Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero

I bought this for the afternoon monsoons in the southern rockies during the summer when I'm backpacking. It works amazing when it's raining and the fleece lining is fabulous in the cool mornings. However, the fleece lining makes it nearly unbearable to wear when it's hot out (but that isn't the weather it was made for either). If you live where it's cool and rainy on a regular basis you would be silly not to own one!

Can't usually stand wearing a hat. However, I am an outdoor instructor and need sun protection, with all-elements protection for my stunning, he-man hairdo. After using ratty free lids, then going for higher-tech caps, I decided to give this a try. I could not be happier with the hat. Unknown to me, there is a hidden adjuster inside the brim that compensates for hair volume and skull swelling in hot conditions. The thing wicks moisture away from underneath, and the outer fabric is totally waterproof. It smashes into a day hatch or pack and comes out looking fine. The under-brim area is non-reflective and makes working on the water, in high-sun, easier on the eyes. the retainer cord stashes up inside when not needed, and can be untied easily. Just wish this was made as a surfing hat also with a heavy chin strap, but I am content, finally finding a lid I can live with.

I recently took this hat on a kayaking trip to New Zealand. It packed great and did a phenomenal job shielding some intense rays and making it possible to see where I was paddling in sheets of rain. I loved the Velcro option for the intermittent sunshine to give me better peripheral vision on the water. This is quite possibly one of my favorite paddling companions. I don't care too much about appearances on the water, but it is pretty cute!

I am willing to pay good money for a good hat. I am a boater and hiker and those hobbies demand a good hat. Well, because of the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero, the Tilly hats are relegated to the back of the closet. The Gore Tex, the warm inner lining, the ability to change the style of the hat with the velcro tabs for the brim, the chin strap for a windy day, it is just a plain awesome hat. You can scrunch it up and it returns to a great looking hat. I liked mine SO much I bought one for my wife and she does not go out without it.

quite simply this is the best hat I have ever seen. It sounds strange when I tell people how much I love my hat. it is waterproof. it provides sun protection. it floats. I can horribly cram it into a pack for travel without any lasting harm. and of course I look absolutely dashing in it. it is a hat, but I have no complaints at all which I can not say about any of my other gear. again I feel stupid saying it but this is one of my I can't do without it items

I refer to it as my heavy downpour hat. Ever have that clothing/foot wear, that they clamed is "waterproof"- then after twenty minutes it's NOT! You know the hats where you start to get that drip down the side of your temple. This hat lasts hours before that happens!

Great summer headwear! I have taken this hat all over the peaks of montana and it keeps my neck and face protected from the harmful rays.. also when a frequent storm rolls in, keeps my head dry and rain out of the face! two thumbs up!

Have had this hat for years. Bought it for standing at the side of the racetrack for 8-10 hour days in the rain. Found it was great for sunny days too! Moved to Niagara Falls area for 10 years wore it every time i took the Maid Of The Mist! The hat is durable,Comfortable and stylish! I have no complaints about this hat!

my favorite hat. I've had it for a dozen years. still going strong

Use it every time i fish no matter what the weather. Has a great fit and totally provides rain and sun protection. Great hat period.

A fantastic hat which was hard to get a couple of years ago since there was no dealer in Germany at that time. Meanwhile my wife owns this hat as well and we enjoy dry heads and faces while hikling in the rain.

I use this hat pretty constantly. I finally bought one last year, with my REI dividend, after wanting one for so long. I have a tendency to beatdown gear so I remained somewhat cynical about my purchase. But it has being a beautiful peice of gear! It provides shade in the high country of NC and then quickly protects from a blinding thunderstorm. Thats when you got to go flaps down! And I noticed during a summer downpour my rainjacket, no matter how breathable, would still get sauna-like in the hood. But the Sombrero provides equal rain protection with more breathability. Finally, there is a size adjuster in the hat so fitting is a breeze!

I use rainy days on the water and to block the sun. a bit warm for summer but have found it useful even in the heat.

I lived in Southeast Alaska for two years and this hat was a lifesaver. I used it mostly for kayaking and rafting, with temps between 40F-70F. It got a bit hot to have on when the temp went up, but you can easily fold the ear-flaps into the upper part of the hat, which is a great feature. I've used it in the pouring rain and in constant day-long steady rains, and this hat kept my head 100% dry and warm. This hat is perfect for any cold water/rain expected adventures. If you're looking for something to use primarily in warmer weather, I would look at the other models because this hat will be too warm. The only improvement I can see is adding a bug head net that zips into the brim, or stitching in some of that bug repellent fabric that's out these days. Overall A+.

