That's an interesting point GrantC. I will investigate this issue more...

Frankie

True enough. But sunburn still hurts, and can lead to interesting problems not the least of which is malignant melanoma. Reduces the likelyhood of one form of cancer for an other. Lets face it, odds are whichever comedian that claimed "everything will give you cancer" was right.

I would say that the lack of vitamin D has less to do with sunblock usage and the fact that we've turned into a culture of troglodytes. The glow-in-the-dark white look is too common becuase most people spend way too much time inside. And not getting enough fiber.

I've had good luck with Henschel Hats. I have a cloth "Breezer" with a mesh crown and a 3 inch brim. It's nice and cool and pretty resiliant. I've had mine several years and it's been submerged in pools, creeks and oceans. I lay it out to dry flat and it's good as new. However I did eventually buy a hat stretcher to dry it on because it was starting to get a bit snug.

Heads-up on a couple of hats on sale....

Henschel® Breezer Mesh Hat at Sportsman's Guide for $19.97

Columbia UPF 30™ Booney at Campmor for $14.97


smitty

Tilley. Tried and true. I have tried many of the hats mentioned but since I bought a Tilley Lighterweight LT5 Hat I haven't had the need to look elsewhere. Plus good luck finding another company that stands behind their products like Tilley does. Not to mention they are rated at UPF 50+ the highest given since your looking for a sun hat.

I've had a Tilley for years. For my birthday this year, I was given a Patagonia Surf Bucket. It protects about the same, but it's cooler and lighter.

I've had one of the old military boonie hats that I've used for years. It's great for hot weather canoe rides, just dip and stick it back on yer head, instant air conditioning. I'm in need of a new one, but for some reason, they have stopped making them with map pockets. Where am I going to hide my map to the lost Incan city of gold?

I may go with Tilley after all. I like the fact that they specialize in hats. I noticed that most of the gear I end up really using and enjoying using come from manufacturers that specialize in each type of equipment. My boots for exemple, are from Lowa, they only make boots since the 30s. My EDC knife is a Spyderco, they only make knives (and a very innovative company BTW, from an innovative nation that others mimic without being really conscious most of the time), I'm looking at Ray-Ban or American Optical Eyewear for good sunglasses and at Hamilton for good mechanical watches. And I can afford the Tilley given it's an essential item. But I must be honest, it's just the look that I find not very appealing.

Frankie

You know, funny you should say that because I was of the same opinion. But honestly, after a few days of wearing it sporadically, it grows on you. Especially when you push the sides of the brim up, (which folds the front and back down) it gives the hat a bit of outback type character. Coming from a fellow style skeptic, I don't think you'll be disappointed. The hemp is great by the way.

I have worn out a bunch of boonie hats, and still have three or four around, but I have found that I get better sun protection from my Tilley T4 than any boonie. And having had a few "precancerous" spots removed from my noggin I really pay attention to that. So I have two Tilleys, one for work, one for play...