This is the ticket. Not our first Tilley, but 4th. The hat is a must for anyone who appreciates quality gear and needs protection from the sun (which is most of us). Price point is reasonable for the quality so the value is very high. The hemp hat offers additional rigidity over the more supple and flexible cotton, traditional Tilley. Note: While editing my review, forgive me if it reads like a ‘Fanboy Rant.’ I’ve tried to include the information I wish I had read when I got my first Tilley hat. If you’re a Tilley veteran with one or more of these excellent Canadian hats, then you probably have figured-out how the straps work. Took me a few iterations . . . Pros: 1. Fabric is hemp, very strong, resilient, and attractive weave. 2. The hat does well to block sun. 3. Takes in ample air through the large brass rivets surrounding the top panel. 4. Fit and finish is top-shelf as is the head strap system if used effectively. 5. Fit is somewhat adjustable with a little forming and stretching when wet. 6. The retaining straps work well if used properly. Took me a while to get them to work on mine. 7. Rigid brim holds its shape in a breeze. 8. Brim is not too large, not too small. 9. Top of hat neither too high nor short. 10. The hat is balanced and well designed. Cons: 1. The cons are merely trade-offs for the pro’s so not really bad. Just objectively wanted to add here. 2. Hat is not inexpensive but worth every penny and a bargain for the quality. 3. Holds shape when collapsed and may need to be re-formed by wetting. If you store it flat when you wear it – well, it will be lopsided (a trade-off for a little more rigidity.) 4. The brass grommets are large and would serve better with screens in them, (like the military 'boonie' hat) to prevent parasitic insect entry. As they are large, small sparrows can likely get in ;-). I didn't think to ask Tilley if they could have those rivets screens installed but will. Head strap configuration tips: The head strap is one long, thick shoelace complete with the plastic ends. It is laced to enter the inside of the hat through the sweat rim from the outside through four rivets - two on both sides of the hat. Because of the way the strap is laced, it really functions as two straps, so I’ll refer to the strap as ‘straps.’ The most effective and comfortable way I’ve found is to run the straps behind your head, not under your chin as in 'cowboy' fashion. 1. The forward strap (the one without the shoelace plastic ends) will be the 'retaining' strap that snugs against the back of your head. This strap will work better and be more comfortable if kept flat and untwisted. 2. The second strap (with the shoelace ends) will be adjusted to either tighten or loosen the forward strap against the lower part of your head just above the neckline. This is typically how a boonie hat is secured, rather than being tied around the neck under the wearer's chin. One small improvement I made for easier one-handed tensioning on the strap: 1. Cut a small piece of scrap belt /holster leather approximately 1/2" x 1/4". Should be about 1/8” thick to hold its shape. 2. Punched two holes with a common hole punch just large enough to fit the lace end through (an awl or ice pic will do - just be careful). 3. Un-tied the back strap (with the shoelace ends) and laced the two ends through the two holes. Remember, when ordering that sizing the Tilley is not intuitive. It is not designed to fit snugly on your head and will look very odd if worn too tight. A correct fit should be rather loose – looser than you would think a hat should fit. In fact, Tilley’s sizing instructions ask for two fingers to fit under the rim with the hat on your head. So, if you get your hat sized correctly; the hat can and will blow right off your head if you're not using the straps. My learning point was that the straps are an integral part of this head-protection system. After years of loosing various favorite hats while sailing, I can’t imagine not having straps. If you're going to buy a hat, get the Tilley. I've tried and used many others over the decades my locks have since left me. If you don't wear a quality hat and spend any time in the sun, then you should re-consider and get one. One more thing as an added bonus - Other Tilley wearers will recognize your Tilley and say, ‘Nice hat.’ or ‘Love your Tilley.’ Some will just keep walking but others will stop and chat. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting these nice folks all across this great country of ours during our camping travels in rest stops, campgrounds, and stores. The hats are easily recognizable and look great. My lovely bride and I both wear our Tilley hats frequently; I have mine on constantly. Life changing? Perhaps to some small extent. Worth the cost – times Ten.
