Helios Sun Hat
4.8
5
75
75
Surpassed expectations
I have a large head, and have a hard time finding comfortable headwear for hiking. This hat fits perfect.
Too early to comment on quality and durability, but I have had consistently good experience with OR and am anticipating total satisfaction.
January 31, 2012
Perfect travel hat
The Helios Sun Hat is not for your fancy city tours of course, but for out in the sun having fun it does the job really well for keeping your cool on those warmer days. And the fact that it is so easy to crush down and stuff into your pack makes it an easy choice, I recommend it.
November 30, 2011
great hat
The Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat is basically a PERFECT hat for backpacking. I simply do not hit the trail without it, Spring, Summer & Fall. Please buy it by way of experiment.
August 13, 2011
Great hat
Great sun hat helps keep you cool no matter how hot the sun is and the adjustable strap really keeps it in place I wear it everyday and would not know what to do with out it
May 21, 2011
Great sun hat
Great lightweight hat. Adjustable via pull cord for the perfect fit. Provides good coverage of face and neck. Couldn't ask for anything more. Looking forward to using this in South America this summer.
May 15, 2011
Awesome hat.
I finally had a real opportunity to try my new OR Helios hat in a 4 day trip to the desert. It is definitely one of the best hats I owned. It is lightweight, comfortable and protective. The brim has just the right size to fully protect you from the sun without interrupting the views. The attached chin cord kept it on head in windy days. I easily recommend it to anyone looking for protection when the sun beat down.
May 8, 2011
Done its job
Well, I've had this hat for well over a year now and the biggest test I put it through was my 3 weeks in Thailand where I wore it all the time in all kinds of conditions - through jungle hikes, island hikes, kayak trips through mangrove swamps, national park exploration, and wading through tropical waters. It saved my noggin from all kinds of sun torture and was comfortable all the time. The rear adjustment makes a custom fit easy. I've also worn it on countless local hikes in Montana and Wyoming and it shows no sign whatsoever of any wear. I've thrown it in the washer too with no ill effects. Now, with that said, I see OR has a new hat called the SunShower Sombrero which looks all kinds of awesome with the side venting and removable, stowable rain cover, though it has UPF 30 and this Helios is UPF 50+. There WERE moments when the heat index exceeded 100 degrees and I was wishing for some better venting. I can say, however, that after full days in the tropical sun, the Helios performed as expected and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Half the price of the new SunShower too (though I still may have to buy and try it!)
April 6, 2011
Love, love, love this hat! Is great for fishing. Stays on well while riding around on the boat. Also good for just laying out to keep the sun off your face, and for working in the yard.
March 1, 2011
Great 3-season hat
Not really used in colder temperatures, this is a great light weight hat for hiking or other outdoor activities spring through fall. Kept me cool and protected my face from the sun.
February 6, 2011
Helios sun hat
Great lightweight hat. Perfect for any outdoor activities. Great OR quality as usual. Very breathable. A definite recommendation. Hat is also adjustable via pull cord for the perfect fit. Also has removable chinstrap for additional security on windy days.
January 27, 2011
Awesome sun hat
these are awesome hat my boys and I can even wear them swimming the water and they stay on!!
December 6, 2010
great hat
Wore in 100degree temp in humid Florida....stayed comfortable and cool! The quality of material is great. Brim not too large but has great coverage. Lightweight and easy to store.
November 25, 2010
Just got this new hat and haven't had a chance to use it yet....but purchased to be used for fishing and keeping the sun off my head and neck. Seemed like a great option over the old standby (baseball cap)...with more coverage. Look forward to wearing it on the water.
November 15, 2010
Fantastic Hat
Low-key look, plenty of special features: rated UPF 50+, adjustable hatband, long-enough chin strap, breathable, & water repellent (didn't say waterproof b/c I haven't gotten it soaked yet). The Medium size fits nicely; doesn't overwhelm my small features. The brim is great for covering the back of your neck -- the front brim is not as wide or long as a sunhat, but it will keep the sun's rays out of your eyes and provide some sun protection for the rest of your face. Hat can be mashed up and shoved into your pack; very lightweight. You may have to 'train' the brim to your liking when you first unpack it. I love mine -- from beach to mountains, it's comfy and gets lots of compliments.
