Reverse folding
The reverse folding mechanism involves the use of both the inner and outer parts of the "cap" of the umbrella. When folded, the front part protrudes from the inside of the “cap”, but if the mechanism is expanded, the front part becomes the outer one, designed to protect against precipitation. Thus, when the umbrella is folded, the rain-soaked outer side is placed inside, so that the liquid accumulated on it will not splash around, but will drain into the base, from where it can be carefully poured at the first opportunity.
Umbrellas with a reverse folding mechanism are more reliable and durable than traditional counterparts. If a strong gust of wind overtakes the user, then the umbrella with the reverse folding mechanism will not break from the inside out, but simply fold up, taking its second working position.
Dome diameter
The diameter of the umbrella dome when unfolded. The larger the diameter of the dome, the more reliably it will protect you from rain and the easier it will be to place one more person under the umbrella. On the other hand, a wide umbrella can be uncomfortable in tight spaces — for example, in the flow of pedestrians on a busy street — and when folded it will take up more space. Therefore, it does not always make sense to choose the largest of the available options.
The minimum diameter for an "adult" umbrella (see "Destination") is considered to be about 80 cm. Most models are in the range of 90 – 110 cm — this provides a good degree of protection with ease of movement. And in
the largest modern products, the diameter of the dome can reach 150 cm.
Length (folded)
The length of the umbrella when folded. For the decomposed one, this parameter is not specified, because is not critical, but when transporting a closed umbrella, it is the length that is the most important dimension.
The length of cane umbrellas (see "Type") is, by definition, the same when open or closed; most often it is 60 – 90% of the dome diameter (see above). But folding models of the same diameter can vary markedly in length, and here the choice depends on the situation: on the one hand, more compact umbrellas are more convenient to carry, on the other hand, they are less reliable and more complex in design, and also cost more.
Weight
Total weight of the umbrella.
All other things being equal,
lighter umbrellas are more convenient to carry (both in the open and closed positions). On the other hand, such products are less reliable and/or more expensive than relatively heavy models of similar design and size. We also note that in some cases, significant weight can be an advantage. For example, in a strong wind, a massive umbrella does not “tear from your hands” as much, and when released, it does not fly as far as a lighter one.
