Always on the lookout for a better travel umbrella, we were charmed by the new Knirps Floyd Duomatic, which has a rubberized finger hole in the blob-shaped plastic handle for an extra secure hold in challenging weather. Use the hole for snapping on a carabiner or other clip and you’ve got a great way to attach the umbrella to a belt loop, knapsack or other bag. The Floyd, which is a manageable 11 inches long when closed, has all the features you could want in any umbrella — push-button auto open and close, a generous 39-inch canopy arc and sturdy, flexible aluminum/fiberglass ribs that can hold up to a blustery downpour. All this, and the Floyd still manages to weigh in at less than 12 ounces. Not shy about standing out in a crowd, the umbrella comes in fresh, bold colors and includes a matching cover.
Knirps Floyd Duomatic Umbrella is $29.95 at .
Judi Dash, Gear & Gadgets syndicate