October 27, 2010
Does the job
Light sun hat that could be used for many purposes. Hiking, canoeing, gardening, and at the ball game are all activities I at which I have used this hat. It folds away easy into a big pocket or small bag. Most important is it keeps the sun off my bald head. Adjustable sizing makes for a perfect fit every time.
September 16, 2010
nice hat, just not big enough brim
hat is really nice, but I needed something with a wider brim to keep the sun off of my face, this hat may keep the sun out of your eyes, but I have a scar on my chin from an accident so I needed something that would also cover that. if you just want a sun hat, this is a great hat.
August 27, 2010
Found a hat I liked better
I did not like the look of the floppy brim and returned it for a Columbia fishing hat.
August 17, 2010
Great hat, lighter than traditional boonie, good sun protection.
Size chart was right on, adjustable cinch cord on headband customizes fit. Lighter nylon material than traditional cotton boonies wicks better. Great for hot sunny days.
August 16, 2010
Best hat ever
I've had to work outside more versus my kooshy office job. Georgia heat is a killer and this hat has made all the difference. Gone are the baseball caps, this is the charm. Light weight and VERY comfortable.
August 11, 2010
Awesome hot weather hat.
I love this hat. It is perfect for any outdoor activity but it is especially well suited for being around the water. The light-weight fabric dries almost instantly. Also, the brim floats so it is perfect for a day on the water. I have worn it sailing and kayaking and it was perfect. I am very fair skinned but this hat protected my face and neck all day without any burn. My wife has the same hat and she loves hers as well. I will definitely buy another OR hat, probably the Seattle Sombrero, for cooler weather hikes and rain.
August 11, 2010
Way above expectations!
I got this hat so I could: 1) stop slathering sun block on my pate 2) share my eyes from the sun without steam-cooking my brain (like a ballcap would) 3) have a hat that would be easy to pack, light to wear, and quick-drying This hat is great! I have am old military boonie cap, but that is hot in the summer and dries out very poorly. I needed something similar in design, but brought into the modern age. This hat is about 1/2 the weight of my cotton boonie cap, built-in adjustable head strap, removable chin strap, quick drying, packable, and just outrageously superior to what I already had. I wish I got one sooner.
July 16, 2010
Helios Sun Hat. It's a must have item.
I first bought an outdoor Research hat similar to the Helios 18yrs ago, worn exclusively in all kinds of inclement weather because of fit, function and durability.-(and still looks great) First the comfort is amazing & fit not only looks very awesome to any head shape, by adding custom design adjustable features that makes it look, feel tailored fitted. I've "field tested" in harsh conditions that I thought for sure it was damaged. However, no tears, not even a single thread loose, nor marking/stain the shape was even still perfect. It's not only blocked the sun/heat but evaporated and wicked any sweat dry in humid weather. Helios- It's a durable, Sun blocking, lightweight, comfortable, hat that is a must have hat.
June 5, 2010
Get it.
I bought this for my husband, who is a farmer. He has worn it for the past few weeks and loves it. The fabric is so light too, it's like you're not even wearing anything. Very comfortable, and with the adjustable cord and chin strap it's great. Also nice that it is easily washable.
May 25, 2010
Helios Sun Hat
This hat worked great when I took a field trip to the zoo with the first graders. It was hot & humid but the hat kept me cool & the sun off my face. Then we got a rain storm & it kept my hair pretty dry.
May 16, 2010
Hat is good
Hat seems good but I couldn't use it because I was misunderstood by size based on image. Still all my friend's experience is really good...
May 7, 2010
helios sun hat
great all around hat OR makes great products
May 2, 2010
Great Hat
I even bought a second one for my wife who originally bought the sombrero but liked this better because the brim didn't hit her pack. Lightweight, shady and compresses nicely in the pack.
February 16, 2010
Love the Hat
This hat is great. I can wear it during hiking and many other activities and it even works as a simple rain hat. I can pull it out the pack, give it a quick shake and its good to go for the next days adventure.
February 10, 2010
functional and comfortable
A great sun hat. Another Outdoor Research hat home run. I consider this hat and the Seattle Sombrero to be indispensible.
September 3, 2009
Great Hat
I was looking for a good upf rated sun hat and after looking at the styles and reviews decided on the Helios. I am very impressed with my purchase. The hat is upf 50 rated with quality construction and great fit. By the way this hat is very lightweight, cool, and comfortable
September 1, 2009
Love the hat!
