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Post by cheaptentguy on Jul 10, 2016 3:27:25 GMT -8
I don't wear hats much, but I do most of my hiking in South Carolina and North Carolina where it's absolutely blazing this time of year.
Any recommendations for a sun hat that's breathable and fairly compressible? I'd like something I could smash in the bag if needed.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jul 10, 2016 4:36:02 GMT -8
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jul 10, 2016 4:40:23 GMT -8
I like the Tilley LTM6 (it is in the link rueben provide), but do wish it had a bit more of the mesh. I sunburn easily, so the wide brim helps. Tilley may not be the best maker, but I have yet to hear of a better one. I've been wearing their hats for nearly 20 years. I own 2 now. The old one goes kayaking. The new one is for hiking. May not be any reason for this, but the old one is a little less presentable.
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Post by cheaptentguy on Jul 10, 2016 4:43:38 GMT -8
I am aware. Was looking to see if any specific hats or details were particularly valued or if it's just a pick your favorite one type of thing.
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Post by dirthurts on Jul 10, 2016 5:59:36 GMT -8
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Post by cweston on Jul 10, 2016 6:41:08 GMT -8
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jul 10, 2016 7:02:42 GMT -8
The Sunday Afternoons hat near the bottom of Rueben's link is on sale, and looks like a winner. 3" brim, vent mesh on top. If I had to pick from a non Tilley, it be that one or the Columbia Bora Bora. Both have good mesh & wide brims.
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toejam
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Post by toejam on Jul 10, 2016 7:28:44 GMT -8
My favorite hat is the Tilley LTM6, but it doesn't respond well to being stuffed in your pack - the brim will hang down over one eye for the next two days. I have an old crushable Columbia hat for stuffing. It's something like the Bora Bora without mesh. Get a light color to reflect the sun. It looks less dorky in cool surroundings.
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Post by cheaptentguy on Jul 10, 2016 7:41:20 GMT -8
Thanks for the suggestions so far. All look like great options.
I was really intrigued by one of those Sunday Afternoon hats with the velcro in the back.
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Post by cheaptentguy on Jul 10, 2016 7:42:47 GMT -8
It looks less dorky in cool surroundings. I've been getting over the looking "dorky" the more I spend time on the trail. Definitely more concerned with feeling good and enjoying myself.
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Post by hikerchick395 on Jul 10, 2016 8:34:44 GMT -8
I hate hats but have to wear one for sun protection. My fave is the Head Sweats...a ball cap type hat with a cape. It is all lightweight mesh. I sewed on a "chin" strap that I wear in the back. I also have to have a hat that is compatible with taking photos...can't have the brim interfering with the camera. But now Head Sweats only offers it in white (mine is tan with green.)
Also, new this year, have twice used an Ex Officio insect repelling hat in almost the same style. Fabric is not as comfortable though.
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Post by dayhiker on Jul 10, 2016 15:02:01 GMT -8
I usually get a rain hat that doubles as a sun hat , since it can rain one minute and shin the next here, but I just lost my Sunny Afternoon hat, so I got this sun hat, just noticed it is a lady's model: www.rei.com/product/828462/outdoor-research-oasis-sombrero-hat-womensIt has a a wide brim which provides plenty of sun protection, except from the sides and so far the brim is steady in the wind as well. I will probably put a cord lock on it, but the slide it comes with works. I have one of there hats with a neck drape but it is really hot. I really like the Patagonia sun jacket, which I wear as a shirt, the hood protects all sides except the face, and is cooler than a hat, but the material is a bit heavy for the body in sun. (I got mine on sale, and it a white/sandy pin stripe, haven't seen it in that color since). It has really large side zip pockets.
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daveb
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Post by daveb on Jul 11, 2016 10:57:47 GMT -8
I wear the Outdoor Research TRANSIT SUN HAT.
It has a good bit of mesh to let air in and soaks up the sweat well. The head band has enough flex to add a towel or bandana for extra neck protection but won't stretch out so that on days you don't it still fits. The brim will somewhat hold whatever shape you want to.
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swmtnbackpacker
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Jul 12, 2016 6:55:41 GMT -8
I give up. Sun hats ("boonies") provide a lot of protection vs ball caps, but most have a floppy brim. The Patagonia Sun Boonie really resisted flopping, but a strong wind will undo the foam strap securer, pulling the entire hat off. There's the French Foreign legionnaire looking caped sun hats, but those stifle a breeze.
At at this point, maybe a ponytail and a tennis visor...ok, not really as even with full hair, sometimes the sun got to be too much. Still the hat makers should make a wide brim design that actually works.
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Post by cahiker on Jul 12, 2016 14:06:42 GMT -8
Try a bunch on and see what's comfortable for you. I like the OR Solar Roller hat because it's nice and light. It's marketed as a women's hat, but my husband came home with the same hat, and the only thing that could possible be considered feminine about it is the stitching over the logo (and that's a stretch). www.rei.com/product/828463/outdoor-research-solar-roller-hat-womensIf your pack is high and close to the back of your head look for a model that doesn't have a brim that sticks out in the back - One of the ones with a neck drape might be better. And look for something that's machine washable.
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