So when Tilley Endurables agreed to sponsor our African trip by supplying us with two of what are arguably the best hats in the world, we were pretty excited and looking forward to making our selection.
But there are too many to choose from. We've narrowed it down a bit, but we need your help!
Okay, so some of the hats are unisex but there are a few that are women only. How about this one for Ruth? Keep in mind that we're looking for something with a decently wide brim, to keep off the hot African sun...but hey, you might as well be stylish at the same time, right?!
The LT9B
Or perhaps this one...?
'
The T9OC
This is the same hat, but with the brim down!
It's a bit daunting trying to figure out what hat may look good on you when you're buying over the internet. But as per Tilley's terms, if you're not happy with anything, including the fit, you can send it back for exchange or refund.
Like I said, some of the hats are unisex. Here's one we like for both of us, although I think we should choose different hats.
The LTM10 womens.
Or the LTM10 mens.
And here are a couple of the mens hats that might look good on me (Kevin). I'm more concerned with the function than the looks to be honest. And keeping in mind things like weight when they're packed. Oh, and they are all crushable, packable, and easy care.
The LT6B
T4MO
So, there are three choices for each of us. Or, feel free to browse the Tilley website and see if you can find something you think would be better for us! Their full hat selection can be found here...
We're looking forward to hearing your thoughts, so please tell us what you think!
When you get to Ottawa you could go to Kilborn's at Newboro, Ontario and try them on. Gordon got the Safari hat. It's pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteWe are actually hoping to arrive in Ottawa with the order already delivered, that would then give us time to exchange them if we need to but thanks for the suggestion Sandra. Maybe we could see if there is a store in Prince Albert that sells them and we could check them out there.
DeleteSteve wears his all the time now as it provides such good shade. Whichever you pick I am sure you will be happy with it, the cotton ones seem to be a bit bulkier and heavier than the other fabrics though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input Glen, I think I would agree with you on the cotton versus the nylon ones.
DeleteFor Ruth I like the R10 Cloche Raffia or the R8 Broad Brim Raffia or finally the TH9 Hemp Hat, all more feminine.
ReplyDeleteFor Kevin, I see you looking dashing in the LT6B.
Pretty cool to get 2 free hats from Tilley.
Sorry Contessa but I don't think the R10 or the R8 hats would be suitable for all the hiking that we do, maybe for in town walking! TH9 is a possibility, if they have it at the store in Prince Albert, I will try it on.
DeleteLT9B for Ruth. I love the top of it. Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteLT6B for Kevin. Looks like the same fabric but much more masculine.
Hope you really like whatever you get.
Grace
I am thinking that the LT9B will be too warm for all the hiking that we do, I know that it says it has breathable fabric but I think that the LTH8 would be better suited for our kind of activities. Kevin will have to add his own comment to your choice for him.
DeleteTake it from the Mexicans, the bigger the brim, the better: LTM2
ReplyDeleteI did look at that one and it is a possibility but I am leaning more towards the LTM8, it also has a nice wide brim but a little more breath-ability.
DeleteI like the ones with the netting, My picks are:
ReplyDeleteFor Kevin LTM6 AIRFLO® Nylamtium® Hat
For Ruth LTM3 AIRFLO® Nylamtium® Hat
I looked at it and thought about it but it only has a medium brim on it and I want a wide/broad brim that is why I thought maybe the LTM6 or LTM8. I am thinking the latter as the reviews were better on it for keeping you cooler when hiking in the heat.
DeleteI like the first one for Mom and the last one for you, Dad :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think it will keep me as cool when we are hiking as much as the LTM6 or LTM8 will. I like the last one for Dad as well.
DeleteLtm10 for Ruth
ReplyDeleteT4mo for Kevin
thats my vote,
Yep, that is another possibility. We are really hoping that the store in Prince Albert will have some of these styles on hand so that we can try them on.
DeleteThe Tilly hat claim is that it can be eaten and defecated by an elephant and with a little wash job is good to go! I like the really traditional style - looks like the brown hat [but the traditional is khaki colored] on the gentleman in the first photo. As for the woman's styles, I agree that a wide brim is best. And, I'm not too fond of the ruched model for Africa!
ReplyDeleteOh, also, the pix don't show it but the tie for under the chin is really a bonus for those gusts that blow the hat off one's head!
So, that all said: For Kevin: LT6B in khaki. Or: LTM10 for men. For Ruth: LTM10 ladies
I think if an elephant eats my hat, I'd rather just use Tilley's lifetime replacement guarantee :)
DeleteI agree Mary-Pat, I prefer the traditional style and colour better, either khaki or the lighter shaded ones opposed to the darker shades and I am not so fond of the ruched model either. I believe the majority of their hats have the tie down straps, this is certainly a must. Thanks for your input Mary-Pat. I am leaning towards LTM 2, 6, 8, or 10 and possibly TH9.
