SHELTAThe Condor Performance Sun Hat (S.B Camo, L/XL)

Based on the online description, I really wanted to like this hat. I was looking for a hat to wear on cruises and for other outdoor activities. The Condor seemed to check those boxes. On receipt. the actual product was not quite what I expected. Most of my concern was with the crown of the hat. The material was much thinner than I expected and didn't have much form or rigidity. The crown ended up rounded over my head, like a baseball cap rather than the distinctive semi-flat top boonie or Aussie style I expected from the on line pictures. The interior mesh liner was also quite thin. That and the small laser cut vent holes made me believe that air circulation between head and crown would be an issue. Living in Florida with all its summer heat and humidity, there would be little to stop sweat from my bald head wicking to the outer side of the crown material.What finally made my decision was when I examined my older Henschel hat that I had planned on replacing. The Henschel hat has a stash pocket in the top of the crown that the Condor does not. When I ordered I didn't think the absence of that feature was important. But when I looked at the inside of the crown on the Henschel, I found a sweat stain right in the middle of the stash pocket which had prevented the stain from making its way to the hat's outer layer. The pocket also adds rigidity to the heavier fabric that keeps the top of the crown from coming in contact with my head. I also feel like the 3/4” mesh ventilation around the top of the Henschel's crown is superior to the laser holes on the sides of the Condor's crown.I would have tried wearing the Condor for a while to see if it might work for me, but given the price and under the conditions that the hat could only be returned unused and with all labels attached, I packed it up for return. It is a well made hat, of a quality similar to the Henschel, and likely would be suitable for many folks, just not me.

I tried cleaning sweat off my hat immediately after returning home from getting it sweaty and after cleaning it with a gentle brush and shampoo, while wet, it seemed to have cleaned up nicely. When the hat dried, it was clear that it hadn't actually gotten the discolored spot out. I tried cleaning it a second time with baking soda as recommended on Shelta's website but it seems to be permanently discolored. For something that you wear on your head, and I should note that I'm bald, I would've appreciated it was made with a fabric that wasn't SO susceptible to discoloration. I've had hats that cost a quarter of this hat that didn't seem to have this problem. At certain angles, the stain almost looks like shadow, but in a well lit area or when the hat is hanging on something it's VERY clear it's stained and frankly embarrassing to have people see. The hat itself is comfortable and the no-flip brim is admittedly great, I just am bummed I spent this much money on a hat to have it stained like this after two cleanings.

Like most, I was reluctant to spend so much money on a hat. But considering how often I'm outdoors, camping, hiking, kayaking, etc., I decided I'd look at it as an investment and made the plunge. Boy, was it worth it. I had similar hats before, but none ever truly fit well and the front bill was always collapsing. This single hat solved both those problems. It is by far the most comfortable and with the hard bill, it never collapses. As with many things, you get what you pay for. And coming from someone who is a cheapskate and saves his money, I would recommend this investment to anyone.

I will be returning this first thing in the morning, was looking for a sun hat i could wear fishing and hiking, i dont find this as having enough back of neck protecrion need to be 4".. hoping my trip to tybee island I'll find a new hat.

Soooo- my husband has a HUGE head. It looks normal until he tries on a hat or helmet. So hard to find anything that fits comfortably. THIS HAT FITS!!! Worth the $!!!! Can't thank you enough for making such a great hat!!