Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Transit Sun Hat

I've had this hat since 2008, when I took a job in the desert Southwest. It is very comfortable and breathable, and blocks the sun very well. I love dunking it in water in the hot afternoon. I would like to point out that the tag line for this product describes it as "Cotton sun protection for hot, dry climates." Key word is "dry" - the material may be a bit thick for the Midwestern or Southeastern USA heat. It is, however, perfect for the desert Southwest.

Haven't wear it yet but seems to be a great hat to protect from the sun and that can easily be carried in a travel bag for any trio. It arrived quite wrinkled but was told that I can iron which I should do before my boy wears it!

A fairly substantial sun hat that doesn't feel too flimsy. That said I found the brim a bit floppy. I returned it because I needed something different, but I could see it holding up well over long-term use.

I have been using this hat for 2 summers now. In Texas and New Mexico. I really like the fit with draw string. Works really well in the hot sun because my head stays cool and breaths. This hat will not dry fast. I found out when I got rained on when I was backpacking. The brim is a little flimsy in the wind, as mentioned in OR reviews. I really like the hat overall just needs some fine tuning!

In the photo Cairn looks to be in the beige family, but in reality is more of a light mossy green. It also appears to be a rounded top, but the top ridge is strongly defined making it look more like a fisherman's hat. The chin strap is great. It's adjustable and comfortable enough to allow one to tip the hat back when desired rather than taking it off. The mesh panels look as though they would provide enough ventilation to keep one cool. It came packed flat and although not marked as packable, I would say it would probably pack fine. It would be perfect for any outdoor activity that simply needs a quality sun hat. Unfortunately, I am looking for more of a fashion/feminine looking hat, so this is going back.

The item delivered was what I expected, the only reason I didn't give five stars overall was due to the price (pricey even with shipping included).

I've been using this hat now for 3 years. Its been with me all over the U.S. doing research from the hot arid high desert region to New England to the Gulf coast. It is excellent sun protection. I always forget to put sunblock on my ears so this hat saves me quite a bit. It is very good about wicking sweat away from your forehead preventing it from dripping down into your eyes or onto the lenses of your sunglasses. Then I leave my chin strap attached and put it up over the top/back of the hat for those days the wind is super strong or riding in a windy car or boat. That way I can pull it down under my chin. It can get hot in humid weather though and it stays wet if you're in the rain. It's definitely not quick dry material.

I've worn this while hiking, but I generally prefer wearing the Sun Runner cap (+ sun cape for neck as necessary). The Transit hat is good, but maybe I'm just not a full-brim hat guy. Brim loses shape pretty easily, and it seems like it could be wider. But does provide decent sun protection, which is the point. Overall, I'd probably recommend, this but I just prefer my other OR hat.

ALL AROUND

I returned this product because it did not cover the appropriate amount of area. I ended up purchasing the Outdoor Research Sombrero hat. It provides more coverage, despite the diameter values provided by Zappos.

I live the south east and the humidity is harsh. This hat is comfortable and great in the spring time but summer humidity with it on is unbearable. I also own the sombriolet, it has it's down sides too (brim has a mind of its own, flimsy). The brims on all there hat except the Seattle cannot be adjusted and are flimsy in the wind. No one that designs outdoor clothes(HATS) must have never been to the south east or tropic jungle. Yes, I have i have traveled to many uncomfortable climates (ARMY). Of all choices out there OR has the best but still need improvment.

Runs small and looks a little slouchy. Vents are a plus.

Felt comfortable on my head but the brim was too weak and wobbly to hold its shape and look good while still keeping the sun off my face.

I don't quite get your hat designs - here we finally have a vented hat - obviously meant for warmer climes but it has a wimpy brim size - not enough to give any shade whatsoever! Then, your "sun hat" meant to give shade has no ventilation. What gives? Ever been in the West?

Don't be fooled by the photo. This hat has all the structural integrity of an old sock. the crown is not well formed nor is the brim. it is a floppy do-rag. don't waste your money on this is you are expecting a fedora type hat with some thickness to the material. the sweatband is just a piece of polyester elastic.