Seattle Sombrero Hat
4.9
5
157
157
Never leave without it
I have been working with cameras as a professional for well over 30 years. While hoods are usually conveniently attached to whatever jacket I wear they often drive me crazy when I need protection from rain. Even the most ergonomicly designed hoods just do not turn along with my head as far as I sometimes need and wind up obscuring my peripheral vision. Often the Gore-Tex material they are made of make lot of crinkling noises which interferes with ones ability to hear clearly. The brim is usually miminmal and often mangled if it was rolled up inside the collar. And surprisingly enough, many of the most expensive Gore-Tex Pro Shell jackets these days do not offer the stove away into collar ability which leaves the inside of the hood exposed to the elements. So if you don't put it on immediately when it starts raining, or you need to temporarily take it off during rainfall it immediately starts collecting water INSIDE the hood.
Enter the Seattle Sombrero!
I "discovered" the practicality of this product back in the '90ties and have never looked back. It's surprising how effective it is in keeping those water droplets off your face and head and yet leave you so free to do and see whatever and wherever. And as a cameraman that brim protects the viewing experience through the eyepiece so much better because it covers it far more than some minimalist brim on a hood would. This is particularly important because even if you have your camera (still photo or motion picture) fully covered with specially designed rain protectors, the eyepiece portion is always the weak spot that often remains unprotected for optimum viewing ability.
Other manufacturers have attempted to make their own version, but none of them have quite nailed it as well as OR. Including the back brim which extends further than most so your neck and back remins dry even if you look straight down.
The only wish I have is that the brim material was just a bit stiffer as one has to take some care when packing the hat. Make sure you put it in the bottom of your duffle so it lays relatively flat. If the brim lays folded too long it's rather difficult to ever have the crease go away...
It has also become one of my most successful professional gifts to give.
November 8, 2011
Love it!
Durable! Perfect for the Northwest winters. Purchased this one to replace another that we lost. I think this product will last forever. Great prices here at Altrec. Fast delivery!
February 6, 2012
Great Deal
Great Hat. Very good quality.The Best price I found on the internet. it's an outstanding rain hat. I would recommend this to a friend. I will be getting another one to keep at work.
January 14, 2012
VERY GOOD
NICE HET that I never have. looking very nice. I have to ware this hat when i hiking. I want to buy more then one. highest quality
You have to buy. also this hat is great desing.
December 10, 2011
proof of best
I have had my seattle sombrero for 6-7 years. I wear it for rain or shine. I'm 60 and am now having skin cancers removed because I was to tough to wear hats when I was 5 - 50 years old. I always wear it for rain (waterproof# and sun #brim keeps face, ears, and neck covered#. If I put a headband on #over 60 F# for disc golf, I can adjust the hat size in 3 - 5 seconds with the inner band. Don't want to wear it inside? Hold the brim with both hands, "pop" #shake) it off, fold the wet side in and slide it into your sleeve. No problem! Think it is too dirty? Wash it in cold, gentle, air dry in dryer - again like new. I'm hoping it will soon show some wear - I need an excuse to get a blue one 'cause I wear blacks or blues 95% of the time. If you don't love it . . . . won't happen. I wear it 350 days a year. My other hats are keeping the dust off of my closet shelf.
November 22, 2011
Quality Product!
I am thoroughly amazed at the quality of this hat. It even has an adjustment tab for exact fit. Bends nicely with the wind, wicks water away easily, and with the yellow top, I am located easily. I am out at the sports fields, rain or shine, and this is the perfect accessory for what I do.
The comfort is luxurious. I am quite pleased with the feel of the fabrics.
Overall, this is the "Rolls Royce" of rain hats and I am thrilled OR makes them.
A Must Have!!
