Product Description.
■Excerpt from the manufacturer's description
The perfect balance of light blocking, weight, and strength
Folding Umbrella for Hiking (Suitable for Both Sun and Rain) AU-08
Main shaft, 88 cm in diameter, carbon frame, aluminum shaft
Designed specifically for trekking
arata AU-08 was developed specifically for use in the Japanese mountaineering community.
The most significant difference between the long-distance trails of Europe and America—which have given rise to a wealth of outdoor culture—and the Japanese mountaineering scene is the “terrain.” The Japanese mountaineering scene takes place in mountainous regions where updrafts are common. Furthermore, since much of the terrain lies above the tree line with little natural shelter, hikers frequently encounter strong winds.
The idea that the ideal gear varies depending on the environment led to the creation of arata’s trekking umbrella, the “AU-08 / White • Silver.”
■The following improvements and changes were implemented in the December 2025 update
・The handle section of the White model has been redesigned to completely eliminate play, improving operability (similar to the Silver model)
・Adjust the length of the storage bag so that the handle is exposed
・Increased the belt winding diameter to make it easier to wind the belt
・The stitching on the belt section of the White model has been improved to prevent stress from concentrating at the attachment points (similar to the Silver model)
■ A folding umbrella that stays open
It has already been over a year since we launched the AU-08 White.
During this period, we realized—both through our own experience and as users became more familiar with the product—that there was a demand for a design that could be worn on a belt even when not folded. Although it might seem contradictory for a folding umbrella to be used in the same way as a standard umbrella, it was clear that if we could make this possible, it would open up significant new possibilities.
In actual hiking situations, depending on the mountain—especially when you want to use it as a sunshade—there are frequent shifts between times when you want to open the umbrella and times when you don’t, and it can be difficult to fold it up and put it away every time.
Furthermore, when using public transportation in the city, it can be a hassle to fold it up neatly every time, and there are many situations where you’d prefer to keep it together like a full-size umbrella.
However, the original AU-08 featured a two-fold design intended to improve wind resistance, and because the strap used to secure the umbrella was positioned on the inside—unlike those on full-length umbrellas or three-fold models—it could not be used except when the umbrella was folded.
After considering various options, and following much deliberation and experimentation, we succeeded in developing a method that allows the umbrella to be folded up while maintaining its standard appearance, yet can also be extended to function as a full-length umbrella.
This is our own unique feature. It is currently a pending patent and is one of the features that only we possess—it is not found in other companies’ products.
As a result, the AU-08 has overcome the limitations typically associated with folding umbrellas and has evolved further. It has been reborn as a groundbreaking all-weather folding umbrella that excels in a wider range of situations.
■UPF 50+ Silver-Coated 30D Polyester Pongee
The AU-08 / Silver features a fabric developed with a focus on lightweight construction while still providing UV protection with an UPF rating of 50+.
Although you can clearly see light leaking through when held up to the sun, it still achieves a UPF rating of 50+.
Although the details are explained in the ASU-08, which is a straight-type product, we believe it has a distinct character from the white version and is a product worthy of being added to our lineup.
■Technical Spec
arata AU-08 / Silver
・Version: 2.0
・Diameter: 88 cm
・Body Weight:143g (Starage Bag : 6g)
・Material: 30D Polyester Pongee Silver Corting
・Frame:Carbon Fiber
・Shaft:Aluminum Alloy
・Storage Length:38cm
* Please note that the light-blocking coating may peel off if subjected to strong force. Please be especially careful around the fabric’s creases, as these areas are more prone to peeling.
* Please note that the light-blocking coating may have minor pinholes or slight peeling due to the manufacturing or shipping process. Please be advised that we consider these items to be normal products as long as they do not affect actual use.
* Please note that the light-blocking coating may peel off if subjected to strong force. The coating on the fabric’s creases will gradually peel off with repeated folding. Please be aware of this in advance.
* Please note that this product is made of lightweight fabric, which may tear if subjected to excessive force. In particular, when storing the umbrella, pulling on the strap while fastening the Velcro may cause the fabric to tear. Please fold the umbrella, wrap the fabric around it completely, and then fasten the Velcro after securing the strap.
* Please note that the actual color of the product may vary depending on your monitor settings and room lighting.
* The average dimensions listed in this text are based on arata's research.
*Please note that the images shown are provided by the manufacturer, so the actual product may differ slightly in terms of specifications (such as logo placement, color, or pattern placement).
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