_g-11.png){kind=small}
Simprella
The New 3rd Generation Pocket Sized Umbrella | Compact, Durable and Always Ready
Disclaimer: All reviews contain subjective opinions of the NANZA team.
[Funding Status]
Pledges: $67,114
(as of Sep 16, 2025)
Live until: November 2, 2025
@ 6:14 AM (PDT)
[Reward Price]
Early Bird: $38 USD (35% off retail)
* Shipping fee not included.
[Estimated Shipping Time]
Jan 2026
NANZA Tl;dr
The Simprella project is a design-driven attempt to reinvent the pocket-sized umbrella by addressing the three main complaints about traditional compact umbrellas: they are often too bulky to be carried comfortably, they break easily in the wind, and they take a long time to dry after use. Simp Design & Tech has gone through multiple iterations (Simprella 1.0, 2.0, and now 3.0) to refine their umbrella into a highly portable yet durable solution.
At its core, Simprella introduces a fold-flat frame system, which collapses in a more streamlined way than the traditional telescoping umbrella structure. This means when stored, the umbrella doesn’t create the usual bulky cylinder, but rather a flatter profile that slides easily into bags or even some pockets.
The canopy fabric is made primarily from recycled materials, with water-repellent and quick-dry properties. This focus on eco-friendly textiles sets the umbrella apart from cheap, single-use compact umbrellas. The frame combines aluminium alloy and stainless steel, materials chosen to increase resistance to rust, corrosion, and general wear, extending the umbrella’s usable life.
Summary
Ultra-Compact Folded Size
Simprella is designed to be genuinely pocket-sized, with earlier versions measuring only about 14.3 cm (5.6 inches) when folded. This makes it smaller than most smartphones, allowing it to fit into jeans pockets, clutch bags, or the side pocket of a backpack. The compactness aims to remove the common excuse of leaving an umbrella at home because it’s inconvenient to carry.
Fold-Flat Frame Innovation
Unlike typical telescoping umbrellas that fold into a bulky cylinder, Simprella’s fold-flat frame mechanism creates a slim and flatter shape. This not only makes it easier to store in narrow spaces but also minimizes the awkward bulge that traditional compact umbrellas create in a bag or pocket. This engineering tweak is one of the product’s central innovations.
Durable Material
By using a combination of aluminium alloy (for lightness and strength) and stainless steel (for rust and fatigue resistance), Simprella aims to overcome the notorious weakness of pocket umbrellas, which often bend or break after a few uses. This choice of materials suggests a design built for longevity, even though the mechanism is more complex than a basic umbrella.
Sustainable Canopy Fabric
The canopy fabric is not only water-repellent and fast-drying but also contains over 80% recycled material. This eco-friendly approach appeals to sustainability-minded consumers and positions Simprella as a more responsible alternative to disposable umbrellas that flood landfills after breaking in the wind.
Slim Carry Case
The included slim wrap case complements the fold-flat design by reducing the space required in a bag or pocket. It’s also designed to help contain water after use, preventing wet umbrellas from dripping onto other belongings, which is a frequent pain point with compact umbrellas.
Iterative Product Development
Simprella isn’t a one-off invention but the result of multiple development cycles (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0). Each iteration has incorporated backer feedback and improvements in material quality, durability, and usability. This history demonstrates both persistence from the design team and a willingness to refine the product over time.
Customization Through Backer Input
The campaign incorporates community participation by letting backers vote on available color options. This approach not only makes supporters feel included but also ensures that production prioritizes the most desirable styles, reducing waste and unsold inventory.
Engaged Campaign with Transparency
Kickstarter updates, FAQ sections, and backer involvement suggest a more transparent and responsive campaign than many one-off gadget launches. This level of communication is important for crowdfunded products where delivery timelines and quality are common concerns.
Shipping:
Shipping can be calculated at checkout and will differ in time as well as price depending on your address!
What We Love
1. Wind-Resistant Design
Unlike many pocket umbrellas that collapse at the first strong gust, Simprella has been engineered to perform better under windy conditions. Its reinforced frame and carefully designed canopy structure make it more dependable in unpredictable weather, ensuring users can actually rely on it when they need it most.
2. Premium Everyday Carry Appeal
Simprella is not just a tool but a thoughtfully designed lifestyle accessory. Its compactness, sleek aesthetics, and eco-conscious materials position it as a premium everyday carry item, perfect for urban commuters, travelers, and style-conscious users who value both function and design.
What We Don't
1. Challenges and Risks
While the umbrella’s innovations are appealing, compact umbrellas are mechanically complex products prone to wear. The fold-flat mechanism, while clever, introduces additional moving parts that may increase the risk of malfunction. Backers must weigh the design promises against the execution risks — particularly with small manufacturers where quality control may vary.
Is it Worth it?
Simprella is worth purchasing because it takes the everyday umbrella and makes it smarter, stronger, and easier to carry. Unlike bulky compact umbrellas that are inconvenient to bring along, Simprella folds down into a slim, pocket-sized shape thanks to its unique fold-flat design. This means you can slip it into a bag, pocket, or case without it taking up much room, so you’re always prepared for unexpected rain. Its frame is built with aluminium alloy and stainless steel, giving it durability against wind and resistance to bending or rusting, which makes it far more reliable than cheap umbrellas that break after a few uses. The canopy is made from mostly recycled material that not only helps reduce waste but also repels water and dries quickly, so you don’t have to deal with a soggy umbrella for long. To make carrying even more convenient, it comes with a slim case that prevents your belongings from getting wet after use. Having already gone through multiple generations of improvements, Simprella combines eco-conscious design, dependable performance, and sleek style into one premium everyday carry accessory, making it a thoughtful upgrade from ordinary umbrellas.