November 2, 2011
Seattle Sombrero
Seattle Sombrero is an outstanding rain hat! Received it on a Tuesday - next day - pouring rain. Put it on after taking 2 seconds to adjust the inner hatband - sheds rain better than any hat I have owned that was supposed to. Very comfortable - a bit warm from the inner lining, but the size of it keeps rain off the neck and shoulders - no more wearing a hood that sweats you up and minimizes the ability to hear all around you. Hoping it lasts a long time - previous Outdoor research products I own still in great shape - well made product - wish front brim a little stiffer and don't think this is an ideal hot weather hat, but for wearing in the rain - phenomenal!
October 19, 2011
Happy with the purchase!
Good quality and good performance. Works extremely well in the rain. I bouhgt this hat 3 weeks ago and have been using it alot. Live on the east coast and we've have had much rain this fall.
October 3, 2011
Great Hat!
This hat is comfortable and great in the sun or the rain. Looking forward to years of use! Ideal for keeping the sun off your face and ears and rain off everything from your chest up!
September 30, 2011
One Cool Hat
I weared this hat to soccer games in the Texas summer heat. It is light and provide good shade. I can wear it with sides up or down providing flexibility to your mood.
September 7, 2011
Seattle Sombrero Hat
excellent hat. beautiful, but it's size is not mine. I need extra Large one. Still, the best looking hat so far. Way to go.. OR!
When considering buying a hat, you look for its functionality and beauty. This satisfies both features.
September 7, 2011
Great Birding and Fishing Rainhat
I bought this hat specifically for fishing and birding in the rain. It is not only confortable, but keeps me very dry, without a buildup of moisture in the rim. It has velco on the sides of the hat to turn up the brims as you may wish. It also has a chin strap which is handy when powering a boat in the wind. All around great early winter rain hat.
August 20, 2011
My best hat ever
This is great...water resistance perfect, breathable yes..I have ordered large but was not so sure since I never ordered a hat from US before and it fit like a glove.
July 21, 2011
I bought this for my husband's birthday. He says "This is a good multipurpose hat that is made really well." We were surprised how easy it was to wear several ways and look great! It fits well, is comfortable and seems like it will last really long. Nice color scheme - black and white.
June 12, 2011
Don't get why people like this hat
I don't get why people like this hat. Yes, it does keep you dry but any wind over 5 mph and the brim is folding up letting the rain or sun into your eyes and face. I also wanted to use the hat kayaking. Well the interior layer that overheats your head in the summer but keeps you warm in the winter soaks up the water like a sponge that drips down on your face after you do a roll. Nice if it is a warm day with fresh water but in the ocean it is an annoying dripping of salt into your eyes. It does pack nice into any sack. It would be helpful if OR put a stiff plastic interior brim into the front to keep it from flipping up in the 5 mph wind.
June 6, 2011
luv this hat
it's lightweight and packs well. very comfortable fit and it's a high quality build. it has an inner band with a Velcro closure that makes size adjustment very simple. it secures well with a sliding closure device. haven't tried it in heavy rain yet but i'm confident it will work as well as all my other Outdoor Research gear.
June 5, 2011
Terrific Lid!~
For those who think it's a bit overpriced, I respectfully disagree. There is terrific tech in this hat and it actually works, which almost none of the others I've tried do. I have a very large head and the XL fits me just fine. I would have bought it on the fit alone, but it is perfectly proportioned and it is very well made.
Highly recommended!
May 31, 2011
Big Head
This is a really nice hat. Unfortunately it just didn't look good on me. It would be great if they made a rain hat with a firm crown. The only thing I have to say is that it runs small compared to all of the hats I have worn or tried over the years. My hat size puts me in XL but it's tight on my head.
May 13, 2011
Best rain hat I've ever worn
Although, at the time of writing, I've only had the hat a few weeks, I can confidently say the Seattle Sombrero is, without a doubt, the best rain hat I've ever worn. I wear it golfing. The wide brim keeps the drips from running down inside the collar of my rain jacket's collar. The adjustable head band and chin strap keep it in place, without worries of it blowing off, when the wind picks up. That's another big plus in my book. I really like the hook & loop fasteners that let me fold the sides of the brim up when the rain's not as heavy. Unfortunately I can't comment on durability since I've only had it a few weeks, but I am impressed with the construction. Looks like it'll last a very long time.
