Patagonia Surf Brim Review

This is a great hat for water sports where you get dunked and for active sports that involve high winds or tight squeezes (such as climbing). Even when wet or in high winds, the hat stays put and the brim does not obscure your vision. The chin strap is very secure. That said, the smaller brim does not provide a ton of sun protection. Also, the secure chin strap can be a little hot and sweaty if you are hiking in warmer conditions. This hat is great for harder climbs where you don't want a brim that will get in the way. For example, Tommy Caldwell used this on our ascent of Yosemite Mt. Watkins and was able to onsite hard climbing (5.12) with it on. If this hat had been any bigger, he probably would have not used a hat at all and taken a beating from the sun. Also, this hat excels in high winds because the bill will not flop around and the chin strap is very secure. The hat can also be worn under a helmet. Bottom line: for hiking and most outdoor activities, I would get a bigger brimmed hat that costs less like North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat. However, for water sports, technical climbing, or hikes in high wind, this Surf Brim hat gives decent sun protection and stays securely on your head.