If you are inspired by life out of doors or on the road, Tilley Hats emerge from your beach bag or carry-on looking just as great as when you first packed them. You will enjoy leisurely day trips with the protection you need from the elements – and a little extra security, too. Tilley travel hats feature a secret pocket in the crown where you can stow away ID, a bit of cash, and even your hotel key.
Tilley Endurables hats are made in Canada and guaranteed for life. If you buy one and it isn’t what it used to be ten years later, you can return it and the company will either repair or (more often) replace it. That’s a sign of a company that really believes in its workmanship and it shows in the quality of what you get. These are not cheap hats like you would buy on a street corner that are rejects from a factory in China. They’re well-designed and made to hold up to rigorous travels in tough conditions. If you lose your hat within the first two years, they’ll even replace it for half price.
Tilley’s Best Sellers
I’d be remiss to think that everyone has the same taste in hats as me. Here are some you might like.
The Melanie Hemp Sun Hat is a popular pool-side friend and travel companion. It comes with a matching band that you can remove and replace with a different colour for ladies who want a splash of colour. It has a downward sloping brim to give the most sun protection without using a wider brim. The hemp is treated with water repellent. The colour will change and develop more character with time.
The Tilley TH5 is a fave with folks who like Aussie bush hat look. It may be Tilley’s best-looking hat. It’s a super relaxed and comfy large brim hat. The Hemp fabric will soften and fade over time to give you that well-traveled savvy appearance. You’ll look like you’ve been around the block a few times and know a thing or two. The TH5 is primarily a sun hat but is also treated with a weather repellant.
The Tec-Wool Hat is Tilley’s most popular winter hat. Being based in Toronto, Tilley knows a thing or two about making a good winter hat. Besides just looking good and being water repellant, this wool hat actually uses a Swiss technology called “C-change.” Essentially, it’s a special internal membrane that stabilizes temperature by opening when hot and closing when cold. Don’t ask me how that works, but it does. The Tec-Wool hat also features tuck-away ear warmers for those bitter cold mornings and an internal size adjuster to help keep the hat secure during blustery winter storms.
The Wanderer has youthful flair to it. The sides of the brim can be pinned up. Large grommet holes allow ventilation to the crown and the broad brim is a nice shelter from the sun. It’s made from 100% duck cotton and enzyme washed to give it a nice, weathered look. So, don’t worry no one will be able to tell you’re a newbie to hiking. As with most Tilley hats, it floats, has wind cords and a secret pocket for valuables.
The AirFlo range is Tilley’s most popular line. The LTM5 and the broader brimmed LTM6 are the most popular of them all. These hats keep you cooler in the hottest climates, thanks to the generous built-in mesh vents. They’re also among Tilley’s more affordable hats.
On cloudy days or when in the shade you can stow the hat on your back by adjusting the length and keeping the wind cord around your neck. Its a nice solution resting in the shade when you want to feel the breeze in your hair.
It’s nice to know that if any stitching, seams or other aspects related to workmanship fails they’ll replace the hat for you.
Verdict
While Tilley’s are on the expensive side and the wind cord takes a learning curve, I see myself wearing the Iconic T1 Bucket Hat in my future travels.
From what I’ve heard and experienced, buyers remorse is a very rare thing among Tilley hat owners. I think you’ll find your Tilley to be a familiar old friend in your travels.
In some respects, wearing Tilley’s has become a badge among well-traveled individuals. Similar to bikers, don’t be surprised if you get a nod from another Tilley owner as you pass each other on the airport concourse.
