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Outdoor Research Nimbus Sombrero
Initial Report - 11 May 2006
OR Nimbus Sombrero
BIOGRAPHY
Name: Jeff Jackson
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Height: 5’ 10” (178 cm)
Weight: 185 lb (84 kg)
Website: http://www.tothewoods.net/
Email: jwj32542 at yahoo dot com
Location: Monterey, CA, USA
Backpacking Background:
I have been backpacking for about eleven
years. I started as a three-season overnight-only hiker in the North Georgia
mountains, and have since hiked in California, Colorado, Georgia, New Jersey,
New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Weather has generally
been mild (50-85 F/10-30 C), although I sometimes hike in winter (~20 F/-7 C) as
well. My current pack weight is roughly 30 lb (14 kg). I generally wear only
very light insulation and a wind shell when hiking, even in sub-freezing
temperatures.
PRODUCT INFO
Manufacturer: Outdoor Research (http://www.orgear.com/)
Product: Nimbus Sombrero (2006)
Listed Weight: Avg weight 3.4 oz (96 g)
Measured Weight (Size L): 3.1 oz (90 g), scale accurate to 1/8 oz (2 g)
Color: Java (dark grey-brown color)
MSRP: $38 US
Website Description:
Dripping forests, pounding drops, coastal storms: venture into the weather with the protection of waterproof/breathable, seam-taped Ventia™ fabric. A foam-stiffened brim with plastic-reinforced edging channels precipitation away from your head during long pours, while a set of snaps secures the brim in blustery weather. The mesh-lined crown and Coolmax® mesh headband wick moisture on humid trails, while an external drawcord adjustment gives the Nimbus Sombrero™ a custom fit.
Hang Tag Description:
Ventia Fabric
- 3-Layer ripstop Ventia waterproof/breathable fabric
- Fully taped seams for total weather protection
Features
- Foam-stiffened brim with plastic reinforced edge
- Mesh-lined crown and Coolmax mesh headband for comfortable moisture management
- Snap-up brim
- External drawcord adjustment
- Longer brim in back provides extensive coverage
- Removable chin cord with cordlock
First Impressions
When I first opened the box, I was surprised how wide this Sombrero is...it really does justice to its namesake! Measuring from edge to edge of the brim, the Sombrero is 14" (35.5 cm) across and 15" (38.1 cm) from front to back. Interestingly, when measured from the brim's edge to the headband, the front of the brim measures 3" (7.6 cm) and the rear measures 4" (10.2 cm). The manufacturer claims this will provide better protection, and I hope this is true because I plan to test the Nimbus with a hoodless rain system.
The Nimbus appears to be of quality construction, and I noticed no irregular seams or cosmetic blemishes. Most of the visible seams have been taped for waterproofing (see below for details). The Ventia fabric feels stiffer than I expected for such a light hat, but this did not affect comfort during a quick fit test. The inside is lined with mesh, so none of the Ventia actually touches my head when worn.
 Underside of Nimbus Showing Mesh Lining and Chin Cord |
I am very impressed with the adjustable headband. A CoolMax headband touches the skin, but between the headband and Ventia, inside the Sombrero, lies a perimeter of shockcord. This shockcord exits the rear of the Sombrero through a sewn button-hole and into a fixed cordlock, so a one-handed tug on the shockcord snugs the Sombrero to my head for blustery conditions. This is a very easily adjusted hat!
However, the cordlock is secured to the Sombrero with a rubberized flap, and the seam securing the flap to the hat is not taped. Furthermore, although the flap covers the buttonhole, the hole does not appear to have any further waterproofing. I am curious if any water will enter the Sombrero from this hole.
 Headband Tightened with Cordlock |
 Buttonhole Opening for Headband Shockcord |
When full protection is not necessary, the Nimbus has snaps to flip the brim up. I had no problem snapping the sides up while wearing the hat, and I can snap one side up and leave the other side down if rain or snow is blowing from the side. The snaps have no waterproofing, but they appear to be tight enough against the Ventia fabric that no water will leak through. I plan to inspect this during testing.
 Snaps to Secure Brim |
 Nimbus with Sides Flipped Up |
The Nimbus also has a removable chin cord to secure it in high winds. The cord is simply a thin piece of straight cord tied to loops sewn into the brim. I just untied the knots to remove the cord, then tied it back...very simple. The chin cord also has an adjustor to snug the strap under my chin if necessary.
 Chin Cord Connection |
 Chin Cord Adjustor |
Test Plan
I will use the Sombrero in rainy, sunny, foggy, windy and possibly snowy conditions. I will test it while lounging and hiking at the beach (it’s always nippy at Monterey’s beaches, with heavy rains and bright sun alternating rather quickly during rainy season) and on a kayaking trip around Monterey Bay. I also plan to take several 1-3 day hiking trips to Los Padres National Forest and the Big Sur area, and at least one weekend trip to Yosemite National Park. If all goes well, I would like to take a weeklong trip to the Wonderland Trail in Washington State. I will test the Sombrero in temperatures ranging from 30-80 F (-1-27 C), and at elevations from sea level to ~10,000 ft (3,000 m). I will wear it as sun protection, rain protection and warmth.
I will evaluate the Sombrero on the basis of comfort, durability, performance and style.
- Comfort. How well does it fit in the field? How does the material feel against my skin, especially when I'm hiking hard? Does the sweatband cause any irritation? Does the drawstring cause any irritation?
- Durability. Does the fabric show any wear over time, such as abrasion, punctures or fraying? Does it remain waterproof for the duration of the test without needing periodic treatment? Will the foam-stiffened brim become folded or disfigured if I don’t pack it carefully?
- Performance. Is it really waterproof AND breathable?! How well does it breathe? How well does the CoolMax wick moisture from my head? How well does the brim protect my face from windblown rain? Will any water leak in from the snaps or the headband adjustment? Is it easy to adjust on my head to compensate for wind direction? (I am very interested in this aspect...if it performs well, I may permanently switch to the Sombrero and hoodless poncho instead of a hooded rain jacket.) Does the foam-stiffened brim flap in the breeze? Do the snaps hold the brim well on windy days? How much warmth does the Sombrero provide? How easy is it to put on and take off? How quickly does it dry in the field? How much pack space does it require when stowed? Is the drawcord easy to store when I don’t need it?
- Style. Never substitute function for fashion when tooling around town or in popular parks. How good do I look in it?!
What I Like (So Far)
- Easily adjusted headband
- Side snaps
- Removable chin cord (since I rarely use chin cords)
What I Don’t Like (So Far)
I would like to thank Outdoor Research and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to
test this excellent piece of gear.
Jeff Jackson
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