Back in 2011, I remember walking the streets of Pisa in Italy on an overcast afternoon. I had no place to take cover when the rain started pouring down. Like clockwork, men appeared on the street selling umbrellas. “Perfect,” I thought. I bought one for 5 Euros and happily continued to exploring the city. However, within 2 hours, the umbrella had fallen apart. It had completely broken, it was still raining, and I was soaked again.
As a contrast to the above, my mum gave me a Blunt umbrella seven years ago. It’s a brand known for its durability, construction, and longevity, and it hasn’t disappointed. It’s survived seven rainy London winters, and works just as well today as it did the day it was given to me. There is not a single rip, tear, or broken piece.
It’s tempting to go for the cheap and convenient option, but it’s often the more pricey, robust option that wins out in the long run.