Product Development STORY | ALTERNA SLIM50
In pursuing the ideal slim umbrella, I had to question the "conventional wisdom" of umbrella design.
Does your umbrella feel like a nuisance in your bag?
As an umbrella specialist for over 30 years, I have seen countless umbrellas. What has always bothered me is how poorly folding umbrellas fit into one's belongings. An umbrella meant to be carried for unexpected rain often crowds out other items, causing your bag to bulge. It was considered normal for "5-section" umbrellas, which are marketed for their compactness, to become as thick as a rugby ball when folded, even if they are short in length. "Can we make an umbrella that is smarter and blends into daily life?" That desire was the starting point for the development of the ALTERNA SLIM50.
Challenging the limitation that "5-section equals thick"
To achieve slimness, the first thing we tackled was making the fabric as thin as possible. We chose a 15-denier ripstop fabric woven from ultra-fine threads, similar to those used in stockings. By adopting this, we succeeded in dramatically reducing the thickness when rolled up. However, the real challenge lay in the "structure of the ribs." In conventional umbrellas, overlapping parts interfere with each other, causing the umbrella to inevitably spread outward. We shifted the placement of the parts by the millimeter and devised a unique frame structure that fits together like a puzzle. This trial and error is the true essence of my obsession, which some might call obsessive-compulsive.
Just 136g: Coexisting lightness and strength like a smartphone
It’s not just about slimness; I couldn't compromise on the "lightness" needed for carrying it every day. By combining an aluminum main shaft with flexible fiberglass, we achieved a surprising weight of just 136g—about the same as a typical smartphone. But it’s not just light. Thanks to our unique shaft structure, it also possesses the toughness to withstand strong winds of up to 15 m/s. It slides into the gaps in your bag and is reliable when you need it most. We have condensed the specs of the "ultimate sub-item" into this one piece.
Thoughtful technology that considers what happens after it gets wet
A comfortable user experience continues even after you close the umbrella. We applied "Easy-Dry" technology, which infuses nano-level particles into the fibers. A single shake causes water droplets to roll right off, minimizing the stress of wetting the inside of your bag. Furthermore, we adopted a 25mm wide strap to make folding easier. And, as a gesture of kindness to the user and the environment, we use OEKO-TEX® certified safe fabric and have chosen water-repellent agents that do not contain PFOA, which is harmful to the human body. I believe that being thorough down to the smallest detail is what leads to the trust of our users.
I want to make your daily life smarter and freer
ALTERNA SLIM50 is more than just rain gear. It is a tool designed to eliminate the anxiety of rainy days, keep your bag organized, and make your movements lighter. I especially want those who have given up on folding umbrellas, thinking they are always bulky, to experience this innovative slimness. If this umbrella, into which I have packed 30 years of experience, can help make your daily life smarter, there is no greater joy for me as a developer.
