One problem that I have experienced in the past when wearing hats with brims and visors off-trail is that they obscure my field of vision, especially where low-hanging branches are concerned. Even while wearing a simple baseball-style cap, I have on occasion walked full-tilt into a low branch that I had failed to register (I usually wear that cap back-to-front in dense woods for this reason). I have found that generally the Tilley does not present a problem in this regard, as the brim, once raised to its highest tilt, tends to stay there, at least unless solidly whacked by a branch. This was a pleasing discovery, not least because having a brimmed hat helps protect my face in scratchy settings.
If required, I have found that using the wind-cords enables me to slide the hat behind my head, in the Chinese manner (I was recently intrigued to learn that the Chinese were making hemp hats about three thousand years ago—not, I imagine, Tilley hats). The cords do need to be tightened a bit from time to time when worn like this, (not to the choking point, as they pass over the throat), but the hat perches nicely behind my head, protecting the back of my head from the sun and affording unimpeded visibility. Once in a while it will tend to swing round below my chin, but it's quickly and easily pushed back in place.
Of course, most of the time the wind-cords are not in use, and I have found it easiest to slip them through the hook-and-loop fastener that's intended to retain sunglasses. This keeps them nicely out of the way. The hat is, in fact, remarkably secure on my head without cords, and it would take a real gust to dislodge it. I wear my hair in a thin pony-tail, and I've found that the fit is pretty good whether I leave this to dangle down behind (which does make the brim fit a wee bit tighter, but not to the point of any discomfort) or push it within the hat as a sort of top-knot. Those with longer hair may want to take this into account if considering the hat, although I must admit that my locks are thinning a bit these days and may not take up as much room as they used to!
The sweat-band does an excellent job. I sweat rather easily, and find it quite painful when perspiration rolls down into my eyes. We've had a few really warm days, freakishly so for this time of year, and I've had no problems in this regard, largely because the hat sops it up so well. Of course, as noted in the Initial Report, sweat can discolor the hat over time, so I have been careful to wash it regularly. Wearing the hat does make my head feel a mite warmer, but that's offset by the shade provided and the air-circulation through the brass grommets, which so far seems adequate for venting. I did not feel the need for sunscreen on my face when wearing it (actually, I loathe sunscreen and avoid it where possible, so this alone is a big plus for the hat).
In regard to laundry, I'm pleased to report that the hat repels dirt (or, at least soiling doesn't stick if the hat's well-washed). I decided to baby it a bit, and I have used Woolite and hand-washed it (machine-washing is in any case considered a no-no). I hung the hat to dry, which it did, swiftly. I have not yet put this to the test, but I'm pretty sure that when I rinse it in the field, or moisten it for cooling effect, it will dry reasonably fast in place on my head.
The size of the hat post-wash has remained much as it was. I reshaped it by simply slapping it on my head—I didn't yet use the "stretch-over-knee" technique mentioned in the manual, though I've at least tried it with the hat dry, and it will clearly work. Just shoving it on my head seems more convenient. In fact, I felt that the fit was slightly looser after washing than before, though not to any awkward extent (if anything, this represented a slight improvement in fit). The brim maintained its verve—the hat continues to look stylish and I feel good wearing it.
Unlike a fellow tester, I have not yet been able to extract material goods (a cup of coffee, I believe) as a consequence of my appearance, but I noted (and I kid not) that when wearing this in town people seem to address me with unusual amiability, even complete strangers. This may simply be the effect of spring weather, which tends to make everyone cheerful, but I am inclined to think that the hat had something to do with it. No brag tags were circulated, though.
Blackfly season fast approaches, and the odd mosquito is already out, and I have had occasion to try the hat with my headnet. The wide brim is excellent at keeping the mesh away from my face, which improves visibility and makes for a slightly less stuffy environment (I find headnets unpleasantly hot). For this part of the Northeastern US, this is a big thumbs-up for the Tilley!
One of the few negatives I have to report (an incredibly minor one) is that the hand-tied wind-cord, if fully extended, can be mildly awkward to free up. The knots jam against each other rather tightly, and it takes a mildly dexterous moment to loosen things up. This has happened precisely once—it occurred after extending the strings as much as possible to wear with the hat behind me, as earlier described. I've since been more careful.
So far, the hat has performed with aplomb, although it will be getting its real workout in the warm months to come. Unfortunately, I did not backpack during the Field Report period (the one scheduled weekend was far too wet for the hike I had in mind) and I can't therefore add any insights based on prolonged trail experience, but the auguries so far are that this hat is a winner.
Summary
The Tilley hat has proven to be comfortable to wear and a very pleasant addition to my wardrobe, hiking or otherwise. It has ably weathered rain and sun with me, and I am pretty confident at this point that it will continue to pass through testing with flying colors. Time will tell if I'm right. I will continue with the testing strategy listed in my Initial Review, which will include some kayak touring (the floating test will occur then, intentionally or not remains to be seen), and otherwise hiking and backpacking in a variety of venues over the summer months.
Pro
- Comfortable and stylish
- Easily kept clean
- Excellent sun protection
Con
- So far, nothing of real significance
I thank BackpackGearTest and Tilley Endurables for permitting me to participate in this delightful & interesting test.
