an extremely lightweight package. It’s less ideal for windy or tightly wooded terrain, and you may want to invest in a hands‑free mounting solution for longer hikes.

At its price point, it's one of the best values among trekking umbrellas—especially when sun, comfort, and ultralight weight matter most. Recommended for desert thru‑hikers, day hikers in high‑sun areas, or anyone looking for an alternative to sunscreen and rain gear.