DeleteMary-Pat and Dugg, I am really hoping that we won't have to worry about that scenario!
DeleteI'm really leaning towards the TH9 Hemp hat in mocha for Ruth (I'm thinking the really light colours will get dirty so quickly). My second choice would be the LTM6 Airflo in navy. I read the reviews on all the hats and these two look and sound great. For you, Kevin, I'm going with the T4M0 pictured above in olive. It also has excellent reviews. Have fun choosing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your suggestions Paula and Jerry but I have to disagree on the darker shades as they will attract the heat more and these hats are all easily washable so I am not worried about it getting dirtier quicker. Both of your picks are on my list, just hoping that the store in Prince Albert will have these styles on hand so that we can try them on.
DeleteCheck to be sure what you get has a tie for keeping hat on or at least around your neck if there are gusts of wind. Not sure about wind in Africa - wide brim and under chin straps are important to us - I bought one hat with the bug netting and never adjust to wearing it. All look good to me but I could not tell about the under chin strap. Have fun!!
ReplyDeleteYep, most of the Tilley hats do have the ties on them and yes, we will both definitely be getting a hat with them. Thanks for your input and for letting us know that the straps and wide brim are important, this is something we agree on as well.
DeleteMum - LTM10
ReplyDeleteDad - LT6B
Thanks Alex, both are definitely good suggestions and are near the top of our lists.
DeleteI'm with Alex on this one.
DeleteI think the most important thing is to make sure the back of the neck is covered. Jim's fishing hat has the wide brim in the back and even is dermatologist is happy with it. He's a baseball cap guy also except for when he's out on the lake fishing. The first one is just too fancy for hiking.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think the first one is too fancy for hiking too and I don't think it is practical for our kind of living. Whatever hat we get it will have a wide brim so that should keep the neck protected.
DeleteI agree with Jim and Sandie they just beat me to the comment. Get the one with the broadest brim in front and the longest tail in the back. Consider an "extreme condition sun hat" if your company has it. How DO you manage to get these thing "sponsored" Kevin???
ReplyDeleteYes, we will be getting the broadest brim we can and that should keep the neck covered up well.
DeleteHaving spent time in the desert in Kuwait and Iraq in 125*F+ weather, I'd look at the hat that has the most ventilation. You'll build up a lot of heat in it from your head and the airflow is real important.
ReplyDeleteI agree and that's why I am leaning more to the LTM8, which has lots of mesh for ventilation and the reviews are quite good on it compared to the smaller mesh gap in the LTM2, 6 or 10.
DeleteWow, a lot of responses. I agree with cotton and wide brim for shade. Looks like this is all coming together.
ReplyDeleteOops, almost forgot. Time to go vote!
Yep, we are happy to get all this input and suggestions, it helps us to make an informed decision.
DeleteThanks for helping us out with the voting Chris.
Tilley hats are fantastic! My husband loves his. He has the LTM5, which might be out of production, but it looks similar to the LTM10. You can't go wrong with that. As a female, I do like the looks of the first two you posted above.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your input as well Chasing Adventure. The LTM10 is a good choice and we will definitely be looking at it. The first two hats that Kevin showed for me are nice but I don't think they are practical enough for my needs.
DeleteI like hats with air vents, like a few of those pictured above. Otherwise they can get too hot.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you!
DeleteLTM 10 for both, large brim and good ventilation, you guys would look good in any style. Does it come with a chin strap for when Kevin tries to outrun the Cheetah?
ReplyDeleteCheers
Thanks John, we will be looking at these for sure but I also want to look at the LTM8, it even has more ventilation than these.
DeleteI am hoping Kevin will not have to outrun a Cheetah because if he does than he will lose. :(
Venting is crucial. Husband wears his hiking in Arizona. I don't know the model number, but it has mesh all the way around the crown (the hat is nylon) and he says his head stays very cool. I think I'm getting one just like it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting Allison. Yes, I think that is the one that I have been thinking about, I think it is the LTM8, and it is at the top of my list.
DeleteI have two of them, one without the mesh and in a heavier cloth and darker that is nice for the protection, but bad for heat retention. The second one has the mesh, but not as wide a brim and is a lighter material. Works well for dissipating heat, but I would like the wider brim. I find that with either hat the brims will blow down towards my eyes or up in strong wind gusts. The chin straps will keep them on your head with no problem.
ReplyDeleteI see there are two sales outlets in Prince Albert, so hopefully you will have some selection to choose from.
Brian L.
Thanks for your input and thoughts on the ones you have. It is nice to get firsthand reviews on the various hats that other readers have or had in the past. I have been thinking of the LTM8, it has a wide brim, a large mesh area and chin straps, so this should be the ideal hat.
Delete