Which is the best Tilley Hat?

[Lady Campanula]

It's almost that time of year - and will be next week, if SJK is to be heeded!

I was thinking about the third one, but recognise that would make one look like a TWA 'aT....

 

[marklucas]

Airflo is the best

And you don't look like a ***** !

 

[rob2]

I have one of the old version of the #4 - often worn to pop round the corner shop on a bad hair day. Doesn't matter, though. I can look a t**t with or without a hat and #3 looks good for the winter.

Rob.

 

[Talbot]

I have a 5 as I wanted the widest brim.

 

[capetown]

Don't buy dark blue

I wouldn't buy the dark blue one again as it shows the sweat & salt.

But on the other hand it gets washed often

 

[CreakyDecks]

I need a hat that ties on, then I wouldn't get to practice my man overboard manoeuvre so often.

 

[zikzik]

The one that fits properly!

I have worn an Airflo for a couple of years now. Its been in the washing machine a few times but is as good as new.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Depends on how much of a hot head you are!

 

[Poignard]

I honestly don't mean to offend you or any other Tilley-hat wearer, but they all look ridiculous to me. I include them in the group of other weird things I would not wish to be seen wearing; i.e. Tilley-hats; beards; pink trousers; sandals; specs cords; shell-suits; brown boots; suede shoes; bow ties; half-moon specs; to name but a few. Sheer unforgiveable snobbery I admit.

And as for the prices . . ! For something that's probably going to end up in the sea

 

[chrisedwards]

This is a good question - I've chucked my Tilley hat out - absolutely useless bit of kit - every time I'm close on the wind - up blows the protective rim and burnt nose and forehead results. Now I have a smart trilby style hat from Marks and Sparks - Also have a cowboy hat in reserve - That flare/curve in the rim (Something that the Tilley does not have - one model has a bit but the rim is not broad enough) is to prevent blow up.

 

[aquaplane]

Being folically challenged I need a hat, preferably with a brim to protect the ears, so I asked Santa to bring me one last year. A bit dear but it does the job much better than the previous bush hats and baseball caps, and it stays on with the strings deployed.

I think mine is an Outback. It should have been £53 but it was cheaper with the GO Outdoors card, or was it £53 with the card?

Is the Tw@ @t really a Tilley?

 

[Halo]

Tilley

If sailing in the UK or other cold area I would definately go for a T3 (see my mugshot) .
The T3 has a flat brim which is vital if you are wearing a thick collar. The more shaped brims on later versions dip down at the back and get pushed off by the collar when you look up the mast.
I have worn out 3 Tilleys and they really do replace them as promised
I suggest natural/white colour as this reflects the heat of the sun
Cheers
Martin

 

[Heckler]

I honestly don't mean to offend you or any other Tilley-hat wearer, but they all look ridiculous to me. I include them in the group of other weird things I would not wish to be seen wearing; i.e. Tilley-hats; beards; pink trousers; sandals; specs cords; shell-suits; brown boots; suede shoes; bow ties; half-moon specs; to name but a few. Sheer unforgiveable snobbery I admit.

And as for the prices . . ! For something that's probably going to end up in the sea

Me as well, we call them twatty hats, given that most of the peeps we see wearing them look like twats! They usually have beards, skinny legs in enormous knee length khaki shorts and inevitably look very earnest. Usually viewed skippering one of the Jag fleet with sailing holidays!
Ill get me coat!
Stu

 

[Halo]

I expect I am just the sort of guy you are talking about. Tilley hat , beard and prone to wearing brown leather dubarry boots . Personally I find most sailing gear merits about zero on the trendy fashion stakes and select mine for function.
My Tilley protects me from the sun better than anything else I can find and I wish I had worn it years earlier. Exposure over many years wearing a baseball hat has left me with life long "liver spots" in areas which are now protected by the Tilley.
You may feel good selecting your sailing gear on the basis of fashion but I would not recommend it to anyone. Aparrently fashion victims are not just fat girls after all !

 

[DanTribe]

Which is the one they say can be eaten and defecated by elephants?
This is always a worry to me when sailing.

 

[Robin]

I resisted Tilley hats for years, now I own two. I have one of the originals and a similar one in much lighter weight material. They don't blow off as they have an excellent retaining strap system. In my case too it is either a Tilley or sun tan oil on the top of my head, I even took my Tilley to Florida when we were trialing our new boat.

So IMO go for the lighter weight standard style Tilley.

Oh and to add to the sartorial elegance, I also resisted Crocs for many years, but now own 4 pairs, including some leather topped laceup boat ones, great for sailing, good non slip on board and great for going ashore on a beach. Tilleys and Crocs, great combo. Sorry Stu, **** maybe but I definitely don't have skinny legs!

So go for it, in the knowledge that is the other buqqers that are the losers!

 

[fergie_mac66]

meths

the biggest decision is whether to heat it up with meths before lighting or whether to to just light the paraffin(having filled it to the brim first)!

 

[Neil]

Well, then, I'm a complete anorak, 'cos I've a T3, T4 and an Airflow. Been through a No. of brimmed hats and found the Tilleys superior. Some dastardly character lifted my first T4; obviously impressed with its superior characteristics.

Wore the lighter Airflow around the Saronic and the one time it blew off, it was a good excuse to practice MOB - successfully recovered!

The brim does flip up in a stiff breeze, but lowering one's head will keep it down, though under these circumstances, vision can be compromised.

Crocs are also excellent, I have two pairs. They are better if you can avoid looking at them on your feet.

 

[FullCircle]

Here you go, **** in a hat.

Wouldn't be without it.

 

[Heckler]

I expect I am just the sort of guy you are talking about. Tilley hat , beard and prone to wearing brown leather dubarry boots . Personally I find most sailing gear merits about zero on the trendy fashion stakes and select mine for function.
My Tilley protects me from the sun better than anything else I can find and I wish I had worn it years earlier. Exposure over many years wearing a baseball hat has left me with life long "liver spots" in areas which are now protected by the Tilley.
You may feel good selecting your sailing gear on the basis of fashion but I would not recommend it to anyone. Aparrently fashion victims are not just fat girls after all !

I dont do fashion! I didnt mention fashion, I dont wear a hat, got plenty of hair!
Stu