After numerous years of searching for a decent hat, I stumbled across Tilley Endurables. Tilley are in fact, one of the leading hat makers in the World. They are based in Canada and use only the finest materials and components from around the globe.
All I wanted was a hat fit for the job. Yet so many had failed the test. I wanted a medium brimmed hat to keep the sun out of my eyes and off of the back of my neck. I wanted the brim to be stiff enough that should it rain, it would retain it’s shape and not flop. If possible, I wanted a hat that would be waterproof or at least rain repellent. I also wanted breathing holes, so that in the heat I wouldn’t cook underneath the hat.
The Tilley T3 came to my attention. It wasn’t a cheap product. I think at the time it was about £60.00. However it did come with a lifetime guarantee. These generally don’t mean a great deal, well except in Tilley’s case but more of that later. I ordered the hat in olive-green, which seemed appropriate.
The hat was exactly as described. The brim was perfect and remained stiff, even in heavy rain. I would say it’s totally waterproof, having not got wet wearing it, despite some torrential downpours. When you’re doing a lot of trotting in the winter, when the sun can be low in the sky, this hat is perfect for shading your eyes. In the heat of summer it keeps the sun off of the back of your neck and the material is in fact UPF 50+ rated for sun protection.
Overall its a very smart and practical hat and I’d be lost without it.
Now for the bit about the lifetime guarantee. I recently washed my hat in the washing machine and on completion of the cycle, removed the hat. To my horror it had a 6-7 inch tear in the front. I was devastated. I really feel naked without this hat when I’m fishing. So I contacted Tilley and they asked for a few photos of the hat as evidence. They then contacted me and sent me a brand new hat. The only cost to me was £5 for the postage. Now that is a first class service and I can’t recommend Tilley enough.
Top job and a top hat, so a big thanks to Tilley Endurables.
I do completely agree with your review on the Tilley T3 hat.
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