What is a full body umbrella?

How a full body umbrella works

A normal umbrella only covers you from above. That works when rain falls straight down, which in Britain is not very often. As soon as the wind picks up, rain arrives at an angle and soaks everything below your shoulders.

A full body umbrella adds one part: a clear shield that drops from the canopy edge all the way round you. You hold the handle in the middle as usual and walk inside a see through pod. The shield stops sideways rain, drips from the canopy and most of the spray from puddles and passing cars.

On BrollyPod, the shield is 160 cm long and finished with a weighted hem band, which helps it hang straight rather than flap about. There is a small gap at the bottom so you can walk normally.

What it keeps dry that a normal umbrella doesn’t

• Your trousers. The bit that usually gets soaked first, from the knee down.
• Your shoes and socks. Mostly. A big splash right at ground level can still reach your feet.
• Your bag. Laptop bags, school bags and shopping stay inside the pod with you.
• Your back. No more cold drips running off the canopy onto your coat.

Can you see out of it?

Yes. The shield is clear all the way round, so you can see the road, the bus and the people around you. Raindrops on the outside soften the view a little, the same way they do on a window. Keep the shield clean, take extra care at crossings, on stairs and after dark, and wear something bright or reflective at night. Our guide on whether a full body umbrella is safe goes into more detail.

How does it fold?

Gather the shield up towards the canopy, close the umbrella the way you would any folding brolly, and slide it into its sleeve. BrollyPod opens again at the press of a button. The how it works page shows each step.

Who is a full body umbrella for?

It suits anyone who walks in the rain and arrives somewhere they need to look presentable:

• Commuters walking to the station or waiting at a bus stop
• Parents on the school run
• Dog walkers who are out whatever the weather
• Anyone in work clothes or shoes that don’t like water

It is less suited to strong wind, very crowded pavements and hiking on rough ground. In those cases a good waterproof jacket and overtrousers will serve you better.

Is it the same as a bubble umbrella?

No. A bubble umbrella has a deep dome canopy that comes down to about your shoulders. It protects your head and upper body better than a flat umbrella, but your legs are still exposed. A full body umbrella goes much further, with a shield that reaches almost to the ground. We compare them side by side in full body umbrella vs bubble umbrella vs poncho.

Quick answers

Is a full body umbrella the same as an umbrella with a curtain?

Yes. People call it a full body umbrella, an umbrella with a curtain, a rain shield umbrella or a rain curtain umbrella. They all describe an umbrella with a clear sheet hanging from the canopy edge.

Does it work in the wind?

It handles everyday British rain and breeze, and the weighted hem helps the shield hang low. The shield is a large surface though, so strong gusts push on it more than on a normal umbrella. Angle the canopy into the wind, and close it if the gusts get too strong. Like any umbrella, it isn’t made for storms.

What size is BrollyPod?

One size fits all, with a 160 cm clear shield and a black canopy. It costs £29.99, and delivery to the UK is free and takes 7 to 14 working days.

Can I use it as a normal umbrella?

Yes. When the rain eases or the pavement gets busy, gather the shield up towards the canopy edge and carry it like an ordinary brolly.