REASONS TO BUY
Very durable
Wind cord in the back
Allows you to pin up sides
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Smallish brim
Not very breathable
Tilley T3 Cotton Duck Hat Review
T3 Cotton Duck Hat
Credit: Tilley
RELATED: Best Sun Hats of 2024
Our Verdict
The Tilley T3 Cotton Duck Hat is probably the most durable hat we tested and will give you the style and protection you need while doing your favorite low output activities. We really liked the Tilley hats for their durability and style and think they they are best used for traveling, sailing, lounging, and any other low-output activity. It's not the most protective hat, and not the most breathable hat, and there are hats that we tested that rank better in every category and are even cheaper, but none of them is as durable and long-lasting as this hat. This Tilley will surely last you a lifetime and more, but if you want a more comfortable, more breathable, and more protective hat we suggest getting one like the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat, which is also about half the price.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Protection
This hat provides you with a brim ranging from 2 3/4" in the front and back to 2 3/8" on the sides. It is also has a UPF rating of 50+ so that no UV rays will be able to sneak through the fabric. It isn't the most protective hat we tested but it is nice to have the small brim when traveling and having to navigate crowds. But if you are looking for a hat that will provide you with enough protection to prevent you from getting burned, then check out the review of the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat or the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap.
Comfort
This hat is made of very tough material and so it's kind of stiff when you first get it, but once you start using it and start breaking it in it will get more comfortable. Most of the other hats we tested have a more form-fitting style to them, which makes them fit better. This hat is much more boxy than the others, making it a lot less comfortable. This hat and the other Tilley hats have a wind cord in the back that give them a nice snug fit and help them stay on your head. However, we do wish they had a neck cinch so they were a little bit easier to tighten in the case of wind or weather.
If you are looking for a really comfortable hat with a little more style, then check out the Outdoor Research Sombriolet, our Best Buy award winner.
Breathability
There is minimal ventilation on this hat and the fabric itself isn't breathable at all. The four ventilation holes on top and the boxy style help some of the hot air escape, but it's still not breathable for high output activities. We suggest doing low output activities in this hat, like sailing, lounging in the sun, traveling, etc.
If you are living an active lifestyle and need a hat to keep you protected while doing your favorite high output activities, then check out the review of the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat or the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap.
Durability
The Tilley T3 is the most durable hat we tested and will last you multiple lifetimes of fond memories and healthy skin. It comes in several different colors; the white style that we tested can get a little stained, but nothing a little bit of bleach can't fix.
Style
This isn't the most stylish hat out there but it certainly isn't as bad as some of the others we tested. It has a boxy style that looks better on some people than others. It also has the ability to snap up the sides, which does nothing practically unless you are carrying a rifle, but it can make you look more stylish. If you are looking for a really stylish hat that's similar to the Tilley T3 and offers even more protection too, then check out the review of the Coolibar Crushable Ventilated Canvas Hat.
—
Devin Chance
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