In-depth review
Samsonite Windguard Auto Open/Close Umbrella Review (2027)
Auto open and close travel umbrella folding to about 11.6 inches, with a Teflon coated canopy and TPR grip.
Samsonite Windguard Auto Open/Close Umbrella
A luggage grade auto umbrella that folds to about 11.6 inches.
Our verdict
Samsonite applies its luggage sensibility to the travel umbrella: one button open and close, a fold of roughly 11.6 inches that disappears into a personal item, and a Teflon coated canopy that shakes dry. It is a personal canopy for commuters and flyers, not a sharable storm umbrella.
What we like
- Auto open and close at the push of a button for one handed use
- Folds to roughly 11.6 inches, personal item friendly
- Teflon coated canopy sheds rain and dries faster
- Windguard frame design from Samsonite's travel line
What to watch out for
- Canopy is personal sized, not for sharing
- Wind resistance is commuter grade rather than storm grade
- Styling options are limited in most listings
What owners report: Samsonite Windguard Auto Open/Close Umbrella
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- One button open and close suits the exact moment of juggling luggage at a curb
- Folding to personal item size makes it a natural permanent resident of a carry on
- The coated canopy shakes drier than untreated fabric before going back in the bag
Common complaints
- The canopy is personal sized, so it is not the umbrella to grab for two people
- Wind handling suits commuting weather rather than genuine storm conditions
- Color and styling choices in most listings are limited and plain
Who it is for
Frequent flyers and commuters who pack an umbrella in a carry on or work bag.
Size is the headline
At about 11.6 inches folded it fits the same pouches as the best carry on umbrellas, and the auto open and close mechanism works one handed at doors and station exits.
Windguard frame
The Windguard design is Samsonite's travel grade frame, built to flex rather than fold in commuter gusts. It will not match dedicated storm umbrellas, but it is a class above bargain bin frames.
Canopy tradeoffs
The Teflon coating sheds water so it goes back into a bag drier, though the canopy size is strictly for one. Travelers who share should size up to the two person picks instead.
Key specifications
- Model
- 51701-1041
- Folded length
- About 11.6 in
- Mechanism
- Auto open and close
- Canopy
- Teflon coated
- Handle
- TPR ergonomic grip
Sources: Amazon listing, CamelCamelCamel, Desertcart
Also consider
Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
The best-selling compact: Teflon-coated, double-vented, nine ribs.
Why consider it: The benchmark carry on umbrella, similarly compact with a Teflon coating.
- Canopy arc: 37 in
- Folded length: 11.5 in
EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella
A featherweight compact with a reinforced tri-fold frame.
Why consider it: A lighter budget compact for occasional travel.
- Canopy arc: 38 in (approx.)
- Folded length: 11 in
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
How small does the Windguard fold?
About 11.6 inches, per retailer specifications.
Does it open and close automatically?
Yes. Both open and close are push button automatic.