Abstract: A folding umbrella having a shorter rigid upper segment and a longer flexible or deformable lower segment, such that with at least an upper portion of the flexible or deformable lower segment manipulated so as to be relatively straight, the hub member of the umbrella is slidable onto the flexible or deformable lower segment. The umbrella further has a mounting mechanism adapted to temporarily secure the umbrella to an object during use, wherein the mounting mechanism may be a clip or a deformable handle member, either as a deformable member connected to the lower end of the shaft or the lowermost portion of the shaft itself.