The answer is three.

Most people would think only one umbrella. It’s true that everyone needs at least one umbrella. Needless to say, make it a good one. However, I think you might be surprised with our recommendation for the ideal number: three.

That’s right—three umbrellas. Here are some common situations where having three different sized-umbrellas will make your life a bit easier:

To keep in your car.

We think that, along with a handy non-iphone flashlight, an umbrella should be a permanent fixture in your car. You'd be surprised how often you'll reach for it when you arrive at your destination and an unexpected storm hits. Our recommendation: The Davek Solo, our flagship umbrella.

A mini, to keep with you always. 

How many times have you started your day clear and sunny, only to be surprised by a midday shower? The solution: a tiny umbrella to leave in your bag for those "just in case" moments, small and lightweight enough to be unnoticeable when unused. Our recommendation: The Davek Mini, both tiny and mighty.

A big umbrella for torrential storms. 

We've lived through our share of blizzard bombs. If you know what we're talking about, then you need an umbrella big enough to protect you when it's raining horizontally—a gale-proof umbrella with enough coverage for two. Our recommendation: The Davek Elite or Golf.