May 7, 2011
Great in this neck of the woods..
I live north of Seattle. I wear glasses and am a photographer. I needed a hat that would keep the rain and drizzle off my glasses AND I needed a hat that - when I threw the camera up to my eye, would "give" or fold out of the way (versus most hats which have solid bills - they don't bend! You have to turn them around or take them off it you take photos with a pro body camera..
Utility aside, it fits great, feels great and has all sorts of mechanisms for keeping it on your head: an inside adjuster to tighten the fit, and a REMOVABLE chin strap (very cool that it is removable!!)
It IS very expensive. If you can swing it, you will find it to be a first class, hardcore rain / sun / all duty hat. Highly recommended.
April 18, 2011
GREAT HAT.
THIS IS A GREAT HAT. GORE-TEX FOR PERFECT WATERPROOF ABILITY.
I WANTED ONE FOR YEARS. THOUGHT THE PRICE WAS STEEP. I GOT IT NOW AND ITS WORTH THE PRICE.
I LIVE IN THE PACIFIC NW AND NEED THIS HAT. IT HAS BEEN RAINING ALOT LATELY AND THIS HAT WORKS GREAT! ITS COMFORTABLE, AND I LIKE THAT THE SIDES FOLD UP. ALOT OF PEOPLE LOOK AT IT WHEN I HAVE IT ON. I THINK IT LOOKS COOL TOO.
ONLY HAD A FEW DAYS, SO DURABILITY I DON'T KNOW ABOUT. WILL THE VELCRO ON THE SIDE HOLD UP? I THINK IT WILL.
April 4, 2011
awesome hat
This is the perfect hat for quality and packability.
It is Goretex and fits well. I especially like the ability to loosen or tighten the fit as needed.
March 30, 2011
Comfortable and Effect
While I had some initial sticker shock when first viewing the product, recommendations from coworkers persuaded me to go ahead with the purchase of the Seattle Sombrero. The hat is light, durable, keeps your head warm, and keeps the rain off. What more can you ask for in a rain hat? It was and is well worth the money.
January 28, 2011
where it rains
Perfect fit -- exactly what I need for hands free, hood free getting around in the rain. Haven't needed the chin strap yet but glad it's there. Thinking that the sizing does run small. Adult helmets are often borderline too big, even at smallest fitting. The small sombrero fits perfectly with no tightening of the headband.
December 12, 2010
GREAT HAT
HAT GREAT IN RAIN OR OTHER INCLEMENT WEATHER - HOLDS UP WELL -WOULD PURCHASE AGAIN
December 4, 2010
Keeps you dry
The rain has hit here in NW Oregon and while you may look a bit goofy in this hat, it will keep you dry and is less restrictive than a hood or umbrella. Above all it is a functional piece of kit, eschewing fashion in favor of practicality. As other reviewers have mentioned, it works great for the four-eyed among us keeping rain off the glasses and giving you a clear, unrestricted view.
November 17, 2010
Great Hat, Rain or Shine!
I needed a rain hat for a trip, and the Seattle Sombrero certainly fit the bill. No wonder it's an award winner. It combines great function with style. I love it. One excellent feature is the adjustable head band, so that you can "fine tune" your size. Thanks OR and Altrec!
November 16, 2010
Great, but order size up
Great hat. I use it to run in the rain and it sheds water effortlessly. I take a medium in just about everything, but had to send it back for a large. The adjustable head band can be tightened when I run in warm weather, but can also be loosened enough to allow a thin wool hat underneath in colder weather. Exactly what I was looking for.
October 25, 2010
This hat is perfect for any situation.
it is very comfortable and keep rain away from the head.The GORE-TEX lining does a great job of keeping my head completely dry, in snow and rain. It is a bit warm,
September 14, 2010
Great hat!
