Where Portlanders stand on the great umbrella debate
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Even as a bomb cyclone drenches much of Oregon this week, don't expect to find many residents taking refuge under umbrellas.
Why it matters: The umbrella is a divisive symbol in the Pacific Northwest — seen as either a sign that you're an outsider not aware of local cultural norms, or a silly relic of a tired debate on how best to shield yourself from the rain.
Driving the news: The majority of the 372 readers who responded to Axios Portland's survey this week (85%) said they own an umbrella — yet only 4% reported using one exclusively when it's wet out.
- Instead, 64% opt for a rain jacket, while 26% prefer to use both.
What you're saying: The light, misty drizzle Portland is known for makes umbrellas "obsolete" for some. "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing," Buckman resident Stewart Yaguda said.
- Most respondents agreed that rain jacket technology is far better than a drippy stick you have to carry around with you, and, in some cases, forget by the door on your way out or accidentally poke the eye of a passerby.
- Reader Dani Tamiesie of Wilkes believes "umbrellas are often unnecessary, extra baggage and are an annoyance when walking down a busy sidewalk" and can be seen as a sign of carelessness for others.
- Meanwhile, Mount Tabor resident Maria Walczak said any beanie, hoodie or weather-resistant jacket — even wool — can adequately handle a little water.
Between the lines: There are some circumstances where even the most staunch umbrella haters acknowledge the benefit of carrying one.
- For example, many readers reported using an umbrella when attending an outdoor youth sporting event, walking their dog or depending "on how fabulous my hair is," as one reader put it.
The other side: Dozens of self-described native Portlanders chimed in to say even they find the smugness directed at those who choose to use an umbrella out of turn.
- "It's like some people enjoy and are proud of being wetter than they could otherwise be," August Gunderson noted.
The intrigue: Recent weather patterns have changed some respondents' opinions on whether or not to carry an umbrella.
- "With increasingly frequent hail and atmospheric rivers, umbrellas are the only sensible option," Erica J., who lives in Sellwood, said.
- Several recent studies found human-caused climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events capable of producing more rain and snow.
The bottom line: Perhaps we take reader Olivia Heath's approach and settle this debate once and for all.
- "Life is hard, we should make ourselves comfortable where we can," she said. "If that includes using an umbrella to keep you more dry and less crabby as you walk in the rain, awesome!"