B N His dog, I use poles too where needed along the trail. Securing the umbrella, a Golite, to my packs over the years, has been problematic to say the least; so it takes a free hand to carry it. In places with overhead 'debris' I tend to just wear my hat and pack the 'brella.

have you ever had any luck pitching a true cheapo emergency space type blanket, you know, the flimsy kind, without it tearing to pieces? Just curious as the cheap type is the often 'recommended carry type, when in fact the 11 oz or so Space Brand blanket is MUCH more durable and trustworthy IME. I use one as a groundsheet/heat reflector in Winter with good results. It's a bit stiff for use under a hammock IME but works if it's not trully windy.