I've had this hat for near on 18 years and it has seen it all - blazing sun, snow and driving rain. Fit is good and can be adjusted easily with the Velcro tab. It it still as waterproof as the day I purchased it - in fact recently tested again on a 100 kilometer walk in Tasmania! I like the wide brim including the slight extension at the back which provides great cover for the neck. Great for keeping blazing sun and driving rain at bay. Highly recommended.

This hat is owned by both my husband and myself. We live in Vancouver BC where it rains alot. I wouldn't be without this hat. Besides keeping you dry in torential downpours, it also has warmth. It keeps my hair from going frizzy without giving me the hathead look even after walking the dog for an hour. Neither of our hats are loosing shape after a year of constant use. The dog has grabbed one or the other on many occasions but no damage to the hat. Contrary to another user, I find that the hat is great in the wind. I just use the chin strap. I am on this site to buy another hat for our son-in-law

Used on duty several years. Folds up and fits in duty coat pocket. Does not block periferal vision or sound. Easily ties snugly, won't blow off in wind, especially with earflaps down. Fleece lining is warm!

This hangs on the hook by the door and gets grabbed more often than not: waiting for bus, walking to the library, shovelling snow. Makes life in a wet climate much easier!

Great looking hat with the waterproof status.

4

I use this type of hat in the Northwest on a regular basis except when it's really hot and no chance of rain. I was used to my other hat like this that has a Velcro adjustment in the back for additional sizing. I ordered a medium like before HOWEVER the fit is sloppy without this adjustment piece. I end up tightening the strap under my chin, so it doesn't shift or blow off my head. I'd recommend it however with the caveat of the fit issues....

The hat offers a nice broad rim for sun protection and has held its shape thus far. I haven't tested the waterproof ability of it yet. It does have a cloth lining which I was nervous about over sweating with it but it breathes well. I think it was a good snag during the sale.

I bought my first Seattle Sombereo ~15 years ago, and functionally, it's still going strong. However, after prolonged salt water use and a couple of run-ins with red clay, it's a little stained, so I decided it was time for a new one. When the new one arrived, I was disappointed to see there was no size adjustment band inside like my old one had and that the hat was slightly taller (now it pushes my ears down). I plan to keep the hat as it's still much better than the alternatives, but I wish OR would revert to the older style/features.

The cooler basket is durable and spacious. It is constructed in a substantial canvas material and lightly padded with insulation. There are also rubber feet on the bottom. The frame is a sturdy aluminum that does not feel like it will buckle when the basket is loaded up. My favorite feature is that the canvas can easily detach from the frame for washing. That feature is so useful because the bag will inevitably become dirty from grocery shopping, food spills, etc. The insulating property is well sufficient for grocery trips, picnics, or events lasting a couple of hours, but would not be enough if you need things cool for a full day. It should be noted that the basket does not have any side or bottom support. That allows it to be fully collapsible for storage, but can have difficulty standing up on its own if it is set down or not completely filled. I do love this basket for grocery shopping and can see it being useful for carrying meals and snacks for a day activity. I have been storing it in the car and it has been so convenient for shopping trips. The opening is large and makes it easy to load up. There is also a generous drawstring top so that contents are secure when the basket is filled to the top. I look forward to using it more in the summer for day trips. The thing I can see being the biggest issue is the lack of internal support. If you require a basket that can stand up on its own, this may not be the best option for you. It can also become difficult to carry if you are filling it with heavy items and going from store to store, like at a farmer's market. It would be better to opt for something you can carry on your shoulders in those situations. It all boils down to your needs. This would be a great choice if you want a soft-sided basket with casual insulation.

We keep this bag in the trunk of the car for grocery store runs. It is the perfect size for a quick trip to load up on a few things. Also, we love to use this bag for bringing dinner over to our friends / families houses as it keeps things both hot or cold with the built-in cover and insulated bag. It has a lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame and the bag itself is waterproof keeping in any spills. Added bonus, it is machine washable. Love it and recommend it!