Does exactly what you think a hat should do...keeps sun out and is very comfortable.
August 20, 2010
A very comfortable and waterproof hat A+++ Dave- Calif
I backpack in the Sierra's and this hat is perfect for those conditions. Light weight, stuff it anywhere and when the T-storms hit, pull it out and put it on. PERFECT
August 2, 2010
My second sombrero...
I keep one on the boat and one in my truck. Keeps my noggin dry when I want to hunker down and wait it out or while moving on. OR makes great gear. Altrec seals the deal with great customer service. Peace.
July 1, 2010
A great hat
I love the hat, it protect me against the sun and also against the water
June 21, 2010
Oh, how I Love this Hat!
I live in Oregon and have horses. I am outside every single day! This hat has kept me dry in a endless winter of rain! I bought a size larger than I needed, so I could fit a thin wool hat under this hat for added warmth. It tightens with Velcro straps if you want it to fit snug for windy days!
June 17, 2010
Great hat.
Love the sombrero...it keeps rain out and my head warm.
May 25, 2010
100% Great
I Love it !!! Great Rain Hat
May 5, 2010
good for the rain
This is a good hat to wear in the rain, and on a sunny day because it is light weight, but on a windy day it won't hold. The Hat does need some time to be broken in and in the beginning can seem to be a bit flimsy. I love the strap on the back of the rim on the inside of the hat you can adjust the size of it. Good hat overall and I like it, but better on a rainy day.
April 28, 2010
Great for hiking in the smokies
Awesome waterproof hat. Good quality as expected from Outdoor Research. Second hat from them. Keeps rain off - better than a hood - so you can actually hear the surroundings.
April 28, 2010
Great outdoor hat.
I am not a hat person so I was hesitant to purchase this, but needed something for a kayaking trip. This hat is great; it's light, broad enough to really give your head some shade and has several places you can adjust it. It's cute too. One day was very windy and had no problems with the hat staying on after making a few little adjustments. Great product!
April 28, 2010
Water just rolls off
This hat is the best gift for rainy weather; water just flies off and keeps my head warm too. Its light weight, breathable and just a great hat to have for living in the Pacific NW.
April 14, 2010
Best for cool rainy climates
I'm sure this is a great hat for rainy, cooler climates. I live in a tropical area and this hat didn't have enough air circulation for this are. I suppose the name "seattle sombrero" should have clued me in. Nice hat, just not good for tropical. I'll keep it should I travel to a rainy area.
April 8, 2010
The best rain hat!
I recently purchased another Seattle Sombrero as a birthday present for my brother. I really loved the one I've had for 5 years - it stands up to the wettest, drippiest weather around the Pacific NW, so I thought it would be perfect for my brother who likes to bird watch in rain forest climates. It gives him great visibility, and no more drips down the back of his neck like other hats. He loves it and never travels without it.
April 1, 2010
A Truly Outstanding Technical Hat
I've been using this particular make and model of hat for the last 10 or more years. Both in the wilderness and (in basic solid black) on the streets of NY City and San Francisco. This is not merely a hat. It's a piece of finely-crafted technical gear, that one can rely on. I've worn these in the Sierra Nevada, in the desert canyons of Baja, at remote hot springs, and at one of the Yankess vs Boston Red Sox playoff games at old Yankee Stadium. Keeps one cool. Keeps on dry. VERY rugged. Very functional. Pricey? Yes... very. But worth every penny.
March 8, 2010
It's a pricey hat.
I do not take a trip without it.it would be better for a fresher area.
January 13, 2010
Great hat that survived an all day snow
I wore it this past weekend all day in the snow and my head and neck stayed dry. Can't wait to wear golfing or fishing. I am a picky consumer and this is a quality product that I am very pleased with
December 22, 2009
Husband loves the hat!!!
