Women's Solar Roller Sun Hat

I bought this hat for me to use during the summer. This is a broad-brimmed sun hat that shields from intense sun with a UPF 30 rating. The wicking headband moves moisture away from your brow, the brim offers an oasis of shade, and the external drawcord adjustment keeps it snug on the trail. The Fabric is "Supplex" 100% nylon and the average weight is 2.3oz / 65g.Outdoor Research Hat sizes:S – 21 5/8 inchesM – 22 ½ inchesL – 23 ¼ inchesXL – 24 inches

So if you are like me, you may be thinking, "A hat is hat. What's the big deal?" I thought that way up until I had purchased this one, as my head is routinely getting sunburned where my hair parts. This summer, we had a big upcoming vacation where I was going to be outside in the sun all day long for at least seven days in a row, most of which would be spent on the water. And while I love the sun and having deeply tanned skin, my scalp has had enough of getting burned. Prior to purchasing this hat, I tried different sunscreen products on my head and did not like the way they made my hair feel, so I needed to find another option.I currently have the Outdoor Research Swift Cap, which I wear year-round while snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, hiking, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. But, that fits like a baseball type of cap, tight on the top of my head. Conversely, I wanted a hat that provides airflow around my head underneath the hat, and one with a brim around it to give my neck some respite from the sun.The Outdoor Research Women's Solar Roller Sun Hat has provided the perfect solution! I researched the different styles of women's specific Outdoor Research brimmed hats, and this particular one is available three sizes (I need a small); most come in either medium, large or extra large. And, the brim is not excessively wide (I did not want or need a Sombrero). So, what is great about this hat?SHAPE: it is not too wide, but just wide enough so that I get adequate shade around my neck. And, I can flip the front of the brim upward so my face can still get direct sun exposure. The hat is not too deep either, so it does not look 'puffy' on top of my head, which has a lot to do with getting the correct size (see below). This hat is also very packable and is easy to stuff into a pocket or pack. When not in use, I fold it into a small triangle and place it into my waterpack.FIT: as I mentioned above, getting the right size is important not only to ensure the hat is deep enough for your head, but also to ensure it fits correctly around the circumference of your head. This hat has a draw (cinch) cord in the middle of the hat (slightly above the brim) to adjust the tightness of it around the circumference of your head. I frequently adjust this in accordance with the wind conditions, and it works perfectly. It always stays in the place where I adjust it, and then it is simple to loosen. There is also a chin cord, which I have used in extremely windy conditions while kayaking. And when I am not using the chin cord, I simply put it behind my head; I let it hang down the back of my neck.BREATHABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT, UPF SUN PROTECTION: this the BEST part! The material of this hat is so lightweight I barely even feel it on my head, and even when I am in direct sun exposure for over six hours, the top of my head/the top of the hat always stays cool to the touch - this is the part that truly amazes me. And because the hat keeps my head so cool, it is like wearing a personal sunshade all day long. In fact, it has made a significant difference in my overall comfort level while I am outside in direct sun exposure for extended periods of time. I feel less fatigued because this is truly like having a personal sunshade.Outdoor Research states this hat floats; however, I have never tested this, and do not want to. I hate the thought of this hat flying off my head and then potentially losing it.FINAL THOUGHTS: I wish that I would have purchased this hat seven years ago when we first started kayaking, as it allows me to be so much more comfortable while outside in the sun hiking, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. It not only fulfills the purpose for which I had bought it (preventing the top of my head from getting burned), but it also keeps my entire head cool, which then aids in keeping my body temperature cooler, thus keeping me more comfortable overall. We purchase and test a lot of outdoor gear, and I think this is my best purchase of 2020.

The hat looks good and fits comfortably.I was actually on the cusp of a small and medium but as the hat has a draw string and because too small is not as forgiving or comfortable, I opted for the medium.There are a variety of good colors to choose from but personally, as a pedestrian, I opted for the laurel because of the added safety benefit of viability.I'm confident this will become my go to hat and it is one I would also recommend to others.

This is my 2nd Outdoor Research hat, the other being the Oasis Sun Sombrero. They both have pros and cons; The Roller is very lightweight, breathable and comfortable with a nice brim size, but the brim is floppier than I prefer and will blow up in the wind so you can lose sun protection (I like symmetry so a floppy brim is a constant annoyance). The Sombrero is a slightly heavier hat with a sturdier brim that keeps it's shape and will not flap up in the wind, but the back of the brim is a tad too long and gets in the way of my PFD when kayaking so it's bothersome to look "up" at scenery and such. Why is finding the perfect hat so darn hard?

I only wore it three times. It seems to wick sweat, as it was pretty much dry after my 5-mile fast walk. I wore anther hat - something I bought from REI 20 years ago that is made of cotton and linen - for the same walk, and that one was soaking wet and accumulated a lot of white salt when I was done.The rim is too soft. Even a gentle breeze can flip the rim and expose my fact to the sun. I think my old REI hat is more suitable for hiking in the Rockies because the mountain top is very windy and completely treeless (yet significantly cooler and drier). This hat is suitable for the south which is warm, humid (It reaches reach 80 by 10 am here) and less windy.

Aug 2020 - 1 star - I do not love this hat any longer. It doesn't breathe and my head gets hot and sweaty. Would not recommend for sun. It would probably be fine for rain, but do not know for sure.April 2017 - 5 star - I love this hat! I wore it on a trip to Hawaii and it was helpful to keep the sun off of my face. The tie cord is very helpful when the wind kicks up. I'm going to continue using this hat at home while gardening. It is very well made and very comfortable to wear. You can flatten it and it comes back looking like new - so it was great for traveling.Best wishes :)

This hat works well for me. I have a small head and it is hard to find a hat that fits. Most are way too deep and come down over my ears and often come too low over my eyes. This is a shallower fit so even though it still covers part of my ears I find that the fit works. It worked really well for me on a recent hiking trip in Arizona where the sun is quite strong. The color is pretty and it kept the sun off of my face. I'm happy with it!

Bought this hat based on the great reviews, and was not disappointed! The hat is super lightweight, comfortable, and well made. I love the adjustable cord on the crown, as I bought this in size large, and needed it to be a tad tighter. Love having a chin strap for windy days, and it can be worn to the back when I don't need it. The brim is wide enough without being too wide, and the underside of the brim is a darker olive green color to absorb light and prevent reflection. A bit pricey, but I think it's well worth it.

Light weight and comfy

Very nice hat for the money.

great coverage and folds well for packing

The gift was very well received - looks great!

Der Hut ist sehr leicht und schützt gut vor der Sonne. Vielmehr gibt es dazu auch nicht zu sagen.