It wasn't me, but the idea of a hands-free umbrella has crossed my mind. The problem as I see it is most west coast trails where rain is a problem are in rain forests with dense brush (salal and low cedar branches) that would trash the brolly quite quickly.

The other common terrain out here is beach hiking, which is almost always accompanied by wind. Again, I think the umbrella would be difficult here. You might be able to rig it to use the updraft to lighten your pack though? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

To me, getting wet isn't the problem with the coastal rain. It's the mud, the slippery boardwalks, and the cold seeping through your clothes. Insulating layers don't work well in a coastal mist, it just goes straight to your bones.