We both have Tilley hats, backed by their famous lifetime guarantee. We got them at the same time in 2013, but they were slightly different models. Mine was made out of nylon and polyester, while Ruth's was made out of organic cotton.
When we are traveling, we wear our Tilley hats a lot.
Ruth, wearing her Tilley hat in Namibia, Africa in November, 2013.
But unfortunately, Ruth's hat didn't last. It began to deteriorate around the sweat band, and eventually we decided it needed to be replaced. Tilley stood behind their lifetime guarantee, and didn't question the need to send her a new one.
Last year while in Peru, we noticed that the replacement hat also was deteriorating at the same area. We think that it must be some kind of reaction with the acidity of when she sweats. But this time when we contacted Tilley for a replacement, we asked if it was possible to replace the hat with the same model that I have because mine is still in perfect condition, now 7 years later.
And Tilley agreed!
Ruth is very happy with her new hat!
The original owner, Alex Tilley, retired in 2017 and sold the company to an investment firm. However, part of the deal was that Tilley stand behind their guarantee, and it's obvious that the current owners are continuing to run the company with the same ethics and standards that Alex Tilley put in place many years ago.
While we were dealing with the warranty problem, we also spoke to the people in their marketing department. Tilley offered to sponsor our upcoming European trip, and sent us some trial clothing.
Tilley sent us a European care package.
We also worked with Tilley for our South Korean trip back in late 2014. So it's been 6 years now, and we still have most of the items from that trip. In fact my travel pants are still in perfect condition!
Tilley products are expensive, but they typically last a very long time. And most products have a guarantee to back that up. Their Unholey Travel Socks have a 3 year no holes guarantee. I put my last pair through the test and wore them and washed them for well over 200 days of heavy use before they started to show signs of wear.
Tilley's Unholey Socks.
Unfortunately, some Tilley products are low on stock. Back in April when the Covid situation was out of control, Tilley quickly transitioned their manufacturing plant in Toronto to make mask and gown PPE equipment for medical professionals. They are still getting caught up on their normal clothing lines.
We look forward to reporting back to them and you for years to come on how well this stuff lasts!
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And in Canada...
Lavenders blue, dilly, dilly
ReplyDeleteLavender's green
When I am king, dilly, dilly
You shall be queen
We're sorry but we don't quite understand the connection behind this old poem and our blog post?
DeleteI've had my original T1 Tilley hat since 1981 and it's still going strong, it's been in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and many of the Great Lakes. My newer T3 has been replaced as per Tilley's guarantee and is still standing up to daily use. Best hats I've ever had!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is great! We love hearing stories like this about other people's Tilley hats. I am sure Kevin's hat will last a good long time too and hopefully my new hat as well. I am not sure what the problem was with my old hat because I was always very careful with it, although it did get used a LOT.
DeleteBought my Tilley hat in 1985 and I'm still wearing it! Excellent quality.
ReplyDeleteAnother great success story! :-)
DeleteWe bought ours in 1996 for first trip to AUSTRALIA. That is how we recognized fellow Canadians at the bus stop in Brisbane! I think it was on our 3rd trip in 2008. The have been to many other places in between.
ReplyDeleteLove the story! We too have talked to people throughout our travels because they were wearing a Tilley hat. It is a great conversation starter. Kevin's hat has been to many countries around the world as well. :-)
Delete"....reaction with the acidity of when she glows..." is the proper description. If you don't want to sleep on the couch.
ReplyDeleteLol, I am ok with the word sweat because after many of our hikes that is exactly what it is. :-)
DeleteRight, Lee - "Horses sweat, men perspire and women glow."
DeleteYou both look good in your hats!Rawn
ReplyDeleteThank you! You are going to see a lot more pictures of us with our Tilley hats are we explore Europe and beyond. :-)
DeleteI love my Tilley hat, it is 16 years old and still great!
ReplyDeleteAnd yet another great Tilley hat success story. It is so good to hear that so many of our readers have and love their Tilley hats. :-)
DeleteCan you share what hat styles you have? I appreciate your straightforward reviews of things, and expect that Tilley's investment in you will pay off for them
ReplyDeleteIt is Tilley's LTM6 AIRFLO model. Kevin loves his and it has lasted really well so when my hat gave out on me I wanted the same model as Kevin. We think this one will last us a very, very long time. :-)
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