Looks great, washes and wears great...
August 26, 2009
Excellent Hat
The hat has a perfectly sized brim. The brim stays firm and doesn't flop around. It's constructed of light material and doesn't get hot at all. I'm using the had in 115 degree desert weather in austere conditions and the hat is holding up extremely well. You won't regret your purchase.
August 18, 2009
Awesome Hot Weather Hat
I bought this hat for a summer trip to Italy. It kept my head and neck free of sunburn and kept me cool. This is my second OR hat - I love their hats.
August 5, 2009
Great Buy
I bought this hat for my husband who seems to always forget to wear sunscreen. He wore the Helios at the waterpark on a very hot and sunny day and was thankful. It kept the sun off his face and neck and kept him cool. The headband kept moisture off his face!
July 27, 2009
Love the Hat, Save the face!
This hat is a cool way to keep the sun from frying your head, face, and neck. Very cool as well, it does not overheat you. I will not go on the lake or beach without it now. Also easy to pack!
June 30, 2009
Great for every sunny day
Just received the Helios and I am so pleased that I am going to order two more, one for at work and another to keep in the truck. Great flexible sun hat.
June 29, 2009
Great hat
The hat has everything I was looking for -a chinstrap to hold it in place, wide brim for good sun coverage, lightweight, and a foam stiffened brim. I bought it for my husband who really needed a new hat for our upcoming trip to the Caribbean. It turned out that he really didn't want to part with his old beaten-up hat, but said that he would purchase the Helios when he's ready for a new hat. He liked all the features.
June 22, 2009
Perfect hat for my trip to the Carribean!
This hat is super light weight and extremely comfortable, perfect for shade in the hot sun!
June 14, 2009
Great Hat
I work outside and was looking for a hat to give me some much needed shade. Found it with this hat. I really like being able to adjust the hat for a perfect fit.
June 1, 2009
quality sunblocker
A comfortable fit and the head stays cool. An uncommon quality for a synthetic material. Nice wide brim keeps the whole head shaded and cool. Quick wicking properties are a bonus for kayaking and lanyard is a plus for those unexpected swims.
May 30, 2009
excellent hat
I wore this hat for the first time on a three day river trip. It shades well, is VERY comfortable, holds a good shape and the ability to fine tune the fit makes this hat perfect!
May 26, 2009
Great hat for intense sun.
Fits well and very comfortable. Plenty of shade from brim but can still see under it. Well ventilated cap. Nice fabric, lightweight, and cool.
April 29, 2009
This is one great hat!
Wore it rafting the Colorado River and it completely protected my fair skin; also, it kept the sweat off the inside of the hat because of an inner band with a "wicking" fabric. It is very lightweight and packed easily. Overall, buy this hat--you won't regret it.
October 8, 2008
Very stylish
Loved this hat. Ordered it after seeing one on my daughter during a hiking trip. Some sun hats look awkward though the point is to protect your face from sun. This looks cute on and does it's sun protection job at the same time.
September 15, 2008
The helios sun hat is a great hat.
The Helios sun hat works great for me. I use it all the time to do all my outdoor activities especially when its really hot and sunny. Im a person who really does not look good in hats, the helios looks great and is lightweight and gives excellent facial protection from the sun. I would highly recommend this product to anyone.
August 4, 2008
Great Hat, Perfect Fit
For someone who has lost their hair and now sports a clean shaven head I need serious protection when outdoors in the sun. The Helios is perfect. So light and comfortable I forget I even have it on sometimes. The brim is wide enough and holds it shape well to shade the face, ears and the back of the neck. This hat is super light and packs easy. My head always remains cool and wicks sweat away with easy. It's the perfect hat for the beach, hiking or just cruising around town.
August 1, 2008
Great sun protection with one drawback.
This is a very good hat for keeping the sun off of your head, neck and face. It is very lightweight, yet durable. I have had mine for about three years and have washed it in the machine several times. The only thing I don't like about it is that it has no vents. On very warm days your head will cook inside this hat. Other than that, I would definitely recommend it.
March 22, 2008
I like this hat
I spend alot of time outdoors.At the beach, hiking, walking,etc, and this hat really works in the sun. It will keep the sun out of your eyes, and off the back of your neck, something a baseball style cap will not do. I really recommend it.
