The 5 Best Tactical Umbrellas for Self Defense and personal safety

Over the last few years, self defense umbrellas have become ever more popular due to people feeling threatened on the streets. Also known as combat umbrellas, these are umbrellas that are also hardened. The result is that they act like a pole that can be yielded to defend yourself. For example, imagine being attacked and trying to defend yourself with a flimsy, regular umbrella. The results would be poor. However, if you used a self defense umbrella, then things would be quite different for obvious reasons. Read on for more information.

Are self defense umbrellas legal?

This depends on the state and also the creation of the umbrella. For example, most umbrellas that have a steel blade are deemed illegal in most states. If you want more specific information on this, then it may be ideal to contact your local law enforcement. Even then, rules can be grey. However, as a general rule – it’s best to play it safe and assume those made from steel are illegal. This is because being hit with steel can kill, whereas reinforced plastic is deemed less lethal in the eyes of the law.

For those not living in North America, your own country will have its own laws. As stated, if you’re really that interested in finding the legal status of self defense umbrellas where you live – then it’s worth messaging a local law enforcer or even a lawyer.

Why do you need a self defense umbrella?

As mentioned above, the effectiveness of a self defense umbrella in a combat situation can literally save your life. However, they are also fully functioning umbrellas that open up, too. This means that if you invest just a little more than a typical umbrella, then you have a go-to weapon to defend yourself, if needed. In fact, most designer umbrella brands are far more expensive than most regular tactical umbrellas. Think of it as an investment that could legitimately save your life.

Will others know the difference between a self defense umbrella or not?

To the naked eye, a self defense umbrella looks no different compared to a regular umbrella. This means, it will not bring any unwanted attention if you’re carrying it on you. It blends in and looks natural and is easy to carry. Most combat umbrellas are fairly light too, so it won’t weigh you down or harm your speed.

How do I use a self defense umbrella?

Effectively, a self defense umbrella is like a modified cane or pole. Also known as a security or weaponized umbrella, these are often held with two hands at once. Ideally, you would swing the umbrella to attack, or hold it against your body to defend. Depending on your skill level of cane fighting, it really depends on how you chose to hold the said umbrella. Many forms of Hapkido teach cane fighting, so that is a good place to start. Elsewhere, there are a number of practical videos that give solid advice. As ever with any weapon, it’s good to learn it and get familiar with how it feels. The last thing you want to do is have a nice weapon without the skills to defend yourself.

We can’t stress this enough though, just because you have a weapon…it doesn’t mean you can freely use it at will. Instead, only use it to defend if attacked. Remember, self defense umbrellas can legitimately kill, and they should be taken seriously as a result.

The origins of cane fighting and its practicality

Although the umbrella is its own physical object, effectively it is a cane. Cane fighting has been used and taught for generations and is as old as fighting itself. If you see someone swinging a bat or pole, it is very similar to cane fighting. Although the art still lives on in Hapkido, perhaps the biggest teacher of cane fighting was Bartitsu. This was a self defense martial art that was created by William Barton-Wright during the Victorian era in London. Here, he taught his practitioners how to fight by using canes, and also umbrellas. This means that umbrellas have been used as weapons as early as the 19th century. Because of this, you know you’re in safe hands when yielding a self defense umbrella, as history is on your side.

Will my self defense umbrella get confiscated?

This is a key question that many potential owners will ask. According to the legal status of most self defense umbrellas, they should be allowed to be taken almost anywhere. Some of the manufacturers on this list claim that they’re even allowed into airports without getting confiscated. With this said, you simply don’t get this level of protection from other self defense devices. A reason for this may be due to self defense umbrellas being incredibly easy to conceal and they don’t look threatening.

The outcome of this is quite practical. Imagine visiting a sketchy city and you want to feel safe and secure. The result is that you may take your umbrella with you with peace of mind. However, it should be added that this is the law of right now. In the future, laws and rights change, so it may not always be the case. This is something worth considering when thinking about buying a security umbrella.

Security Self Defense Umbrella

Made from fiber glass and carbon fiber, this umbrella is 90cm in length. The nice thing about this purchase is that it also comes with a life long guarantee as well as a digital tutorial on how to use it. As a general rule, when a company gives out such guarantee’s you know that they are legit and truly believe in their product.

This umbrella is also quite subtle looking and comes in a black color. Weighing at 1.4 pounds, it is also light enough for most people to carry with ease. Because of this, the Security Self Defense Umbrella is a real winner and is built to last.

Security Umbrella “City-Safe”

This is made out of German-crafted wood and comes in at 78cm in length. With this said, it’s one of the smaller umbrellas on the list which may be handy if you’re smaller or physically weaker than most. In brief, this may be an ideal combat umbrella for the elderly. This also has a handy carry pouch which means you can literally store it on your shoulders when out and about.

Like many self defense umbrellas, this one is built to last. It literally shows pictures of a car driving over the umbrella at an angle. Whilst practically all regular umbrellas here would snap, this one doesn’t. Instead, it simply bends which is quite incredible when you think about it.

Wrzbest 2-in-1 Walking Sticks Umbrella

Created by Wrzbest, this is something a little different. As the title suggests, it doubles up as a walking cane, as well as a self protection umbrella and is made from fiberglass and wood. It also weighs in at 1.13lbs, so it is very light. Perhaps the best quality of this umbrella isn’t just it’s practicality, but it’s also got a fantastic price.

At just over $40, this is a great deal. It also advertises itself as a hiking device too. It’s not just ourselves who recommend this umbrella either. With most of the reviews out there being favorable, the people speak for themselves. For those on a budget, this is the perfect self defense umbrella.

The Indestructible Umbrella

The title is quite a bold claim to make, but apparently this umbrella is truly indestructible. With a 5 year warranty as well, its manufacturers are serious about the durability of this self defense umbrella. Made from polyester – it has also been wind tunnel tested and is apparently legal anywhere.

Unlike all of the others on the list so far, this umbrella differs in its visual design. For those who want an umbrella with a bit more color, it is available in blue and white. Of course, this may not be for everyone, but is something a bit different. At around $30 as well, it can be considered quite a steal.

Unbreakable Walking-Stick Umbrella U-115

Assembled in Poland, this umbrella is built to last. The Unbreakable is made from fiberglass, but claims to be as strong as steel. As mentioned previously, steel umbrellas are mostly illegal, so their status can become problematic with the law. However, this is not the case here, whilst still packing a punch.

Unlike most other umbrellas featured, this one has a ‘J’ handle. The importance of this is that J handle canes can be used differently in self defense scenarios. As mentioned earlier, Hapkido has a full rundown on the art of cane fighting. Within this article, there is a section based on using the J handle to your advantage. This umbrella may be better suited for those with previous cane fighting experience.