Tree stand umbrella

[ozy clint]

Was hunting yesterday in a stand and got some light rain. I had packed an umbrella expecting it to rain and it worked great but having to hold it by hand is a severe limitation. Should an animal come in you are screwed.

Been looking at a tree stand umbrella and the Allen 57" umbrella looks to be available here in Australia?
Is it any good?

[ozy clint]

Be useful for sitting in a ghillie suit on the ground too as well as shade in the tree stand

[GCook]

Buddy bought a tree umbrella several years ago.  He buys a lot of the "useless" gadgets mentioned in the other thread.  But this one I liked.  He had it over a strap on seat set up watching a ditch crossing tween two corn fields. 
Of course he left it out all winter and let it ruin but that particular fall had been wet and he barely went out but I sat that stand several times.  Shot a doe out of it.  Blowing rain will still get ya though.

[kevsuperg]

 I removed the rubber ends on the rods and slid camo net over each one then replace them .
  Kinda like a hoop shower curtain.
 Rolls up with the umbrella, weighs next to nothing.
 Kevin

[ozy clint]

good ideas guys

[mspaci1]

these work well, I dont go for any gadgets but this one is good

[bucknut]

They aren't perfect but sure as hell help keep you dry. I use one quite often.  They are about useless in the wind though. Generally I will wear rain pants to protect the lower half and stay pretty dry.

[kevsuperg]

They also work pretty good as a ground blind.
Kevin

[Bow man]

As everyone said a great investment. both as quick ground blind and for stopping the rain

[gregg dudley]

Good gadget!  Just be sure to set it up high enough to clear your shooting motion.  Sometimes that can negate the effectiveness as a rain shield.

[ozy clint]

^^^I was wondering the same thing

[T Sunstone]

I think it also gives you background cover when deer are close.

[JDinPA]

The tree stand umbrellas work well for a light rain. I have used different makers products over the years. I end up losing the screw in part and have to buy a new umbrella every few years.
If the rain is coming down sideways, I'll hunt on the ground or not at all. It really depends where I'm hunting if it's worth being out in it. I have one local property that doesn't get any deer movement if it nasty out. I've sat through too many storms in the past with no sightings for it to be worth it.

[LookMomNoSights]

In the past,  I have used such tree stand umbrellas and like its been said,  they are good in LIGHT rain.  I never intentionally hunt in a stiff rain,  but if its on the menu to get a little drizzly, I will still hold down a stand through it,  as I've learned over the years them deers like that gentle drizzle and have no problems moving around in it.  The umbrellas I have used,  leave a lot to be desired I must say.  The screw in spike that goes into the tree,  just loves to bend on ya.  If you screw it into hard wood,  it can be a real bear to get it out after a couple days or so......  and it WILL bend on ya.   Now you can leave that in the tree,  but you  probably shouldn't leave the actual umbrella in the tree for many reasons,  but the reason that matters most to me is the fact that they are not very rugged.  It is built like a typical umbrella,  the ones I have used.  If the rain gets too heavy,  the water will start to come through the stitching holes and drip on your head and whatever else.  The one I used this year,  believe it was Allen,  the crown of it does not dome out completely leaving recessed area on top for the water to pool, making that dip situation even worse.  If a stiff wind comes your way,  fold it up or take it down before it goes inside out on you.  These are easier things to deal with if you are on the ground of course.
All in all,  the umbrellas do help a decent deal, but are far from perfect.  I believe with a little creative thinking, you can come up with a better solution on your own,  maybe for cheaper even ........ and it would work better for you and be more durable.  This is something I will do for myself,  when I can remember or when time permits    That's my experience with umbrellas anyways ..........  good luck!

[Sam Spade]

They are great also used NOT attacked to the tree if it comes a downpour.  I have hunted areas that have scattered showers quite a bit and they can last 15 to 30 minutes and its over.  They also provide shade from sunburn in areas south of the frost line.  And they make a decent instant blind.

[goingoldskool]

I've used them particularly up in Canada while bear hunting.  As mentioned, they don't stand up to stiff winds and bear see them as a new play toy when you're out of the stand!

Good luck, shoot straight and God bless,
Rodd