Wearing the Coolibar Women's Sun Hat

Manufacturer: Coolibar Year of Manufacture: 2006 Manufacturer’s Website: www.coolibar.com Listed Weight: 2 oz (57 g) Weight as Delivered: 2.4 oz (70 g) MSRP:  $29.95 USD Sizes Available:  One size fits all. Fits minimum head measurement of 21 1/8 in (54 cm) and a maximum head measurement of 22 5/8 in (57.5 cm). Tester's Head Circumference: 21 in (54 cm) Colors Available: Cobalt, Navy, Sage, Tan, Ecru, and White Color Tested:  Stone Fabric Content: Shell 100% Nylon Dimensions: Diameter 14 in (36 cm); Circumference of brim 40 in (102 cm) Care:  Gently hand wash, mild detergent, air dry

Photo obtained from manufacturer website.

The name Coolibar comes from an eucalyptus tree found in the harsh Australian outback. The company, like the Coolibar tree, provides welcome relief and protection from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Coolibar is the first company to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation for sun protective clothing.

The product tags attached to the Sun Hat list the product, company, and skin cancer foundation information. The manufacturer, Coolibar, develops clothing fabrics that are independently tested for their Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This protection factor was pioneered in Australia over a decade ago. The Sun Hat has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 50+ and has 98% Ultraviolet Protection. I like the idea of the hidden drawcord to achieve a more custom fit with the hat. I tried the hat on with a skull cap and I was able to fasten the hat to the desired tightness. My head circumference is 21 in (54 cm) and I had no problem adjusting the hat to the desired tightness.

Inside of Sun Hat showing the elastic drawcord and the terry headband. The brim stitching is also shown in this picture.

I also like the terry headband that is located inside the hat. I hope this will prevent sweat from migrating down my face and help keep my head and face cool.

The nylon material of the hat has a soft velvety feel. The ventilation holes are reinforced with stitching. The brim of the hat appears sturdy. I attempted to crush it a few times and it conformed to its original shape. The hat is lightweight and is easily folded to fit into my pack

I find the hat to be stylish and I noticed  it complements my facial features.

Testing Locations

This item is going to be primarily tested during the summer months (August-early September) in the mountainous region of northern Utah. Most elevation ranges in the Utah Wasatch and Uinta Mountain Ranges are between 9,000 and 10,000 ft (2,700-3,000 m). The average daytime temperature in these mountain ranges at 9,000 ft (2,700 m) during the summer months is 75 F (24 C). The yearly average amount of snowfall is 500 in (13 m) in the Wasatch Mountain Range. 

During the month of August I am planning a climbing /backpacking trip to the Grand Teton in Wyoming. The elevation at the summit is 13,770 feet (4,198 m). The temperatures vary significantly due to the elevation gain. The average temperatures in July are between 40 F (4 C) and 76 F (24C) depending on the elevation level. 

In the early fall months (September-October) I frequently overnight camp in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and the Moab, Utah area. The climate in this area is dry during the fall months and the temperatures average 60 F (16 C) during the day. The elevation in this area is generally 5,000 ft (1,500 m) with ranges of a few hundred feet. 

My backpacking plans this fall (September) also include 2-3 day backpacking trips in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the San Rafael Swell area of Utah. The elevations in these geographical areas range from 4,000 to 8,000 ft (1,200-2,400 m). These geographic areas are considered a high desert, and consist of rugged mountainous terrain, slot canyons, and are less rugged in the valley areas. The temperatures during the fall months average approximately 60 F (16 C).  The area is arid with only 4 to 6 in (10-15 cm) of precipitation a year. 

Test Plans

I plan to test the Sun Hat in all the above locations and I am certain many more during the testing period. I will test the hat while car camping, backpacking, running errands around town, and on picnics. 

The below stated factors will also be tested and any other factors that may arise.

Fit:  How does the hat fit overall? Are there any snug/oversized areas? Does the hat provide enough shade on my entire face and neck to protect me from the UV rays? Can I use the draw cord to keep the hat in place and obtain an adequate fit, or does it slide off my head? Does the wind blow the hat off easily? Does it easily fall off my head when I bend over?

Features:  Does the hat provide sun protection as claimed? I have fair skin and this can be easily tested by assessing if my skin burns while wearing the hat for prolonged periods of time in the sunshine. Does the top of my head become sun burned? Is there adequate ventilation? Do I sweat excessively while wearing this? What is the highest/lowest temperature that I can wear this without being too uncomfortable? Does the sweat drip onto my face or does the terry headband wick away the moisture?

Care:  What is the fabric care of the hat? Can it be washed? How does it wear? Can it be easily torn or punctured? If the hat is stuffed into my pack does it hold its shape? Does it show many wrinkles after being stuffed in my pack?

Miscellaneous: Is it stylish to wear around town?