Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat

Super Solar Hat
April 08, 2012

This hat look good, feels great, does what it should. I can't prove that it is providing me with solar protection, but let's hope so! :] It looks dashing on. That's it.

Garden to Glaciers
March 13, 2012

This hat works great on a sunny day in the backyard and also thrives at 17,000 feet. Sun, heat, wind, or rain; this hat has got you "covered." Protect yourselves out there, your skin will thank you.

Surpassed expectations
January 31, 2012

I have a large head, and have a hard time finding comfortable headwear for hiking. This hat fits perfect. Too early to comment on quality and durability, but I have had consistently good experience with OR and am anticipating total satisfaction.

Perfect travel hat
November 30, 2011

The Helios Sun Hat is not for your fancy city tours of course, but for out in the sun having fun it does the job really well for keeping your cool on those warmer days. And the fact that it is so easy to crush down and stuff into your pack makes it an easy choice, I recommend it.

great hat
August 12, 2011

The Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat is basically a PERFECT hat for backpacking. I simply do not hit the trail without it, Spring, Summer & Fall. Please buy it by way of experiment.

Great hat
May 21, 2011

Great sun hat helps keep you cool no matter how hot the sun is and the adjustable strap really keeps it in place I wear it everyday and would not know what to do with out it

Great sun hat
May 14, 2011

Great lightweight hat. Adjustable via pull cord for the perfect fit. Provides good coverage of face and neck. Couldn't ask for anything more. Looking forward to using this in South America this summer.

Awesome hat.
May 08, 2011

I finally had a real opportunity to try my new OR Helios hat in a 4 day trip to the desert. It is definitely one of the best hats I owned. It is lightweight, comfortable and protective. The brim has just the right size to fully protect you from the sun without interrupting the views. The attached chin cord kept it on head in windy days. I easily recommend it to anyone looking for protection when the sun beat down.

Done its job
April 06, 2011

Well, I've had this hat for well over a year now and the biggest test I put it through was my 3 weeks in Thailand where I wore it all the time in all kinds of conditions - through jungle hikes, island hikes, kayak trips through mangrove swamps, national park exploration, and wading through tropical waters. It saved my noggin from all kinds of sun torture and was comfortable all the time. The rear adjustment makes a custom fit easy. I've also worn it on countless local hikes in Montana and Wyoming and it shows no sign whatsoever of any wear. I've thrown it in the washer too with no ill effects. Now, with that said, I see OR has a new hat called the SunShower Sombrero which looks all kinds of awesome with the side venting and removable, stowable rain cover, though it has UPF 30 and this Helios is UPF 50+. There WERE moments when the heat index exceeded 100 degrees and I was wishing for some better venting. I can say, however, that after full days in the tropical sun, the Helios performed as expected and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Half the price of the new SunShower too (though I still may have to buy and try it!)

March 01, 2011

Love, love, love this hat! Is great for fishing. Stays on well while riding around on the boat. Also good for just laying out to keep the sun off your face, and for working in the yard.

Great 3-season hat
February 06, 2011

Not really used in colder temperatures, this is a great light weight hat for hiking or other outdoor activities spring through fall. Kept me cool and protected my face from the sun.

Helios sun hat
January 27, 2011

Great lightweight hat. Perfect for any outdoor activities. Great OR quality as usual. Very breathable. A definite recommendation. Hat is also adjustable via pull cord for the perfect fit. Also has removable chinstrap for additional security on windy days.

Awesome sun hat
December 06, 2010

these are awesome hat my boys and I can even wear them swimming the water and they stay on!!

great hat
November 25, 2010

Wore in 100degree temp in humid Florida....stayed comfortable and cool! The quality of material is great. Brim not too large but has great coverage. Lightweight and easy to store.

November 15, 2010

Just got this new hat and haven't had a chance to use it yet....but purchased to be used for fishing and keeping the sun off my head and neck. Seemed like a great option over the old standby (baseball cap)...with more coverage. Look forward to wearing it on the water.

Fantastic Hat
October 27, 2010

Low-key look, plenty of special features: rated UPF 50+, adjustable hatband, long-enough chin strap, breathable, & water repellent (didn't say waterproof b/c I haven't gotten it soaked yet). The Medium size fits nicely; doesn't overwhelm my small features. The brim is great for covering the back of your neck -- the front brim is not as wide or long as a sunhat, but it will keep the sun's rays out of your eyes and provide some sun protection for the rest of your face. Hat can be mashed up and shoved into your pack; very lightweight. You may have to 'train' the brim to your liking when you first unpack it. I love mine -- from beach to mountains, it's comfy and gets lots of compliments.

Does the job
September 16, 2010

Light sun hat that could be used for many purposes. Hiking, canoeing, gardening, and at the ball game are all activities I at which I have used this hat. It folds away easy into a big pocket or small bag. Most important is it keeps the sun off my bald head. Adjustable sizing makes for a perfect fit every time.

nice hat, just not big enough brim
August 27, 2010

hat is really nice, but I needed something with a wider brim to keep the sun off of my face, this hat may keep the sun out of your eyes, but I have a scar on my chin from an accident so I needed something that would also cover that. if you just want a sun hat, this is a great hat.

Found a hat I liked better
August 17, 2010

I did not like the look of the floppy brim and returned it for a Columbia fishing hat.

