Outdoor Research Women's Oasis Sombrero Hat

Great lightweight travel-hiking hat!
April 30, 2012

Love this hat! It is as light as can be and it folds up and can be stored almost anywhere! It has been with me now for three years and it still looks brand new!

not stylish but practical
April 21, 2012

I bought this hat for an active vacation and was specifically looking for a stylish hat with good sun protection and a chin strap so it would stay on. The quality is good and the hat has good sun protection. It was just too big for me and did not seem stylish, but maybe that is too much to expect from a practical hat.

Best Sun Hat
February 26, 2012

I bought this hat about 3 years ago and decided that since I lose things and because prices (gas, etc.) are going up, I should stock up on products that I really need and use. So I bought one in the Sand/Dark grey, and it's so, so fabulous. The wide brim is great, the color is nice. I like a white or off-white, and the sand is a cream/off-white color. I use this hat when I walk/run my dog, anywhere that I'm in the sun more than 10 or 15 min., and it's just the best. Today I bought two more since they'd make a nice gift or if I lose one, I'd still have a new spare. It's lightweight, and the color is versatile. The chin strap is a critical feature, although I've seen nicer quality squeeze fastener devices on other hats. That's not the big deal to me; it works just fine and has not broken in three years. I'm most concerned about durability and wide brim, and I got it in this hat. It's really, really a nice hat.

Excellent Sun Hat
February 05, 2012

I've purchased sun hats from three other companies that specialize in them over the years but this hat is by far the best one I own. My head measures 21 2/8 and I purchased a size small. Not only does the hat fit perfectly, it has an easily adjustable drawstring across the forehead for a custom fit, an adjustable drawstring around the chin, a wide brim to shade you from the sun, and its comfortable. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great sun hat!

Love it!
January 31, 2012

I am super sun sensitive these days, and this hat is really great at keeping it off my face. It is super well made and folds down pretty well for a hat with such a wide brim.

My most favorite hat!!!
January 15, 2012

This was my first Outdoor Research hat, and it remains my favorite. I love all of the ones I have bought (especially because I can buy them large enough!) but this one has everything I could want in a hat. I bought it for the huge brim because I sunburn so easily, and I wanted my ears and neck covered as well. This does the job. The top part fits really nicely and comfortable, and the brim is nice and big. I really love that you can adjust how tight the band fits. When it is windy I tighten it, when I am hot, I loosen it. The chin strap has gotten me hooked - now I always look for a chin strap. I love the little flower detail on the back too. The only times I have gotten a sunburn since I bought the hat was when I left it behind - I won't do that again! Great hat, highly recommended!

Great hat for running
August 26, 2011

I am always on the lookout for a running hat and this fit the 'bill'. It needs to protect on all sides from the sun, be lightweight, not fall off when windy (without having to use the under chin strap), and be sturdy enough to wash frequently. This one is great on all fronts (except I haven't washed it yet). I have a small head and the medium fits fine and it's flattering to boot!

Best Boating and Hiking Hat
August 16, 2011

My daughter, who had just bought the hat, wore it on our boat recently. It was very good looking, and more importantly to me, it stayed on her head in spite of the wind. It was just what I had been looking for. I wore mine for the first time last week on an open boat trip to an island, where I spent the day hiking, mostly in the sun. The hat was on my head the whole time, so I can vouch for its comfort and its effectiveness as a sunscreen. My head didn't get as hot or sweaty as it has from other hats. I ordered a Small, which was true to size. Besides, my husband thinks it's pretty smashing!

Finally a hat
August 15, 2011

I am not a "hat person." I've tried so many -- bought some, returned some, some stay on the shelf. This hat is the first that I truly LIKE. As other reviewers noted, it is actually flattering. It is so lightweight, will pack flat, take up no room or weight. I sized up slightly, but it is easy to adjust. I wish I had had it before our recent trip to the Holy Land, but I will get great use out of it in Africa. Thank you, Altrec and Outdoor Research!

