You are looking at an umbrella, and you see the words “UA Storm technology.” It sounds like a fancy label, but what does it actually do for you? If you have ever been stuck under a wet umbrella that drips on your head when you close it, you know why this matters.
Under Armour Storm Technology is a finish that keeps the canopy dry during rain, so you stay dry too.
It is a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. This is not a plastic layer or a rubber seal. It is a chemical treatment applied to the fabric. On an umbrella, this means water hits the surface and forms round beads. Those beads roll right off instead of soaking into the nylon or polyester.
Your umbrella stays lightweight, and you do not get a face full of water when you fold it up.
How UA Storm Works on a Fabric Level
The secret is in the chemistry. The coating is a hydrophobic blend, often based on fluoropolymers. It changes the surface of the fabric on a microscopic level.
Imagine a lotus leaf. Water sits on top of it in perfect little spheres because the surface has tiny bumps and a waxy coating. That is the same principle here.
The treatment creates a low surface energy barrier. Water droplets cannot spread out on the fabric. Instead, they stay tightly packed together. This high contact angle makes them unstable on the fabric. Gravity and the angle of the umbrella canopy do the rest. The water slides down and off.
The coating is applied to the outer face of the fabric. The inner side, the one that faces you, does not have the treatment.
This is intentional. It lets the fabric breathe. If you trap moisture on the inside, you would get condensation. With UA Storm, any moisture vapor from your body or the damp air can escape through the fabric, while liquid rain is blocked on the outside.
What Makes It Different from Waterproof
This is the most common misunderstanding. UA Storm is not waterproof. It is water-repellent. Waterproof means the fabric has a membrane or a thick coating that stops all liquid. Think of a vinyl shower curtain. No water gets through, ever. But that material is heavy, stiff, and does not breathe.
UA Storm uses a finish, not a barrier. The fabric itself is still porous. In moderate rain, the coating works perfectly. But in a downpour with wind, the pressure of the water can eventually force it through the weave.
The seams are the weakest point. The needle holes from stitching create tiny gaps where water can seep in. That is why no umbrella is truly waterproof forever.
For an umbrella, water repellency is actually better than a fully waterproof fabric. A waterproof canopy would trap moisture when you fold it up, leading to mildew and a heavier, wetter bundle. UA Storm sheds the water so the fabric dries faster and stays light.
UA Storm vs. Other Water-Repellent Technologies
You might see other water-repellent treatments on umbrellas. Silicone sprays, Teflon coatings, and Nikwax are common. Here is how UA Storm compares.
| Technology | How It Is Applied | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| UA Storm (Factory DWR) | Sprayed or padded on before sewing, then heat-cured | High. Lasts dozens of uses before needing reapplication | Lifetime of the umbrella with proper care |
| Silicone Spray (Aftermarket) | DIY spray can | Low. Wears off after a few rain exposures | Temporary fix for an old umbrella |
| Teflon (PTFE-based DWR) | Often in outdoor gear, less common in umbrellas | Moderate. Similar to UA Storm but can yellow with heat | Jackets and pants |
| Nikwax (Aftermarket Wash-in) | Detergent-like product for home use | Moderate. Reapplication needed every season | Restoring old gear |
The big advantage of UA Storm is that it is factory-applied and cured. Heat curing bonds the chemical to the fabric fibers. Aftermarket sprays just sit on top of the fabric.
They wash off much faster. Also, Under Armour designs the coating specifically for their own nylon blends. The chemistry works with the weave density and thread thickness to get the best balance of repellency and breathability.
Real-World Performance on Umbrellas
I have used UA Storm umbrellas in drizzles and heavy downpours. Here is what you can expect.
Strengths:
- The canopy stays dry on the outside. When you close it, your hand does not get wet.
- The fabric is lightweight. No heavy rubber coating adds bulk.
- It opens and closes smoothly. The coating does not stick to itself.
- If you dry the umbrella properly, mildew is not a problem.
- Water beads up immediately. You see the effect the first time you use it.
Limitations:
- In heavy wind and rain, water can seep through the seams. This is true for any umbrella.
- Folding and unfolding the umbrella wears the coating at the crease points. Over time, those areas lose repellency first.
- After many uses, the beading effect weakens. The water starts to wet out the fabric instead of rolling off.
Myth vs. Fact:
Myth: UA Storm makes your umbrella completely waterproof.
Fact: It is highly water-repellent, but no umbrella fabric is 100% waterproof forever. Seam leakage and long-term wear are a reality.
Myth: Once the coating wears off, the umbrella is ruined.
Fact: You can restore the repellency with aftermarket DWR sprays. It will not be as strong as the factory finish, but it will improve performance.
How to Extend the Life of UA Storm on Your Umbrella
You paid extra for this technology. Here is how to make it last.
- Shake before closing. Remove as much water as possible. Folding a soaking wet canopy pushes water into the fabric and accelerates wear.
- Dry it open. Do not store the umbrella closed after use. Keep it open in a dry spot until the fabric is fully dry. This prevents mildew and protects the coating.
- Wash gently when dirty. Mud or dirt can hold grit that scratches the coating. Use mild soap and lukewarm water. No bleach, no fabric softener. Softener leaves a residue that blocks the DWR.
- Reapply when needed. If water stops beading and starts soaking in, use a spray-on DWR like Nikwax TX. Direct or Grangers. Apply it to a clean, dry canopy. Let it cure for 24 hours. It will help, but it will not be as durable as the original.
- Avoid high heat. Do not put the umbrella in a dryer. Heat can damage the coating and the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UA Storm technology affect the color or feel of the umbrella fabric?
No. The coating is clear and odorless. You will not notice it by touch. It does not make the fabric stiff or sticky. The only way you know it is there is when the water beads up.
Can UA Storm be applied to an older umbrella?
Yes, you can use a DWR spray on any nylon or polyester umbrella. But it will not perform as well as the factory UA Storm finish. The aftermarket coating sits on the surface and wears off faster. It is a good way to extend the life of an old umbrella, but do not expect the same level of performance.
Is UA Storm environmentally safe?
Under Armour has changed its formula over the years. Older versions used long-chain fluorocarbons (PFCs) that stay in the environment for a long time. Newer versions use C6 or C0 chemistry. These break down faster and are considered safer.
Look at the product label or Under Armour website for the current environmental statement.
Does the double canopy design affect Storm performance?
No. Double canopy umbrellas have two layers of fabric. The UA Storm coating is applied to both layers the same way. The double canopy is for wind protection, not water repellency. The Storm coating works identically on both layers.