Cakoon Sun Umbrella

This umbrella is small and lightweight, which I've found are its advantages. For example, when folded it uses little space in a suitcase or backpack and easily fits into a purse. When I'm walking with the umbrella open in a crowd, it's small enough to not poke other people while still giving me plenty of sun-protective coverage. It's lightweightness means that in a strong upward wind, it may buckle backwards, but… I've owned one for about 10 years that has buckled back a few times but has never become damaged or broken from buckling back. I've just popped it back forward and continued using it – no problem. Over all these years, I've not always used my Cakoon gently, yet it still works just fine today. I did just order a new one, however, because the tip attachment of one spoke (after much much use) has finally broken through the fabric, and I figure it's time for a replacement. I'm delighted this handy and resilient umbrella is still available.

Unfortunately the quality of this product was so bad that I had to send it back. It was more like a dollar store item. Had it cost $5, I would have been o.k. with it. The product was incredibly flimsy and was made with the absolute cheapest materials. I thought I might break it opening it up just once. I promptly repacked it and shipped it back to the store. Don't waste your money.

It looks like a regular umbrella and I have felt a bit conspicuous and ridiculous using it so I have not used it much at all.

the fabric of the umbrella is good sun protection but I have problems to open and closing the umbrellaThanks

Pros: Light, small, long life & very effective sunlight blocker.Cons: Short handle.I have had this umbrella for at least 3 yrs. It works great for the sun/uv blocking. Live in a very sunny state and am out during mid-day sun. I call it my "walking tree" since it provides a real dark shade. (Unlike regular colored umbrellas, they still let the sun and heat down upon you thru the fabric.) Only negative with the design is the short handle. Even in the promotional picture, you can see the girl is holding it up by her chin. Yup. That is an accurate depiction of the position you have to hold it in. (But it is worth the shade to have to hold it up like that.) As for the reports that this is flimsy, I disagree. I use it often (2x or more/wk); I have owned it for a long time; and there are no signs of it ripping or failing anywhere. I think people may think it is flimsy because it is super light. You can tuck this in your purse easily. It folds down to a really small size. Have even used it in the rain-and it will keep you dry too! Added perk.

I bought this umbrella a few months ago. Very light-weight. Kind of flimsy in even slightly windy conditions. However, it does an excellent job in keeping me out of the sun. I live in Southern California and for the past 3 weeks, the weather has been consistently >100 degrees. It looks like a satellite dish and kind of unattractive, but totally functional. I took it to England/Scotland and did very well in the rain, too. I'm buying one for my mother today.

Buyers beware. This umbrella may hurt you. When I first received this umbrella, I followed the instructions in attempting to open and close the thing, firstly "shaking it" to loosen it up, and then pressing the white release button, (but not holding it), and "pushing the shaft together" (as it instructed, if necessary) to bring it closed. In the previous paragraph of the instructions, I was told that the umbrella was "quite rugged so feel free to use a little muscle if necessary." Well, a little muscle was necessary in my efforts, and somehow, after a bit of labor, the umbrella closed forcefully and pinched my finger between the handle and metal prongs, and loped off the tip. Yes, dear readers, this was not merely a gash, but a very ugly open wound, (as if you sliced the tip of your finger off with a knife). It was so deep that I went to the hospital, but thankfully, there were no stitches.I read the reviews that this umbrella was flimsy and cheap. And it is. When there is the slightest gust of wind, it will be impossible to keep this umbrella straight above your head, and it will blow you to-and-fro in all directions. The wind will also unlatch the mechanism that keeps the umbrella open, so you will constantly need to stop and press it open. (I shudder to imagine how this baby might perform in a rainstorm). Do yourselves a favor and do not give into your vanity, (like I did), and order the umbrella that seemed the smallest and most attractive, (in spite of the bad reviews). Spend the extra money to buy a real UV umbrella that is made well. And if you happen to give into your vanity, proceed with caution with this one, and protect your precious digits!

The fabric of the umbrella seems to cover me well, I don't feel the sun blazing on my face when I use it. But it has a huge drawback: the umbrella is very fragile and weak. In the slightest amount of wind, the whole umbrella shakes like it's going to collapse at any moment. And sometimes, when I am opening it, it does not latch on entirely so it will close on me spontaneously.If I had to buy an item like this again, I'd probably look for a better brand with better reviews.