Great hat, lighter than traditional boonie, good sun protection.
August 16, 2010

Size chart was right on, adjustable cinch cord on headband customizes fit. Lighter nylon material than traditional cotton boonies wicks better. Great for hot sunny days.

Best hat ever
August 11, 2010

I've had to work outside more versus my kooshy office job. Georgia heat is a killer and this hat has made all the difference. Gone are the baseball caps, this is the charm. Light weight and VERY comfortable.

Awesome hot weather hat.
August 11, 2010

I love this hat. It is perfect for any outdoor activity but it is especially well suited for being around the water. The light-weight fabric dries almost instantly. Also, the brim floats so it is perfect for a day on the water. I have worn it sailing and kayaking and it was perfect. I am very fair skinned but this hat protected my face and neck all day without any burn. My wife has the same hat and she loves hers as well. I will definitely buy another OR hat, probably the Seattle Sombrero, for cooler weather hikes and rain.

Way above expectations!
July 16, 2010

I got this hat so I could: 1) stop slathering sun block on my pate 2) share my eyes from the sun without steam-cooking my brain (like a ballcap would) 3) have a hat that would be easy to pack, light to wear, and quick-drying This hat is great! I have am old military boonie cap, but that is hot in the summer and dries out very poorly. I needed something similar in design, but brought into the modern age. This hat is about 1/2 the weight of my cotton boonie cap, built-in adjustable head strap, removable chin strap, quick drying, packable, and just outrageously superior to what I already had. I wish I got one sooner.

Helios Sun Hat. It's a must have item.
June 05, 2010

I first bought an outdoor Research hat similar to the Helios 18yrs ago, worn exclusively in all kinds of inclement weather because of fit, function and durability.-(and still looks great) First the comfort is amazing & fit not only looks very awesome to any head shape, by adding custom design adjustable features that makes it look, feel tailored fitted. I've "field tested" in harsh conditions that I thought for sure it was damaged. However, no tears, not even a single thread loose, nor marking/stain the shape was even still perfect. It's not only blocked the sun/heat but evaporated and wicked any sweat dry in humid weather. Helios- It's a durable, Sun blocking, lightweight, comfortable, hat that is a must have hat.

Get it.
May 25, 2010

I bought this for my husband, who is a farmer. He has worn it for the past few weeks and loves it. The fabric is so light too, it's like you're not even wearing anything. Very comfortable, and with the adjustable cord and chin strap it's great. Also nice that it is easily washable.

Helios Sun Hat
May 16, 2010

This hat worked great when I took a field trip to the zoo with the first graders. It was hot & humid but the hat kept me cool & the sun off my face. Then we got a rain storm & it kept my hair pretty dry.

Hat is good
May 07, 2010

Hat seems good but I couldn't use it because I was misunderstood by size based on image. Still all my friend's experience is really good...

helios sun hat
May 02, 2010

great all around hat OR makes great products

Great Hat
February 16, 2010

I even bought a second one for my wife who originally bought the sombrero but liked this better because the brim didn't hit her pack. Lightweight, shady and compresses nicely in the pack.

Love the Hat
February 10, 2010

This hat is great. I can wear it during hiking and many other activities and it even works as a simple rain hat. I can pull it out the pack, give it a quick shake and its good to go for the next days adventure.

functional and comfortable
September 03, 2009

A great sun hat. Another Outdoor Research hat home run. I consider this hat and the Seattle Sombrero to be indispensible.

Great Hat
September 01, 2009

I was looking for a good upf rated sun hat and after looking at the styles and reviews decided on the Helios. I am very impressed with my purchase. The hat is upf 50 rated with quality construction and great fit. By the way this hat is very lightweight, cool, and comfortable

Love the hat!
August 26, 2009

Looks great, washes and wears great...

Excellent Hat
August 18, 2009

The hat has a perfectly sized brim. The brim stays firm and doesn't flop around. It's constructed of light material and doesn't get hot at all. I'm using the had in 115 degree desert weather in austere conditions and the hat is holding up extremely well. You won't regret your purchase.

Awesome Hot Weather Hat
August 05, 2009

I bought this hat for a summer trip to Italy. It kept my head and neck free of sunburn and kept me cool. This is my second OR hat - I love their hats.

Great Buy
July 27, 2009

I bought this hat for my husband who seems to always forget to wear sunscreen. He wore the Helios at the waterpark on a very hot and sunny day and was thankful. It kept the sun off his face and neck and kept him cool. The headband kept moisture off his face!

Love the Hat, Save the face!
June 30, 2009

This hat is a cool way to keep the sun from frying your head, face, and neck. Very cool as well, it does not overheat you. I will not go on the lake or beach without it now. Also easy to pack!

Great for every sunny day
June 29, 2009

Just received the Helios and I am so pleased that I am going to order two more, one for at work and another to keep in the truck. Great flexible sun hat.

Great hat
June 22, 2009

The hat has everything I was looking for -a chinstrap to hold it in place, wide brim for good sun coverage, lightweight, and a foam stiffened brim. I bought it for my husband who really needed a new hat for our upcoming trip to the Caribbean. It turned out that he really didn't want to part with his old beaten-up hat, but said that he would purchase the Helios when he's ready for a new hat. He liked all the features.

Perfect hat for my trip to the Carribean!
June 14, 2009

This hat is super light weight and extremely comfortable, perfect for shade in the hot sun!