Reviews > Clothing > Hats > Coolibar Trail Hat > Anthony Smith > Initial Report

Coolibar Trail Hat
Initial Report
28 July 2006

Tester Bio
Name – Anthony (TJ) Smith
Age – 31
Gender – Male
Height – 5’ 10 (1.78 m)
Weight – 175 lb (79 kg)
Head Circumference – 22 in (56 cm)
Email Address – tjsmith1946@gmail.com
City, State, Country – Pensacola, Florida USA

Backpacking Background

I have been camping for a little over 5 years now, mostly car camping. I have recently begun backpacking, and I am constantly adding new gear to my “collection” in an effort to get my gear list tailored more towards backpacking. My current pack weight is around 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) without food and water, depending on if I'm solo camping or taking my son along, as I have to carry some of his gear. I am a dedicated hammock camper and have tailored my personal gear to that aspect of camping.

Product Information

Year of Manufacture – 2006
Manufacturer URL – www.coolibar.com
Stated Weight – N/A
Weight as Delivered – 4.25 oz (120 g)
Size Tested – Small/Medium
Color Tested - Moss Green
MSRP – $29.95 USD

From Coolibar's Website: The Coolibar Trail Hat is a men's sun hat designed for easygoing everyday use, with side snaps to create a lean profile, and a 3" brim to shelter your face and neck from midday sun. A toggle cord keeps it securely in place; attractive styling and durable details make it the choice of fishing hats and hiking hats. Made of 100% brushed cotton; rated to block 98% UV.

One hang tag included with the product (the list of hang tags can be found under my initial observations) gives a little information about the protection factor of this hat. The tag states the hat has a UPF 50+, and the fabric was independently tested using three different tests and that the tag complies with labeling for sun protective clothing.

Initial Information/Observations

The Coolibar Trail Hat arrived undamaged, along with the Travel Shirt. The hat was packaged in a plastic bag with the Coolibar logo on the bag. The hat as delivered is similar to what I had expected based on viewing the product on the manufacturer's website. The hat has a 3 in (8 cm) wide brim around the entire hat. There is a cord looped through a hole on either side of the hat, with a slide lock to help hold the cord in a tightened position. Also on either side of the hat is a snap fitting, with part of the snap on the side of the hat and part on the brim. This allows the sides of the hat to be held up, creating a narrower profile. According to the tag in the hat, hand washing is recommended with line drying for the care.

Attached to the hat were a series of 4 hang tags. These tags describe the Coolibar sun protection product line, one describing this particular product, one describing the sun protection rating for this hat, and one describing the Skin Cancer Foundation's recommendations for the Coolibar products.

The trail hat appears well constructed. I did not notice any loose threads, and all the stitching appears straight and consistent. I did not notice any apparent ventilation in the hat, which may pose issues in the heat I tend to hike in.

On the front of the hat is the Coolibar logo. I don't feel this detracts from the look of the hat, as I feel the color complements the hat and does not draw too much attention to the "advertisement." There is also a small Coolibar logo on the snaps on the sides of the hat.

On initial wearing, I find the Trail Hat to be quite comfortable. I do not feel it is too tight, nor too loose. I have also found the side snaps easy to use, both with the hat off and with it on my head. Not being used to hats with "tie-down" straps (i.e. neck cords), I'm not sure how long it will take me to get used to this feature.

Test Plan

The Coolibar Trail Hat will be tested in a variety of locations throughout Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama. During the testing period, expected weather conditions will range from a high near 100 F (38 C), and lows approaching or creeping just below 50 F (10 C). I also anticipate varied levels of precipitation, from bright sunny days with low humidity all the way to torrential downpours. The terrain throughout the testing area ranges from very sandy soil to old and new growth pine forests as well as areas of marshy bogs.

I currently have numerous trips planned throughout the testing period, as well as weekly day hikes during which I will be utilizing the Trail Hat.

While testing, the following is a list of issues I intend to explore:

Durability

1. How well does the Trail Hat hold up to regular use? Do the edges begin to look tattered? Will the “toggle cord” break loose? Will the fabric around the snaps begin to pull loose?

Comfort

1. How comfortable is the hat? Does it allow for adequate ventilation? Does it fit well when worn with sunglasses? (Some hats I have sit low and interfere with the arms of my sunglasses.)
2. Is the fit and comfort affected by wearing the Trail Hat with the sides up? Or does the hat retain its same level of comfort as with the sides down?
3. How much problem do I have with the hat retaining heat, given the apparent lack of ventilation? Do I notice heat building up, or does the material let the hat "breathe?"

Function

1. How well does the Trail Hat actually shield me from the sun? Does it provide adequate coverage, or do I still need something over the back of my neck?
2. How well does the “toggle cord” actually work to keep the hat on my head? Is it really functional, or more decorative?
3. How well do the side snaps work to hold the sides up? Do the snaps wear out quickly or do they seem well constructed?

Care/Cleaning

1. Will the hat start to show excessive sweat marks, especially given the heat and humidity I’ll be using it in?
2. How easy is the Trail Hat to clean? Does it hold dirt?

My thanks to Coolibar and BackpackGearTest for allowing me to test this item.

Reviews > Clothing > Hats > Coolibar Trail Hat > Anthony Smith > Initial Report