(Photo: Thomas Hannich)

The Best Bet
Given current weather trends, rainstorms have replaced blizzards as winter’s foul-weather experience. Most umbrellas, especially those purchased hastily on the street, expire after a few hours of wind combat. Commit to serious protection with the aptly named GustBuster Classic Automatic umbrella ($29.99 at Paragon Sports, 867 Broadway, nr. 18th St.; 212-255-8036). Its flexible fiberglass frame, tested in wind tunnels, can fight off gusts topping 50 mph and spring back into shape. Rain cascades over and away from its double-canopy design, meaning less wetness on your freshly dry-cleaned suit. GustBusters come in several sizes, from the compact, folding Metro model to the massive, sidewalk-hogging 68-inch doorman model. (The 48-inch classic, seen here, should provide ample coverage.)