February 10, 2008
Awesome Hat!
I needed a hat to wear up in the Boundry Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota and found this hat. It is wonderful at providing shade on the open water and has adjustments for snuggness incase of a windy day. Hat is also water repellant although bigger drops can come thru. Stays cool, nice fit... I would definatley buy this hat again!
September 18, 2007
great hat
This is a great hat. Easy to pack, super light and comfortable. Dark on the underside of the brim to cut reflection off water or sand. Light on the top to ward of the sun. Big enough brim without looking dopey. My only reservation is hat I could live without the logo on the front. Still, I like it. I wear it. And, I recommend it without reservation.
August 15, 2007
Helios Sun Hat is the Best!
I am a video producer in Florida. Recently we were doing a video on firefighters and we were taping in 98 degree weather. The heat index was 115 degrees plus we were working around live fires! The sun hat saved me big time! It was super light, waterproof and took a beating. If you're going to spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun, I highly recommend this hat!
August 13, 2007
Great Hat!
This hat fits great, it's easy to adjust the size, and it looks great as well.
July 27, 2007
Great hat
I bought the hat to wear at the NRA National Pistol Championships at Camp Perry, Ohio. The sun was brutal and the wind was annoyingly strong during the five-day event, but the hat stayed on my head and did its job. Its UPF rating was reassuring, and the dark material on the underside of the wide brim reduced reflected sunlight. I'm glad I bought it.
July 17, 2007
Good hat
I'm not big on hats, but I can wear this one without a problem. My head remains quite cool even in full sun, and it does a good job of protecting my ears, face and neck from sunburn (I still use sunscreen though). And early in the morning or late in the evening when I don't need it, it fits nicely in my camera bag.
July 13, 2007
Best hat for the sun and general outdoor activities
I had a case of sunburn on my neck working out in the yard. I looked around and found the reviews on the helios to be helpful along with the Outdoor Research description on how the Helios was designed. This hat has kept my head cool and my neck and face protected when working out in the yard. Today, I wore the Helios on an 8 mile hike with my wife and it breathes perfectly when the breeze hits the fabric. It's very lightweight and doesn't trap heat under the canopy. The chin strap is effective and comfortable. It keeps the hat secure during wind gusts - no worries there. I highly recommend the Helios for anyone looking for protection from the sun and heat.
June 11, 2007
Best Hat I Own
Lost my left ear to sun cancer. I've always been a ball cap wearer, but my doctors insist I wear a hat with a brim. I'm very pleased with this hat. Like others have said, the brim holds its shape. I wear the strap behind my head and wind is not a problem. It stays put.
May 26, 2007
Ultimate sun hat, even in Tucson!
I needed a hat to defeat the Tucson sun and this one rises and conquers! The brim is perfect for wicking away all that extra "man sweat" and on blustery days, the hat can be cinched up tight to keep it on during the strongest gusts. A "MUST BUY" for that fishing trip to Baja or your next hike through the Sonoran Desert.
May 21, 2007
Sweet hat!
Sweet hat. super light, comfortable, and packable. It has nice flexibility in size adjustment. Snug when windy, but will sit loose when just keeping the sun off. This is definitely my new vacation hat.
February 11, 2007
It works and looks good to boot
I purchased the Helios sun hat because I was traveling to Costa Rica and wanted protection from the sun. I was concerned that it may not be a good fit but the first thing I noticed was the adjustable head band. The hat worked great, enough for me to write this review. It looks great too, enough that my fiance wore it more than me. Guess I'm buying another one.
January 26, 2007
A great warm weather hat
I bought The Helios Sun Hat to take on a trip to Costa Rica over the holiday break. My other hats are are not as light weight and we expected very warm weather. The Helios was exactly what I needed; it kept the Sun at bay without making my head hot and it shed light rain and the constant dripping in the rain forests. I carried it rolled up and it went right back into shape when I put it on.
January 7, 2007
Super light sunblocker
One of the best sun hats made. Very light, nice colors.
November 15, 2006
good sun hat
Nice hat, functional, lightweight, and a great fit.
October 16, 2006
Great cover for a clean head.
