Guerrilla PainterGuerrilla Painter 309SB60B Shadebuddy Umbrella Stand with Umbrella and Bag Silver

I wasn't sure what to expect from this umbrella. The reviews were pretty mixed. I was given an Amazon gift card and I had been looking at this umbrella for my plein air painting excursions, so I decided to use my gift card on this umbrella. Before taking it on trips, I've been trying it out in my backyard on what I call my "Backyard Paintings". I am really happy with the way it works and the stability. Usually the first thing I do in looking for a plein air painting spot, is look for shade. With the umbrella, I have many more choices of where to paint. The days I have used it have been calm. It doesn't make much since to put up an umbrella in the wind but I know that wind bursts can come up unexpectedly. I purchased two metal tent stakes and a bungee cord to reinforce the pole in case of unexpected wind. I also got empty cardboard toilet paper tubes, cut them in half, and inserted in several of the vents in the umbrella so that if the wind picked up, it would hopefully go through the vents easier.So far, no complaints.Over a year since the above review: I've been using the Shadebuddy for over a year now and I'm still happy with it. If you're going to step away from your easel for even just a minute, be sure and take it down. The wind is just waiting for you to step away and this is true with any andevery umbrella.

This easel is well made and the best I've encountered for plein air painting. No set up is perfect. I've had my Shadebuddy Umbrella for 5 years, and except when the wind is high or the ground hard, this works. It is by far the best painter's umbrella around. Since it sticks in the ground, independently of your easel, wind doesn't take down everything.

As long as you're standing where the umbrella can be pushed into the ground, it's wonderful. Very stable. Larger shade, easier to set up and take down than my BestBrella. Case is easier to use than BestBrella, too. But if you're standing on concrete or asphalt, this wouldn't work for you.

As any plein air painter can tell you, there's no such thing as the perfect umbrella. I've tried the umbrellas that attach to my French easel, but the slightest gust of wind sends the whole thing sailing. Plus, they're hard to attach to the easel and hard to adjust as the sun moves. The Shadebuddy sticks into the ground, so there's no danger of my easel blowing away. It's easy to set up and and easy to adjust or move as the sun moves. The downside is that I can't use it everywhere. If the ground is rock solid, as it sometimes is my part of the country, I can't use it. Nor can I use it on a paved area. It comes with a sturdy canvas carrying case, but it only folds in half so it can be somewhat awkward to carry. If you're hiking a great distance, that might be a problem. But those limitations aside, this is the best umbrella I've found for plein air painting.

I wish it was easier to get it in he ground.A lot of clay where I live and I used my whole body weight but still didn’t get it in completely. I also shush it was da bit wider as I kept hitting my head on it while working at my easel. The vent helps with the wind it withstood a lot.

I researched umbrellas for plein air painting on several websites and in a couple of magazines and this one came out in the top few. Am rating it 5 stars for quality, ease of use, stability. I like having an umbrella separate from the rest of the plein air painting setup. Since it doesn't attach to the tripod or easel, a sudden gust of wind wouldn't cause everything else to fall over. A piece of cake to adjust. The only downside would be that you can't use it on a solid surface (concrete, etc.) So far, that hasn't come up. I really like it.

I purchased this umbrella, used it a few times and one of the ribs broke. It didn't blow over, and it was handled with care. It just broke. They appear to be made out of cheap plastic. The best umbrella for plein air that I've found is Best Brella.

The umbrella is made well and strong. But folded for traveling it is quite tall and heavy. But when you're trying to travel light so you can go off into the wilderness to paint this one is not recommended. I drag it on a wagon when I'm painting in town someplace accessible. I also do have the problem of having to constantly reposition it to keep the sun off of myself. It is easy to set up and take down and with the right type of dirt it easy to install. However you can only use it if you have soft ground under you. Not too soft not too hard just right like the three little pigs. No wooden bridges no cement.

Little long for carrying so meant only for driving to locations. Not meant for travel by air. Really great to use. Doesn't attach to your painting kit so no worries of it pulling work over in the wind. I would buy again!

When I first unpacked this I thought it might be a bit heavy. However when I used it for a plein air session it was terrific. My painting efforts and I remained dry despite heavy rain and wind. The spike was very efficient in the ground although before I go out with it next time I will sort out some guy ropes.Altogether I am delighted with it

Several people in my en pleun air group have this umbrella so I am familiar with the product. I was so excited to see it on sale.When I unpacked it, I noticed the protective plastic shield was broken. The spike is a little bent and the paint chipped off. I hope this won't affect its use, I won't be using this until next spring.

I think the design and operation of this umbrella and stand are great; however, the umbrella portion of this item was clearly used and damaged. The main center rod of the umbrella had cracks, scrapes, and gouges in it. Not impressed. I will try ordering another one when they get more in stock.

Very pleased with my new umbrella.