Tilley hat? Anyone have one....

[tlbj6142]

The flapping around hasn't been an issue for me.

The hat's brim doesn't flap around, or you don't care that it does flap around?

[ChinMusic]

The hat's brim doesn't flap around, or you don't care that it does flap around?

Oh, it flaps around. I just don't mind. It's just not stiff enough to hold its shape.

Now that you have mentioned it, it will probably bother me for my whole JMT trip................THANKS.........

[Mountain Wildman]

My Tilley T4IS Insect Shield Hat has a very rigid brim, It didn't budge in the winds up here and we had some pretty good gusts over the weekend. I have read reviews on some of the other models that had the floppy brim problem. The T4IS brim is rigid and thick enough to maintain a desired shape. It has a UV protection rating of 50+
and even though it is a little uncomfortable in hot weather, I have found that even my favorite ball cap is also. I prefer the wide hat protection in the direct sun.

[Feral Bill]

I own a Tilley (LT6), but would never wear it hiking for one reason. Wind. While I can tie-down the hat to my head, the brim is too soft and will flip up with any sort of "real" wind. Thereby removing any sun protection you thought you had.

I wear it just about everyday in the summer while outside around town, sporting events, family events, vacations, etc. But, unless I expect to be in the sun without any sort of strong wind, I'd never wear it while hiking.

What I find so odd is that Tilley's are suppose to be boating hats. Not sure what good they would do on a boat that is actually moving. I've tried mine while sailing and it was nearly useless.

I use my Airflow sailing all the time. Works fine even in serious hard wind.

[SteveJ]

Got home from my Philmont hike with my son last week. Wore my Tilly hat (bday gift before a beach trip about 5 years ago) every day. Love it. Got home and it was stained, dirty, and sad looking. Put it through a wash cycle and it's almost like new. Best hat I own!

[Marta]

Ditto about loving the Tilley's anchoring system. It will stay on when nothing else will.

That said, I use my Tilley in sunny conditions, but not in the summer on the AT most of the time, where I'm walking in the shade, but the heat and humidity are high. Then I use a rolled bandana to keep some of the sweat from running into my eyes.

[tlbj6142]

Judging from the odd comments, I have to think Tilley's "heavy" old style hats must hold up better in the wind. Whereas the lighter weight hats do not.

One other point I should make, you must try on the hat. Do NOT go by sizing. Each hat style and hat material seems to fit differently. When I purchased my hat, I was able to find a local store (some bird feeder place) that had a huge inventory of Tilley's. I was amazed at how each style and material fit differently than the next.

FWIW, when I want sun protection in the wind (aka most backpacking trips), I wear a really dorky looking hat that has a really wide front brim and a large neck cap. It has strap to tie it under my chin if needed.

[rhjanes]

I got a Tilly Airflo for father's day. It is very light and very comfortable. I compared it to a straw Panama hat and they are about the same. Except the Tilly will keep off rain that the Panama won't. And the Panama doesn't have a chin strap like the Tilly.
I used the measurements off the Tilly "fit" link and it was correct. Except my head measurement was between two sizes! That said, I went to my local REI and bought the hat that was the larger and it fits wonderful.

[Ewker]

I have a Tilley hat that I wear backpacking and kayaking. Nothing like dipping the hat in the water or a stream to keep your head cool. I have washed mine quite a few times and it still looks brand new.

Plus what other hat comes with an 8 page owners manual

[HeartFire]

I have a Sunday Afternoon Hat, I'll be hiking the JMT next month. I love my hat.
http://www.sundayafternoons.com/ not nearly the cost of the Tilly hats.

[tlap]

I have a cotton Tilley and mostly wear it in the spring and fall where there isn't enough leaf cover to give proper shade. I switch to a breathable baseball cap or wear a bandana in the summer.