Reader Reviews

Rating: 4 / 5

Tilley makes a lot of different hats. I see a lot of the mesh ones, especially the LTM5, on the trail. But I still think the LT5 is the most versatile. Full nylon that's uncoated means it's very breathable, even in the heat, and absorbs enough water that you can dip it in a creek and get some decent cooling miles out of it - more so than the LTM5.

Because of the full fabric, you can ReviveX it to death and get some fabulous rain protection - I'll do anything not to have to wear a rain jacket or poncho hood!

The little pocket in the top means you can hide little bits of gear when hiking with Glen Van Peski and always come up with a lighter pack than him. However, it seems that even GVP has joined the LT5 ranks, so competition will likely get fierce.

This hat pretty much goes with me everywhere, summer or winter, day hikes or expeditions, and has seen wayyyy more miles than any hiking cap I've ever worn.

What I'd wish for as an improvement: some way to shave one ounce off of it while retaining its shape, and an ultralight waterproof cover for the crown that I can add on in the nastiest conditions.

Rating: 4 / 5

Well I thought the LT5 was perfect until Ryan suggested it would be even better if it was lighter. But of course! And it's stylish too - at least we Tilley wearers think so. And Ryan, just slip on your motel shower cap for a rain cover.

Rating: 2 / 5

I don't like it for backpacking because the brim in the back often bumps against my pack making it difficult to look up. Also, it does not fit under my rain jacket hood when it rains and does not fit easily in my pack. I've gone back to wearing a ball cap when I feel the need for a hat.

Rating: 5 / 5

Well, it's not exactly the same but I'll put the Tilley LT6 in the same category. It's an excellent hat. This one has a bit wider brim. I have to be shaded to enjoy time outdoors. This hat really does the job.

At 3.5 oz. I'm pleased with the shade to weight ratio. Like Ryan, I've applied generous water treatment to the hat.

I particularly enjoy that I can wear this hat with a rain jacket and not have to develop a personal sauna with the hood pulled up. If it's cold and blowing I can wear my rain jacket's hood under the hat.

Ventilation is good in hot weather. The brim stays stiff when wet. The chin & head straps work well in high wind. Overall it is a strong design. It's light and durable. A little expensive but a great product.

Edited by flyfast on 12/21/2005 21:16:43 MST.

Rating: 1 / 5

I bought this hat after many glowing reviews around the net, however my experiene was different.

The hat is very stylish and has a very comfortable fit however, it is just plain too hot to hike in. I thought the breathability would be better but on several day hikes that I wore this hat, it was a sauna. Sun protection was only moderate as well. Never tried it in the rain, but I suspect it would do well.

I have since switched to the OR Sun Runner cap and havn't looked back. Anyone want to buy a Tilley? ;)

Edited by oiboyroi on 02/08/2007 01:13:20 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

Have worn my Tilley in the desert hot sun, cold mountain rain, and various conditions in between those. It always does its thing. I love it.

If you lose your hat for any reason, then you get another one for 1/2 the price. The literature that comes with the hat is interesting. In one testimonial, a zoo keeper has had an elephant eat is hat, and then output it. After a good washing, it was fine. His hat was passed by pachyderm three times.

It is a good hat.

Edited by gmatthews on 03/07/2007 19:30:47 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

As with all Tilley hats, the quality can't be beaten. The LT5 is a stylish looking hat that can be crushed in your backpack yet still maintain its good looks. The UPF 50+ sun protection found in Tilley hats is an added bonus making them healthy as well as practically indestructable. For those wanting a little more breathing room in their hat you should look at the LTM5 that has a mesh section. Same great features otherwise.