Surprised
By Carol & Charles L., West Roxbury, MA in July, 2012
The Short Stuff Umbrella wasn't what we had expected. As soon as we opened it, we realized that it was too small and seemed fragile; it doesn't look like it would withstand wind during a rainstorm. We folded it up and didn't use it. We decided that we would send it back and exchange it for a different umbrella when we returned from our trip. Carol L., Massachusetts
Disappointed
By Stanlie J., Tempe, AZ in June, 2012
I found this umbrella to be flimsy and poorly constructed! I was vey disappointed because I expected more from Magellan. Stanlie James
Worthless
By Carol P., Loma Linda, CA in June, 2012
I regret that I did not return the umbrella. Years ago I had an automatic small umbrella, that worked flawlessly... must have left somewhere drying. I have spent lots of money and hours of time looking for a replacement. This is not it!!! I love the concept of the small size, but have not managed to get it to stay open in the house, let alone a stiff breeze. The design flaw seems to be that the pin is not long enough to lock into the hole, keeps the umbrella open. Pops right out again. Since the purpose of an umbrella is to be open, I give this NO stars.. hoever it may need 1 star to save. While perusing my collection of replacements purchases, to choose one or a trip. I came across this one and thought I should warn others. Purchase only if you are good at returning things.
Poor Quality
By Sandy P., San Jose, CA in March, 2012
We have always felt very good about what we purchased w/ Magellan's. However, we recently purchased two umbrellas that were very poorly made. They did not open correctly. They did not stay open correctly. The cloth was very thin. I do believe "being made in China" could have something to do with it. So if you do purchase one of these expensive umbrellas, definitely use it before going on a long trip.
Convenience
By Sandy F., Magnolia, TX in March, 2012
I just got my little umbrella to replace one I lost last week, was sorry I did not notice when ordering that it did not have a strap on the end to conveniently carry it. Too much trouble to send back. :(
Small, Light, Versatile But Expensive and Not Durable
By Ben T., Los Angeles, CA in January, 2012
First off, nothing in this umbrella should command such a high price, except I suppose only travelers care this much about compact size -- and travelers are deemed to be "rich"...I just went through my second umbrella. Price aside, I love the umbrella's light and compact design. The coverage is obviously smaller than regular size umbrellas, but is still adequate for light to moderate rain. However, the umbrella's ribbing will bend and eventually break after a dozen uses or so. The thread work that ties the fabric to the ribbing will fray as well. I've always been careful with my travel gear, and used my umbrella only in light to moderate rain/winds. Wouldn't mind frequent replacement given how small and light this thing is, but $27 a pop is too much for a dozen use each time.
Mighty little One
By David B., Philadelphia, PA in January, 2012
This umbrella is tiny, yet strong & easy to use. I carry it in the water pocket of my iPad carry bag, Uses little space, but you are always prepared.
The Ultimate "Be Prepared" Umbrella
By Joan B., Macon, GA in January, 2012
This is my second Short Stuff Umbrella--I lost the first, and didn't want to be without it. Truthfully, it wouldn't hold up in a tornado or extremely strong winds, but it's fine for a heavy downpour. Its advantage is its small size. It fits in a pocket, or even in my Baggallini Large Wallet Bagg, with room to spare. I LOVE knowing that I'm ready for the unexpected with this little gem!
Travel Umbrella
By Susan L., Santa Clarita, CA in December, 2011
Light weight, small in length, well made. Perfect for travel. More expensive than some, but well worth the money. Had to buy this one for my husband as he would borrow mine and not return. Comes in more than one color so you can tell apart. Fits well in Christmas stocking too.
Didn't work
By Linda M., Huntington Beach, CA in November, 2011
I received this umbrella and tried to open it. Fiddled with it for quite a while. After two scrapes and a cut on my fingers, I put it back in the box and returned it.
ready for a rainshower, tiny umbrella does the trick!
By mary L., dartmouth, MA in November, 2011
This tiny umbrella fit into the outside pocket of my carrybag. We were walking in a park when the rain started to come down, and I confidently pulled out this tiny umbrella, opened it and walked without getting wet to catch the bus! It is really handy.
Umbrella
By Susan B., Kansas City, MO in October, 2011
This came in handy in Ireland recently, had bought the larger one before, this fit nicely in a pocket. I really was happy with it.
Perfect size for travel
By Randolph H., Ottawa, ON in September, 2011
I was impressed with the sturdiness of the umbrella and thrilled with the size. I can throw this in a jacket pocket, my knapsack and even in the leg pocket of pants its that small!!
Short Stuff Umbrella
By Anonymous, Washington, DC in May, 2011
The size is perfect, however the mechanism to open and close the umbrella needs improvement. It is not easy to open.
Bitty Umbrella
By Marjorie W., Hagerstown, MD in May, 2011
This little umbrella goes up and down easily and fits nicely into a purse or pocket. It also is big enough to provide adequate cover. I think it could be improved with a small wrist strap attached to it.
Not just for the rain
By Jessica W., Beverly, MA in January, 2011
I bought this umbrella for a cruise around the Mediterranean. I didn't need it for the rain aside from a few quick showers during which it performed just fine. Where it was a superstar was in the sun. There were several days above 100 degrees and several places we visited without any kind of shade. This little monster was our salvation! It was perfect to fit into my small bag and when open it didn't threaten to poke the eyes out of any of my fellow travelers.
Maybe too small?
By Becky W., CA in December, 2010
I bought this umbrella for a one-bag trip to Italy in November. The small size and light weight were the selling points. However, the manual opening mechanism and framework for the umbrella are very flimsy. Also, the umbrella turned inside out in a windy downpour in the Cinque Terra and the closing strap broke off in Rome. As far as the coverage is concerned, it WILL cover your head but the rain will drip down on your legs and shoes. Next time I will try the windproof umbrella instead!
Oh, so practical and pretty!
By Willie S., Hot Springs Village, AR in August, 2010
This umbrella seems sturdy enough - I haven't been in any tornadoes with it yet - but it fits so nicely in the outside pocket of my new Travel Safe bag! Or in a coat pocket, or in the travel vest I just purchased from Magellan's. One caveat: if you are afflicted with absent-mindedness and can't find the umbrella, look in all your pockets before you retrace your steps to wherever you think you forgot it. You probably have it with you! I got the polka dot one because I can easily see it.
Rugged, Light, and Handy
By Charles B., FL in July, 2010
Just got back from using this in southern France. The weather was hot and very sunny. This umbrella folds up so small it's perfect for carrying in a pocket for a handy sun shade. It pops right up and down without a hassle.
handy little umbrella
By sydney b., amarillo, TX in June, 2010
bought this for a long trip adn it is excellent to have. it covers nicely and is lightweight as well. i purchased the polka dotted one and my friends could easily spot me in strange surroundings. i shall be using this regularly as it is so light wieght and takes little space in my bag.
Love it-
By N L., FL in June, 2010
This umbrella is lightweight, a good size when opened and sturdy. The only feature lacking- and I really miss it- is a cord or loop so I can hook it onto the outside of my purse when it is wet. Best feature- so light. It really is easy to bring along.
Nice construction and small
By Judy B., Hampden, MA in June, 2010
I found a lighter one (3.5oz) with equal spread and ordered them both...but I took this one on my last trip (to Switzerland). This one has great construction, is EASY to open and close (my old one wasn't), but most importantly fit in the cell-phone pocket of my purse and travel bag. The slightly lighter one was just long enough (`7") to be hard to find a good "spot " for in my bags.The slightly flat closed shape also helps fit it into those pre-formed pockets all bags have.I used it a good bit