Freaking love this hat; in fact it is my second one of this type. I love the outdoors and I shave my head, the two sometimes don't mix without being prepared. I coach soccer and use this hat exclusively to protect my head from the rays. The hat has now become synomous w/ my look as well as a good luck charm. The Helios stands up great in rain, when the temperature rises and cleans very well w/ a bit of soap and water when needed.
September 18, 2006
The Bomb of Boonie Hats
Of the many styles and types of Boonie hats I've purchased over the years, which includes both civilian and military issue, the OR Helios Sun Hat is second to none!! For work or play, it's the best!!
June 17, 2006
Great Hat
I had been looking for a sun hat for a long time that fit and offered a high UPF factor. I found both in the Helios by OR. It is light, adjustable and comfortable. The brim is the perfect size and does not get in the way when fishing. Great product.
June 4, 2006
A nice hat
The hat has a lot going for it with a relatively stiff wide brim, nice cinch cord and good ability to adjust to different sized heads. It's an improvement in some ways over the Sonora sombrero which I think it replaces in that it doesn't have the hook and loop patches on the sides. (these were annoying in the wind b/c your hat would suddenly stop covering your ears) Having bought also the woman's version of this, I'm a little disappointed that it does not have as wide a brim as that hat which seems to provide more posterior sun protection.
May 12, 2006
The brim could have been bigger
My wife used this Sun Hat under the desert sun for two weeks in Egypt and Jordan. She prefers a bigger brim around the hat so her face can be covered more. The workmanship is great for this Hat.
April 5, 2006
Great for kayaking
This Helios sun hat is great for kayaking. The adjustible headband keeps it on even in gusty winds. The brim is wide enough to shield the eyes from the sun, but still permits good visibility.
November 19, 2005
Good quality and fit.
Works well and very light weight.
August 28, 2005
Provides great protection with very little weight.
This product is consistent with the quality I've come to expect from Outdoor Research (this is my third hat from OR; the other 2 are Seattle Sombreros ("sombreri"?) The Helios is well made, providing a slightly larger area of protection than the Sombrero, plus it breathes a little better since it's made of Gore-Tex. The Sombrero is still my first choice when the weather's wet, and I like its rounded profile a little better, but when the sun's out the Helios is a very intelligent choice.
August 27, 2005
Does what it's supposed to do.
I live in Vegas, so you know that the sun can really beat down on you. I bought this hat so that my face and ears would be protected when I'm hiking in the desert, and it does the job very well. In addition, it is very light, and the Coolmax band helps to keep sweat from getting in your eyes. The brim is very flexible, allowing photography with no trouble at all. (I bought it in Sand so I could use it as a fill reflector.) All in all, the hat does what it's supposed to, and doesn't look as nerdy as some others.
August 26, 2005
Great Sun Hat
I wore this hat for a week of surfing and fishing in Cape Hatteras where the sun is brutal and there's nowhere to escape its reach. This hat kept my face, neck, and ears from burning to a crisp. The hat is very cool and seems to wick sweat well. It is also comfortable and adjustable to fit your noggin and stays on well in the breeze. It dries fast and does pretty well in the rain but a deluge would probably soak it through. I have definitely found my new fishing hat!
August 16, 2005
Sweet lid for a cool, dry dome.
I really like my new hat. I bought it to replace my third Sonoran Sombrero, which seems to be unavailable now. The Helios's bungee cord is vastly superior to the old velcro strip (in the S. sombrero) for making sure a stiff wind doesn't swipe your hat. Also, the material is great. I still prefer the spherical shape of the Sombrero's headpiece, as opposed to the more voluminous cylinder shape of the Helios. I also think the Sombrero's brim was wider. For those two reasons I give four instead of five stars.
May 28, 2005
Very Impressed
I am very impressed with this hat. It provides excellent coverage, so no more sunburns on my ears or neck. Also it keeps my head cool. It absolutely will not blow off either, even without the chinstrap. I ride ATV's every day with it, and it has not blown off even once. The only downfall to the hat is that the chinstrap tore off on it today on one side. I am sure it was faulty sewing. Other than that I would reccommend it to anyone.
May 24, 2005
The Helios hat is perfect for a hot, sunny day.
I especially like that the hat is light weight, but provides good coverage for my face, ears and neck. The hat also helps evaporate persperation, and keeps my head cool. Alos, I don't look like a complete geek in this hat!!
May 16, 2005
