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Most compact umbrellas are treated as disposable. They flip inside out, a rib snaps and they end up in a bin by the train station. The Blunt Metro takes a different approach. It is a small, automatic umbrella designed to be tough, easy to carry and repairable, from a company that was built on rethinking what an umbrella should be.
Who makes it
Blunt is an umbrella company from New Zealand. Its founder, Greig Brebner, grew up with his father's workshop as his playground. Blunt says the idea for the company came to him on the rainy streets of London, where he found himself surrounded by a sea of umbrellas that were hard to navigate and a constant source of frustration.
His goal was to build something that would stand the test of time. Today, every Blunt umbrella is made from four main modular parts: the canopy, the frame, the shaft and the handle. That design makes repair and maintenance much simpler, and the Metro is backed by a 2 year global warranty.
What it is
The Metro is the compact, automatic model in the Blunt lineup. It collapses small enough to fit in a handbag, tote, briefcase or backpack, and a button on the handle pops the canopy open for instant cover. It comes with a matching sleeve to keep it tidy when you put it away wet.
Here are the specs from Blunt:
- Style: collapsible
- Launch type: automatic open
- Open diameter: 39.4 inches
- Closed length: 14.8 inches
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Canopy: 360 degree spinning design
- Included: matching cover sleeve
- Warranty: 2 year global warranty
Why it is cool
The standout feature is the spinning canopy. Blunt designed it to turn freely around the shaft, so when you bump into someone or brush past a wall in a narrow street, the canopy can rotate and absorb the knock rather than stressing the core mechanism. It is a small detail that makes a big difference in a crowded city.
The size is also well judged. Blunt describes the coverage as sized for one person, which means you are protected without taking up the entire sidewalk. That is a nice nod to the founder's original frustration with umbrellas jostling for space.
Then there is the modular build. Because the canopy, frame, shaft and handle are separate components, a damaged part can be fixed rather than the whole umbrella being replaced. In a category full of throwaway products, that is a refreshing idea.
How to use it
Keep the Metro in your everyday bag so it is ready when the forecast is uncertain. When the rain starts, slide it out of the sleeve, point it away from your face and press the button to open. To close, collapse the canopy back down by hand, then fold it neatly before returning it to the sleeve.
On windy days, angle the canopy into the wind rather than holding it straight overhead. That keeps the pressure even across the frame and gives you better cover.
Care
After use, open the umbrella and let it dry fully before storing it, ideally somewhere with good airflow. Packing it away damp for long periods can lead to musty smells and wear on the canopy. Wipe off any mud or salt with a damp cloth. If something does break, contact Blunt about repairs, since the modular design is meant to keep it in use for years.
Who it is for
The Metro is for commuters, travelers and anyone who lives somewhere the weather changes without warning. It is small enough to carry every day and solid enough to trust when the rain picks up. If you mostly walk or ride public transport and want a single umbrella that will last, this is a smart choice, and one that should stay out of the bin for a long time.
Building out your rainy day kit? Read about the Rains Long Jacket, the Barbour Bedale wax jacket, the Rains Backpack and our guide to waterproof Gore-Tex fabric. For more, visit our everyday carry hub.
