North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat Review

This hat is a good combination of a hat the breathes well and is compact but still gives good coverage and sun protection. It is ideal as a hiking hat or for moderate outdoor activity. It travels well because you can compress it without damaging its structure. It works okay in the water but is not ideal for surfing or water sports. Once wet, the brim is logged with water and obscures your vision. I used it for stand up paddle boarding in Maui. It was great as long as I didn't fall in the water. Once in the water, it was no longer ideal. By comparison, a hat like the Patagonia Surf Brim does not give as much coverage but does work much better if you are getting dunked in the water. Also, while it has a keeper cord, it does not stay on nearly as well as the Patagonia Surf Brim, which has a more secure strap. In high winds the North Face hat will stay on, but it does not feel as secure and the bill flaps around a bit. Overall, it is a great hat for hiking, backpacking and general dry outdoor use.