We got one of these last Christmas for my husband and for his dad to wear fishing. My husband LOVES this hat and wears it in the Pacific NW rain to hike and hunt in. It definitely kept the rain from running down his back. Our teen son saw how well it worked and so his sister is giving him one for Christmas this year. The "complaints" about the hat being too warm aren't a negative for these guys in our wet weather. Buy one!!! You will love it!!!
December 12, 2009
Great rain hat
A light weight hat with GORE-Tex. It's a great water proof hat for heavy rain without the hassle of an umbrella. Wide brim keeps your vision clear during heavy rain fall.
November 27, 2009
great all-weather hat
this hat stuffs well into a pocket for quick access. Sheds rain without limit. Comfortable all year. The fold down ear muffs are great, a few gusts of cold wind made me really appreciate them in the snow and sleet.
November 27, 2009
Great Rain Hat
Fit is great, sizing chart really helped nail down correct choice. Well constructed, light weight, and functional. Great processing/shipping from Altrec!
November 17, 2009
Perfect Light Weight Protection
I've not worn it in the rain yet, that will come shortly, I'm sure. But the fit is comfortable and stable. The chin drawstring really keeps it in place with wind. Even when scrambling over boulders, it didn't shift around much. Stayed right where I wanted it: on my head. Washed up great with tap water and dried looking brand new. Seems like ti will keep it's shape through long travels. Good stuff!
October 23, 2009
Awesome All Climate Hat
Awesome hat that is flexible to weather conditions. Hiking a 14 teener from 70's at the base to 30's at the top, this hat was all I needed. Throw in some rain and the brim comes down to keep water off your face and neck. Flexible and easy to pack and it comes back to form. Great travel campanion and multi-climate hat!
August 28, 2009
Practical & versatile
Packs down well, gives a little warmth and can be tied on for wind-proofing. Wide brim sheds rain like an umbrella, with this and an overcoat you are monsoon ready. Highly recommended.
July 21, 2009
No more wet hair.
Was so tired of trying to keep a hood up or maneuver an umbrella in the wind and rain. The Seattle Sombrero keeps me dry and the velcro on the sides gives me a bit of a "cowgirl" look which is fun. The craftmanship is very nice.
July 20, 2009
Very Functional
I coach track in ND and need sun protection on cold days. I keep the hat in my backpack always for sun, rain or cold protection and it takes up almost no space.
June 12, 2009
I couldn't live without it!
I've owned one of these for several years, and recently lost it. I immediately ordered another, and was pleasantly surprised to find out how much they have improved it! The stiffer brim is a huge improvement. I take it everywhere!
June 1, 2009
WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU....
What they don't tell you is that the brim has this thin, super light, rubber/foam, whatever, that will not only keep out every bit of rain, but also will keep you hat afloat on water! How cool is that! The other day we had a wild and strange downpour here in Ohio in the first few days of March, and I was hiking and did get caught up in the heavy rain, I had my Seattle Sombrero Hat on, and NO PROBLEMS, NATTA, NONE! I stayed SUPER AND TOTALLY DRY -- AS IN 100% DRY. You've found your hat, it's right here, order this feather-weight and let its' GoreTex become your best friend!!!
March 12, 2009
functional, not fashionable
I wouldn't backpack without it. Handles all but the most driving rain without using a hood, making it easier to both hear and avoid overheating. Also does a good job of keeping rain off glasses.Keeps my head warm to about 20 degrees
December 13, 2008
Totally awsome
This is the third 'Seattle Sombrero' I have owned. It is a perfect hat for hiking, biking, or any other outdoor activity in the wet Seattle weather!
October 14, 2008
Great looking hat for all occasions!
New design with stiffer brim is nice improvement. Best hat ever for any type of wet weather from Alaska, Michigan , to Florida, I never travel without it! Always get great fashion sense compliments whenever I wear it.
October 5, 2008
great hat
second hat owned. one for my son and one for my husband. Perfect for all kinds of sporting weather: white water rafting, fishing, hiking, etc.
