Once you remove the outer cover (!!) this is very easy to use - just press the button to open or close. Although on closing you must manually collapse the closed umbrella back into the handle. Also got to use this for the first time in a light shower with gusty but reasonable winds. It was hot humid weather, so much preferable than wearing a jacket. The large size kept me and my glasses dry, and was easy to hold onto. Looks strong, hoping this holds up. And I don't loose it somewhere.