I have used this hat a lot from exploring around in Costa Rica, to hikes in the Uinta mountains. The cinch strap in the back helps keep it on your head and the chin strap helps in higher winds. This hat is very light weight and breaths really well on those hotter days. Check it out if you are in the market for a new hat.

Perfect replacement for my > 10 year old hat. Sun coverage is excellent and fits comfortably.

This hat was great for UV protection during a 4-day hiking/scrambling trip in southern Utah. It kept its shape well, is lightweight and breathes well —especially considering how much I was sweating. (It's also my go-to hat for the pool and beach.)

I have always been a fan of the wide-brim hats and this one has to be one of my favorites. The material it is made of is durable but also supply and breathes exceptionally well. The fit is snug and even without tightening the cinch on the back it stays on my head. Wear this on jaunts in nature, but also as an every-day hat.

I may have overlooked need for some kind of ventilation in the head area but I really like the hat and it held up nicely on a rafting trip

This hat is so comfortable and provides plenty of protection from the sun. I'm pleased.

Love this hat. So light and durable and has great overall protection from the sun. I always have this hat handy while going on hikes or doing things in the sun. Can never go wrong.

Bought these for grandsons to accompany me to Everglades hiking in the hot sunny days. Works great to keep ears and neck from burning up. Brim is firm, and the hat is lightweight.

The hat protects you from the sun pretty well. It's great for any outdoor activity.

Sure no one looks good in a boonie hat but when you are spending serious time in direct, vengeful, burning, burning, sunlight you'll just be happy your ears and neck aren't burnt to a crisp. The brim on this hat is substantial enough to not flop down while the top is super thin and lightweight while still maintaining a UPF 50 rating. The strap is easily removable and there's a pull cord just above the brim to really cinch the hat down around your dome.

I wear this hat at work which is always in direct sunlight (installing solar panels) and it works flawlessly where a baseball cap just wouldn't cut it. After awhile the cap did get sweaty and stinky so I just threw it in the washer, I'm not sure if that's manufacturer recommended but it seems no worse for the wear and smells like lavender. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs serious sun protection in a lightweight and packable hat.

This hat's perfect for anything from doing yard work to wandering through the desert. Basically, if you're going to be out in the sun and want your own personal shady oasis then look no further. You've found it.

I purchased this hat for a handicap Aunt and she loved it. Says it is cool while keeping the sun off of face.

Work outside 8hrs a day. Come rain or shine this has protects from searing heat, It cools down instantly.
It keeps the rain off my neck and out of my eyes and ears.

I bought this for my man so he could protect his shaved head from some major sun burns during the summer. He works on roofs and his baseball caps were protecting his head but didn't breathe at all so his head was hot, sweaty and itchy. From the first day he wore this, he's kept cool and dry and says it's so light that he forgets it's even on. LOVES his Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat and won't leave home without it. He's got a pretty average sized noggin - I think he wears a small medium in mesh baseball caps - the medium fits perfect.

First off the suggested hat size worked like a charm - this particular hat fit perfectly. In addition to the nice checked pattern I like that the brim isn't too wide. The brim is flexible enough to enable me easy access to the view finder on my camera. Overall I'm very pleased with my purchase - just wish the price point for free shipping was lower.

Love this hat. Cool. Protects me from the sun well. Not to mention it is super sexy :)

As other reviewers have noted, it looks dorky, but that's not the point for this hat. If the hat fits you, it's a great lightweight way to stay protected from the sun.

Unfortunately I can't use it because even the largest size doesn't fit me. I'm a hat size 7¾ (which is typically an XL size) and the XL was too small. There's no larger size so if you are 7¾ or larger you are SOL.

What can I say about this hat that hasn't already been said. It is rad. It is durable, packable, lightweight, wicking, floatable, protective, easy to fit, and goofy looking. Well, I personally love the look when you're out hiking or floating on the river, but I get why some people make fun. When I was in Central America and wore it to the beach every day, it earned me some not so favorable nicknames, but kept me from getting toasty fried. As a German boy from Minnesota, this hat has been with me on every recent adventure that could involve UV rays. In the long run, it will save you money on sunscreen for your upper face and neck.



I may not always properly protect the rest of my body from the sun (see picture), but my head is protected with my OR Helios

I'm still a young lad, but when I put this hat on I reminisce to the days of old when I would romp around in the sun all day without the slightest concerns of skin cancer or liver spots. How could I have been so naive? Although when I'm trying to look really hip or feeling just plain risky I leave this hat at home, but when I want a lightweight, comfortable, high quality hat to bring on adventures, this is a great choice.

Bought this for my husband. The hat is simple but it is the high quality you expect from OR. The brim provides good coverage but is not overly bulky like some sombrero type sun hats. The brim maintains shape but it is flexible. You could stuff it into a pack with no problem. There is a cinch cord around the inside of the brim which is great for getting a snug fit.