September 22, 2008
Good so far
This hat provides great sun protection and the adjustable band guarantees a perfect fit. It even absorbs sweat. I haven't had a chance to test it in the rain yet, but I bought it especially for my trip to the Amazon.
August 31, 2008
Great Hat!
It's definitely my favorite hat. On rainy days it kept me dry. On hot sunny days, I felt it kept me cooler. I fish with it on and use it even when I play tennis. My only minor disappointment is the Khaki color seemed to have a slight greenish tint.
August 20, 2008
Review of Outdoor Research Sombrero Hat
I love the Outdoor Research sombrero gortex hat. The black and grey is very attractive and the hat is very comfortable and waterproof. Your service was equally great, and your easy exchange for the right size was most appreciated. I love your satisfaction guarantee and feel safe in purchasing from your company in the future.
August 4, 2008
Outstanding product and exemplary service!
We purchased this hat for my husband who underwent a surgical procedure for skin cancer on his ear. He is a high school football coach and this hat was a blessing for him to continue to coach and be in the sun with protection. It is lightweight and comfortable and is appropriate for the hot Georgia sun. We also received this hat in quick fashion and was able to monitor the progress of the shipping with timely e-mails. Great!
June 16, 2008
very pleased with this hat!
I do love this hat! I would wear it here, I would wear it there, I would wear in anywhere! But seriously, I have had it just 2 weeks and it kept me dry while out for a lunchtime walk in the pouring rain, and the chin strap kept in on my head on a blustery sunny day. My husband borrowed it for a day of fly fishing, and now he is just trying to decide on a colour to buy one for himself.
May 13, 2008
Great hat!
This is a new hat for me, but I have tested it in rain and snow on the sidelines of a few soccer matches. It kept my face dry which is a huge plus since I wear glasses. The adjustable fit is great-especially in high winds. It did keep my head warm and dry. I look forward to many years of use. it seems well made of good materials.
April 27, 2008
THE BEST!!!
My Daughter just happens to live in Seattle and we have now purchased Four Seattle Sombrero hats. They are perfect in everyway,for rain, maybe even sun! You can have them with you constantly, on, or around your neck, and they fold easily so can put them in a pack or purse. Don't stop making them, They should give them out at SEATAC! Thanks, Sue Collins
February 11, 2008
Stay absolutely dry.
Being in law enforcement, we generally do not get to choose not to be out in inclement weather. This hat will keep your head and neck dry in the worst Oregon coast storms. The velcro adjustment strap inside ensures perfect fit and keeps the hat on your head even in strong winds. I would recommend this hat to anyone who plans to be in any sort rain or snow storms.
December 22, 2007
Great Hat!!
I live in Western Washington and the Seattle Sombrero Hat is the best rain hat I have owned. it keeps my head dry, looks good and fits right. Thank you.
November 27, 2007
Nice Hat!
This hat is tastefully designed and fits well. It has a low profile which makes it look good. Chin cord loops should be more hidden, as they don't look good when the cord is removed.
November 16, 2007
Best in all conditions
My favorite rain hat. Sizing is generous so my 7 1/2 hat size fits easily into a large. Very packable!
November 12, 2007
Great Hat
I love the hat. I took it on a trip sea kayaking in Croatia. It worked great. I have also used it hiking around our home in Germany. Great rainy day hat!
November 11, 2007
Great
The Seattle Sombrero Hat is perfect for working outdoors in areas where it rains a lot. It definitely keeps the rain off of your head and since the back is a little bit longer it stops the rain on top of the hat from sliding down your back. It is a great hat and should definitely be the top choice for outdoor activities.
September 5, 2007
waterproof
Outdoor Research: Seattle Sombrero Hat is the best in spring,autumn as well as in heavy weather.
May 6, 2007
Great hat for a wet environment
I used this hat sea kayaking in Prince William Sound - it rain 8 days in a row (still had a great trip). The hat was a life savor - looks goofy but sure works well.
April 16, 2007
