Those that are fans of the Tilley Hat might want to know that there's a new model that you might find worth looking at.
I picked this one up in Charleston SC (gorgeous city) recently, and so far I'm more impressed with it than ANY hat I've had... though my previous Tilley hats have proven to be the most valuable piece of equipment (that I've actually USED) on several trips.
It's the new Tilley LTM5 "AirFlo":
http://www.tilley.com/shop3.asp?productno=LTM5&detail=low&path=root\Tilley_Hats(ok, so I don't look as good in it as Rick Rocks there...)
First off, it's one of the new synthetic models, and there are many advantages to them. It's much, much lighter than my previous canvas Tilley's- they say 4 ounces- and that makes an amazing difference in comfort for all-day wear. You actually do forget that you have it on. Also- they don't shrink. I've found that the cotton Tilleys do indeed shrink over time, slightly, no matter how hard Alex Tilley insists that they don't. It also dries much more easily if it gets really wet.
Caveat: I haven't owned this hat long, and don't know if the synthetic will wear as well as the canvas. It feels very sturdy, but to be honest, for the additional comfort I'd give up a few years (out of the many that Tilley hats last)- and they guarantee them for life.
In this design, getting rid of the traditional grommets also reduces weight, and the mesh panel at the top of the crown seems more effective for ventilation, while letting in fewer bugs in the woods. It is noticably cooler in the sun than my previous Tilley. I've only worn it once in a light rain- obviously, it wasn't really designed for that, and all rain jackets have hoods- but it did fairly well, as far as I could tell, and a lot better than nothing. Even if a few drops came through the crown, it kept rain off my face, which is worthwhile.
This hat has a much more sophisticated design/cut than my previous Tilleys, and it shows- brim is narrowest on the sides, longer in front, longest in back, just where you need it, crown is tapered, and it just seems to fit and "work" much better. I upgraded the last time largely for the dark underside of the brim on the new models, which does cut down glare. This one is so light, so convenient, and just works so well that I'm finding that I take it with me and use it more than previous models- and, as we keep saying, any piece of equipment that's not with you when you need it is useless.
The grommets, as I said, and the snaps are gone. In practice I found that I never snapped up the old ones, and I certainly never thought to store my sunglasses with the temples through the grommets (though other models now have a strap just for this), and it's just so much lighter, that I have to say it's well worth it.
In this one instance I have to deviate from my normal practice and recommend that, if possible, you buy a Tilley hat in person, not through the web or a catalog. Fit is very important, and I know that Tilley hats do vary within size (it's actually marked on the inside, the fractions of a centimeter vary within one "American" size), and the fit varies quite a bit from model to model. Most people buy them too tight, and then never get used to wearing them- a total waste. You can save money ordering through Canadian dealers over the web, but I wouldn't recommend it. I advise just biting the bullet, and paying full list price at a retailer for the privilege of getting the excellent fit that, barring luck, you can only get in person.
I'm really pleased, so far. Only real downside, is that I have this tradition of dunking my hat in the water wherever I find myself on the water in a new place, and now I have to start all over again... Annapolis, Bermuda, Key West, California, Hawaii... sigh. Who knows how long this might take? Life is tough.
P.S. - My experience with other Tilley products hasn't been as great- the clothes, though very expensive, have a good reputation. I'd avoid the pouches and such, though.
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