Wilford & Sons Umbrella Windproof Compact (Auto Open/Close) – Double Canopy Travel Brolly, Teflon Water-Resistant, Grey

What you’re buying, and why it matters

This Wilford & Sons compact folding umbrella is aimed at one fairly specific problem: umbrellas that fold the moment the wind picks up, or that feel like a faff to operate when you’re already soaked and late. The pitch here is an automatic open/close mechanism, a wind-resistant frame with a double canopy, and a fabric coating designed to repel water and dry quickly.

On paper, it’s built for everyday carry rather than staying in the boot “just in case”. The compact size (given as 30 cm) and light weight (about 384 g) are meant to make it easier to keep with you in a bag, at work, or on trips. If you’ve ever wrestled with an umbrella that won’t close properly or flips inside-out under gusts, this is clearly designed to be more dependable.

That said, you still have to set expectations: no umbrella is magic in extreme storms. Windproof performance is something you evaluate by how the frame behaves in gusts, and the real-world test is always going to depend on conditions and how you hold it.

Key features that affect daily use

The standout functional idea is the automatic open/close operation. Instead of fiddling with a manual mechanism when you’re wet or distracted, you press a button to deploy and retract the umbrella. There’s also mention of a non-slip rubber handle, plus a strap to keep it secure when you’re carrying it, hanging it up, or simply getting it stored.

The fabric approach is also a major part of the “daily usability” story. The umbrella uses a Teflon-coated textile (the description specifically mentions DuPont Teflon) and a higher fabric rating (210T). The goal is water resistance, quick drying, and reduced dampness lingering on the outside after rain.

Then there’s the double-canopy design. The idea is to let wind escape through the top, which should reduce the chance of the umbrella folding in strong gusts. In practical terms, if you live where showers can come with sudden wind, the canopy design is one of the things you feel in use—because the umbrella either stays open or doesn’t.

Windproof frame: what to take seriously

Where this model gets most specific is the frame. It’s described as having nine robust aluminium supports (plated/“nickel-alysed” in the wording) and an emphasis on durability even with high winds. The description also states that the umbrella should not break easily even with gusts of more than 140 km/h, and that if it does fold, you can simply fold it back.

It’s a strong claim, and it’s worth reading it as: the frame is designed to resist failure under pressure. In shopping terms, that matters because the most common “cheap umbrella” failure is not the fabric—it’s the ribs and locking mechanism that give up.

One limitation to keep in mind: the umbrella is still compact and portable, so it can’t be compared exactly to a large, heavy straight-stick umbrella. If you expect it to behave like a full-size storm shelter every time, you may be disappointed. But for a travel brolly that you’ll actually carry, the windproof focus is a sensible angle.

Water resistance and fabric behaviour in showers

The coating story is straightforward: the umbrella uses a 210T fabric with Teflon (DuPont original is mentioned) to help with water resistance and fast drying. The description also claims that water droplets don’t soak through the fabric easily, and that quicker drying should help reduce that lingering damp, heavy feeling.

What this means day-to-day is that after rain you’re less likely to put a dripping umbrella back into your bag. No one wants to be the person who pulls out a wet, cold umbrella weeks later. Quick-drying textiles also tend to be more manageable for storage, though you should still let it dry naturally where possible.

Size, weight and carry comfort

The numbers given—around 30 cm folded length and about 384 g—point to a true compact option. That’s the kind of size that can live in a jacket pocket (if your pocket is roomy enough), a small tote, or a desk drawer.

The ergonomic handle and non-slip rubber grip are designed for control when your hands are wet. There’s also a strap, which sounds minor until you’ve tried to juggle keys, a phone, and a brolly at the same time. Being able to clip or secure it makes storage easier, even if you’re only keeping it in your bag for a short stop.

Who it suits best (and who should be cautious)

It’s a good fit if you want an automatic folding umbrella that’s specifically built to cope with windier, changeable weather—commuter life, travel days, and the “quick stop outside” moments where manual umbrellas become annoying.

It makes sense if you’re tired of flimsy folding umbrellas and you prefer an approach that focuses on a stronger frame (aluminium supports, double canopy) rather than only claiming the fabric is water-resistant.

It may not be a great match if you rarely get windy weather and you want the cheapest possible umbrella—this model is more about durability and storm-style design than being a disposable rain cover. It could also leave you underwhelmed if you’re looking for a heavy, full-size umbrella feel, compact umbrellas have inherent limits simply because they fold down.

Getting the most out of it

If you buy it for the automatic mechanism, treat the umbrella gently when closing and reopening—press the button, let the mechanism do the work, and avoid forcing it when it’s wet with heavy rain.

In gusty conditions, hold the umbrella firmly by the ergonomic handle and keep it angled correctly rather than fighting the wind. The double canopy is meant to vent wind, but poor handling can still make any umbrella misbehave.

Finally, after rainy outings, it’s worth drying the umbrella properly before long-term storage. Even with fast-drying fabric, “dry enough for a bag today” isn’t the same as fully dry for next week.

Is it worth it?

This Wilford & Sons compact windproof umbrella is worth considering if your priority is an auto open/close folding brolly that’s designed around wind resistance (double canopy) and a stronger frame, while also trying to make the fabric less of a damp mess thanks to the Teflon coating. For anyone who carries an umbrella daily or frequently travels, it ticks a lot of practical boxes.

You may want to skip it if you’re only dealing with light rain and calm weather, or if you expect compact size to perform exactly like a larger storm umbrella. The promise is strong, but it’s still a portable folding design—so it won’t suit everyone’s idea of “storm-proof”.

Mini FAQ

Does it open and close automatically?

Yes. The description says it can be folded and unfolded comfortably with an automatic mechanism, using a button.

Is it designed to cope with strong winds?

The double canopy and reinforced aluminium supports are specifically aimed at reducing the chance of folding in gusts. The description mentions resistance even with very strong winds.

Will it dry quickly after rain?

The fabric is described as water-resistant with quick-drying behaviour thanks to the Teflon coating.

Is it a good travel size?

It’s presented as compact, with the folded length listed as 30 cm and the weight around 384 g.

Is it suitable for both men and women?

The product description refers to it as a lightweight small travel golf brolly suitable for men or women.