Articles

It Sells Out Every Year! Why Does Montbell's "Sunblock Umbrella" Parasol Continue to Be Chosen?

2025.03.20

As the sun and UV rays gradually intensify, "parasol" have increasingly become a must-have item in recent years. Nowadays, if you look around the streets, you’ll spot men using parasols, not just women.

Amid this trend, the parasol from Japan's leading outdoor brand "Montbell" is gaining attention. The classic "Travel Sunblock Umbrella 50" is a super popular product that sells out every year, not only used on outdoor adventures but also by many users in urban settings.

What makes it so amazing? Why is an outdoor brand offering a parasol in the first place? I posed these intriguing questions to the PR officer, Tetsushi Hosako.

PROFILE

Tetsushi Hosako

mont-bell Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department

After working as a store staff, he transferred to the PR department. His favorite activities are hiking and climbing. On holidays, he enjoys climbing on rocks.

Development of Outdoor-use Rain Umbrellas Started in the 1980s

When did you start making umbrellas?

Rain umbrellas suitable for outdoor scenes have been developed since 1987. In climbing, it’s common to wear rain gear above and below for active movement, but there are times when having an umbrella is just more convenient.

In areas where there’s little wind and less elevation, an umbrella can actually provide more comfort. Additionally, when heading out for climbing using public transport, having an umbrella is much easier.

As there was considerable demand from users looking for outdoor umbrellas, Montbell developed folding umbrellas focused on lightweight and compactness.

Currently, we offer the "Trekking Umbrella Series" with 8 ribs and the "Travel Umbrella Series" with 6 ribs.

"Sunblock Umbrella 55," 6,380 yen (tax included)

While it's easy to understand the need for a rain umbrella, why did you start making parasols?

The initiative to develop parasols came from requests from Montbell America's employees. In hiking scenes there, there are areas where there are almost no trees to shield sunlight, requiring items to create shade for oneself.

In 2016, we launched the "Sunblock Umbrella 55" featuring a silver coating that reflects sunlight, and in 2021, we introduced the lighter "Travel Sunblock Umbrella 50" with 6 ribs.

Initially, these became popular among outdoor users in Japan, followed by a gradual increase in people using them for commuting and outings.

A Versatile Parasol that Emphasizes Its Light Weight, Durability, & Compactness

"Travel Sunblock Umbrella 50," 6,600 yen (tax included)

I was surprised by how light it was when I held the "Travel Sunblock Umbrella 50"!

In outdoor gear, lightness is the first condition. For this model, we achieved a weight of just 130g by innovating the materials and structure used.

We've used lightweight carbon fiber reinforced resin for the ribs.

Since outdoor umbrellas often face strong winds and rain, durability is also a crucial factor. The carbon fiber reinforced resin used for the ribs is not only lightweight but also flexible and strong, ensuring excellent durability.

How about the fabric of the umbrella?

We use fabric woven from 20-denier polyester threads.

This light yet durable fabric has a polyurethane coating applied to its inner side, effectively blocking not only UV rays but also heat. The black color on the inside of the fabric is a design choice to enhance visibility.

The surface has a water-repellent treatment, making it resistant to light rain. While the water-repellency diminishes with use over time, it can be restored by using a dedicated water-repellent agent.

It’s nice that it can be used even on rainy days. It becomes quite compact when folded up.

When storing it in your backpack, we paid attention to making sure it doesn't take up too much space.
The length when folded is 23cm, and when stored in the carrying bag, it's 26cm. You won't have to worry about it taking up room in your bag.

This Season's New Model with a Larger Shade Area

"Travel Sunblock Umbrella 55," 6,800 yen (tax included)

Will a new model be coming out for the spring/summer season of 2025?

The "Travel Sunblock Umbrella 55."

It shares the same basic specifications as the existing "Travel Sunblock Umbrella 50," but the new model features an increased rib length from 50cm to 55cm and a diameter when in use expanded from 88cm to 95cm, allowing for a larger sunshade area.

With its larger size, it seems more suitable for men to use as well.

Its simple design makes it suitable for men to use in the city.

Previously, umbrellas were strongly associated with women, but the "Travel Sunblock Umbrella 50" has been selling consistently regardless of gender.

Given its focus on functionality in design, it appears that male customers feel comfortable using it.

Its durability is also an attractive feature.

As it is designed for outdoor use, its structure is robustly built.

Even in the event of a malfunction, our repair department can handle fabric replacement and rib repairs, allowing for long-term use.

How will Montbell's sun umbrellas evolve in the future?

Spring and summer are the most enjoyable seasons for outdoor activities, but high temperatures can sometimes pose risks to life. We will continue to advance the research and development of sun umbrellas as gear to safely enjoy Japan's outdoor scene.

For outdoor enthusiasts aware of the threats of the spring and summer sunlight, the Montbell logo is a mark of trust.

Text by Ryota Osujo