It's VERY compact.  I got it in the mail and took it out of it's carrying pouch.  Unraveled it, and tried it on.  It's big enough to make a shelter out of with some paracord.  I was able to fold it back up into a small pack and store it back in it's pouch with no problems.  This is something I bought for an emergency car kit.  I high recommend it.  The material is the same material umbrellas are made of.  Very light weight.