I picked one of these up for hikes in less forested areas. I took it with me on a day hike today, in the foothills around Eastman Lake (Central valley, California) because even though I routinely wear and re-apply sunblock I still manage to sunburn (my norwegian ancestors I suppose). I've been suffering mightily on the day hikes I've gone on every weekend trying to work up to longer trips. Too much sun and I turn into a headachey mess. My hat helps but it hasn't been enough.

I have to say that the Chrome Dome was very effective and I suspect it's multi-use. It's very light, and creates a neat little patch of shade; I had it strapped to my day pack in the morning but as the sun rose high around noon I popped it open and was happy to find that my arm was not fatigued at all holding it overhead. The secondary use? I nearly spooked horses with it, and several dogs freaked out as well. I suspect that a mountain lion or bear would also be sufficiently spooked by a big shiny round object that flaps at them. I anticipated a third use but didn't get to test it - in case of very strong winds, it could become a secondary windscreen for my stove to keep my foil windscreen from blowing away. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> It would probably also keep rain off; I got it for sun protection, however, and have a poncho or shell for rain. The only down side might be the short "stem" which does not telescope like your average four dollar umbrella and doesn't give loads of head room, but this didn't bother me. I am planning a three day outing on which there will be switchbacks up a treeless ridge; I will likely have this on my pack and collapse one of my trekking poles to swap out when I am facing the midday sun.

So if you are fair skinned and never tan/always burn, this may be a good thing to consider.