Mam Tor umbrella wind tests find London Undercover Classic resists gusts

A writer tested a selection of umbrellas for wind resistance on the 517-metre summit of Mam Tor in the Peak District.

Conditions were very windy — described by weather apps as a "near gale" — and the three people at the triangulation point could barely stand. Moving slightly downhill found a spot where gusts were strong but manageable. Photographer Christian Hopewell photographed each umbrella against Peak District landmarks including Winnats Pass and the Hope Cement Works.

Lightweight folding models tended to invert quickly, while some larger city and golf umbrellas resisted, with frames and canopies holding fast. The writer’s highest-rated model was the London Undercover Classic; its dual-layered canopy resisted the wind well. None of the umbrellas broke during testing, though several were judged unsuitable for very bad weather.

The top-rated models ranged from about £30 to well over £100, so the writer recommends checking repairability and guarantees before buying. The testing provided practical information for choosing sturdier umbrellas, and the writer noted a personal attachment to an inherited Betty’s Tearooms-branded brolly.

Key Topics

Culture, London Undercover Classic, Mam Tor, Peak District, Christian Hopewell, Winnats Pass