Umbrella

I was at a big warehouse today - very busy, a lot of drivers, requirements are strict (slide tandems , disconnect, move the truck, use two straps). And it was raining really bad. I have never enjoyed being wet, so every time I got out, I used my umbrella. I noticed that I was the only person with this device, some had yellow raincoats, some t-shirts, but nobody had an umbrella. Again, it was not drizzling, it was pouring. And it made me wonder: why so? Maybe I am missing some interesting urban legend here?

The umbrella is more cumbersome than it’s worth for me. Where I live and work, the rain has a tendency to come at me sideways. So, hooded rain coat and a dry pair of socks after seems to work for me.

Andrey, to be honest, I once thought about bringing an umbrella but never did. I rarely ever have had to work in the rain. I haven't been soaked or drenched yet in 2.5 years even walking my dog. It's kinda funny how it always works out that it is just a light sprinkle or it eases up when I need to go outside to do something. Even if it was raining harder it only takes a second to close the doors etc so it ended up not being important enough to carry one in my limited space.

I live in a rain forest. Umbrellas are pretty rare here even outside of truck country. The combination of expensive, delicate and taking up space that could be storing something else are probably why you don't see them on trucks. I do keep a waterproof hat in my shower bag for when the weather get wet. Rolls up tiny, fits in one of the many pockets in the shower bag and never breaks. I've had it 10 years and it still looks new. I have the luxury of weekends off so I can rotate the truck's inventory of clothes and jackets as the seasons change. A light, waterproof jacket for spring and summer; a heavy, insulated, waterproof coat for winters and heavy flannel shirts as needed.

Instead of going out in the rain, I will exercise my Stop Work Authority. I can’t be getting wet except in the shower.