Wide brim hat recommendations?

[DanaPT]

Originally Posted by Mr. NiceGuy

Lost my favorite hat when I rolled in the surf once. It was a good no-name. In my embarrassment, I didn't realize my hat was missing until I was loaded up and driving away.

Damn. I hate losing favorite gear like that. I think it goes with kayak fishing.

Replaced it with an "Airflo" hat made by Tilley. Look it up. It's excellent quality and they are "Insured against loss; Guaranteed for life." Keep the model number from your purchase and they'll send you another one free, for basically the cost of postage. The quality is excellent. There's a velcro pocket on the inside top for your fishing license and margarita money. Chin strap design is good for tightening down in the wind.

I don't expect to have another roll in the waves, but who knows?

http://www.tilley.com/us_en/ltm6-airflor.html
http://www.tilley.com/us_en/ltm2-airflor.html

My normal size is 7 3/8. I bought a 7 1/2 and it's still a little tight. That may have been a fluke or a mislabeled single hat rather than the norm. For this reason, it's still better to try them on for fit so you can find one that's perfect before you buy.

If you're in San Diego, you can go to Village Hat Shop to try them on. I think the India St store is their main warehouse with the largest stock.

EDIT: terms of "insurance against loss" seems to be evolving. I think mine was for life, 100% with no deductible. My "Airflo" looks like it was the predecessor to some other hats that split off in that category. Read the details of the warranty for any hat you are considering buying. They may be tightening down on what was once an outstanding offer.

That's what I have I like it a lot.

[King Saba]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Originally Posted by CR Yaker

The only hat you will ever need, especially for the tropics.

http://www.frillneck.com.au/catalog/...age.php?pID=71

Thought about this type before, but I'm not a big fan of face shields and will only wear it when the sun is strong out.

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

You gotta have the right hat for the right situation...The mexican sombrero for those south of the border trips...the classic cowboy hat for trout fishing...the coolie hat for those Asian trips...and the always 'fashionable and cool' lifeguard hat for those So Cal beach trips...

lol no kidding.

Originally Posted by ful-rac

You could get yourself a real hat and go with a greg Andrew....

Probably the best dressed among all of us if I might say.

Originally Posted by Dirty Curti

Maybe after a couple of beers lol.

[RockyRaab]

May I add a second vote for a Tilley? None better. I've been wearing mine for all fishing and golf now for at least ten years. Throw it in the wash when it gets sweat-stained. In extreme sun, I add a Buff for my face and neck.

And while I'm at it, Bullfrog Gel sunblock is superb. No grease, no slippery hands, dries immediately, and sweat-proof.