My wife and I went on our first backpacking trip in 2002. Since then we got into lightweight backpacking. I have been able to get my base weight down to 9lbs (4kgs). Last year I started making some homemade gear, which included a tarp and a quilt. We take our kids with us on shorter trips and typically use a tent and carry more gear when we take them.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Tilley
Year of Manufacture: 2007
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.tilley.com/
MSRP: US$69.00
Listed Weight: 4 oz (113 g)
Measured Weight: 3.7 oz (105 g)
Other details: The Tilley LT3 hat is a medium brimmed water resistant hat. It comes in a khaki color with an olive underbrim. The hat has two straps to keep the hat on in windy weather and offers a UPF 50+ sun protection. It also floats and has a pocket to store some cash or an ID. It also has a strap to hold glasses and snaps to fold either or both sides of the brim up. The LT3 also comes with a 4 page owner's manual and is guaranteed for life and insured against loss.

FIELD USE

I have worn the LT3 on multiple trips with various uses and conditions. Primarily I have used the LT3 in warm weather to block the sun. On my most recent trip with the hat I hiked 15 miles (24km) with over 7000ft (2135m) of elevation change. The hike started as a warm several miles up hill where I dipped the hat in snow melt to keep myself cool. At higher altitude hiking above snowline I felt the hat kept my head warm. However, I find that whatever keeps the head warm in cool weather also keeps it hot in warm weather. I found myself taking the hat off in the shade to let my head cool off. The hat does a good job of repelling rain and yet allows the head to breathe in humid conditions.
I use the rear hat strap almost all the time I wear the hat. I find it keeps the hat on in almost all conditions. On the few conditions I've needed the two straps I felt confident not even a gale could take the hat off. The straps adjust easily to get a comfortable fit. There is also a strap on the inside of the hat that holds sunglasses. I have only used this feature a few times but find it great in situations hiking on terrain that changes from dense woods to no coverage. It has allowed me to take glasses where I normally wouldn't due to fear of breaking them. I have also worn the LT3 on several kayaking trips and verified that the hat does float but never needed to rely on it floating. The straps have always kept the hat on but if the user ever lost it in the water it's nice to know that it would float.
The hat comes with a lifetime guarantee so I often find myself wearing the hat around town to try and put some more use on it. The owner's manual states that the hat can be easily stained by sweat and needs to be frequently washed. It doesn't require any special washing but I typically wash it after every long trip. I have found that by washing it after every backpacking trip sweat stains have not become a problem. Dirt also seems to wash out well. I feel that the hat still looks just as good today as it did new.

SUMMARY

After over a year of wear the hat still looks and performs like new. The hat has performed well in every application. The only negative is that the hat band is warm and can cause more sweating, yet, at the same time it is very absorbent and does a good job wicking sweat and keeping it from getting in the eyes. The hat is easy to pack, wash, and reshape. I plan on wearing the hat well into the future and I plan on seeing if it can truly last as long as its guaranteed.

THINGS I LIKE

Great sun protection
Water resistant
Straps on tight for windy conditions
Packs easily
Easy to care for
Holds money or ID
Holds sunglasses
Floats
Lifetime guarantee
Insured for loss
Warm in cool weather
Looks good
Comfortable

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

Hot in warm weather
Needs to be washed regularly

Owner Review by Joshua Esteves

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