My sun / rain hat of many years just self destructed. The top part completely ripped off of the brim. Feels like the sun light has degraded the fabric. It is a Columbia. Not fancy but it did it's job for many years.

I use the hat for general day-to-day use as well as camping, hiking and travel.

Over the years I have seen many fine hats but my requirements might be a bit strict. The most annoying feature of the old Columbia hat was the flexible brim. Even a light wind would blow the brim up exposing me to sun and rain. I was able to fix that somewhat by sliding a rigid plastic tube into the welt sewn into the brim around the perimeter. This stiffened it somewhat.

Good sun and rain protection may be difficult in one hat in that mesh panels are very helpful in hot sunny conditions while obviously not so helpful in rain.

Here is what I am looking for:
• large brim for sun and rain protection, most hats are just not large enough to provide sufficient sun protection for the ears and neck.
• preferably the brim should be stiff enough that wind will not flap it up.
• chin strap to hold the hat on in high gusty winds.
• packable, flexible enough top portion that it can compact down flat so it can be carried in a suitcase or in a backpack.
• light color, beige, off white.
• Stylish enough that it does not look like I am setting out across the desert.

The Tilley hats look good but I have only held one and it had a rather stiff top that would not flatten for packing.

Any suggestions? Or is my requirements list too strict?

All thoughts and suggestions are most appreciated!

Craig T.