Excellent Protection
July 24, 2011

I am starting back to hiking after several bouts with cancer. I needed a hat that would really provide me with coverage from the sun. I bought this based on the reviews of others who purchased this hat. When I got it, it was just as promised. It is lightweight, provides excellent sun coverage and is very well made. Great buy if you need a hat to protect you from the sun.

Great Hat!
July 24, 2011

This hat is awesome. Since I have a larger head I don't purchase hats that are one size only and the large is perfect. I use it for hiking. It has good ventilation and I like the light color with grey inside. Really don't have any negative feedback on it.

Beautiful, BIG, hat
July 19, 2011

Although this hat is beautiful, and the plum color is excellent, I did return it b/c it is just too BIG. It caught on the back of my neck every time I turned my head. Of course, I am not a big person, so maybe a taller, bigger person would not notice this. I also play golf, and I could not use it for that comfortably. I also worried that the dark color would make my head hot, but since I didn't really wear it once I figured out the size was too big, I don't know for sure.

A cute hat that really protects from sun
July 15, 2011

I have age spots and melanomas in the family, so I HAVE to have good sun protection. However I have a small face and most wide-brim hats look ridiculous on me. The brim on this one is wide and firm (I don't like floppy) but adjustable so I can angle it in a becoming way. You can also adjust for the angle to protect from the sun at different times of the day by bending it, or turning it sideways or backwards. The adjustable chin cord is indispensable for horseback riding and river-rafting (as is the float feature). My head is 21" and the small size fits perfectly without adjustment, but with the external drawcord adjustment I can wear the medium, which is gives a more air circulation when I am hot and sweaty and imagine that my head has "expanded". It can be tightened up as needed under other conditions. I ordered the Sombrero in two colors for myself, and am ordering the purple (as in "when I am an old woman I shall wear purple")(berry/dark gray) for my 85 year old mother for her upcoming dude-ranch (rafting and horseback riding) birthday trip with the family.

Great Sun Hat
June 15, 2011

Wore for 1st time a week ago and loved it. Went boating and then took a long walk in the woods. I like that the brim is not flimsy and that it is larger than most. While boating the neck strap is a must. I ended up wearing it backwards most of the time because the brim is wider in the back and I wanted to keep the sun from my face. It wears fine either way and my head stayed fairly cool despite the intense heat. I'm glad of my purchase.

Light and stylish Hat!
June 14, 2011

Like the hat for light weight, comfortable, wide rim keeps sun out, string under chin to keep hat flying. Wish that the design allow for folding and the material on the rim is more flexible. It looks a tiny bit little bubble up. But overall, I really like the hat for hiking and backpacking.

Summer Hat
May 26, 2011

I love this hat! It has a very wide brim so no need to worry about sunburned face, ears nose etc. very comfy and cute..I was a little worried when it arrived that it looked like it was gonna be huge, but once on my head I found it very flattering!!!!!!

This hat nails it!
May 17, 2011

I bought this hat for sun protection for my face and live in slice of Paradise replete with alpine mountains, rainforests, island beaches, and every conceivable outdoor adventure! And, then there's the WIND! Hats that blow off or must be cinched too tightly are unbearable and this hat feels like MAGIC! The cinch on the back of the top allows a snug fit and the lower cinch cord has a light touch! the hat is so breathable I barely know it's even on yet I love its style, and - more than anything - it's versatility! From summer snowshoeing to ocean kayaking to just enjoying a latte at a cafe with friends, this hat combines the style, function, and comfort I have come to expect from Outdoor Research. A real keeper! Totally recommend!

Awesome Hat!
May 09, 2011

I highly recommend this hat to anyone who enjoys being outside and would like to be protected from sun. I bought it for a trip to Belize and used it everywhere I went. The sun was very strong and the weather was humid. I wore it on fast river boat trip through the jungle and then on a hike to some Mayan pyramids. Used it on a couple of snorkel trips on the ocean, zip lining and tubing through caves. The hat stayed on with no problem due to the two adjustment cords. It maintained its shape, did not get stained and protected me from the sun as well. It also packed well. I will never be without one of these hats in the future.

Nice brim
May 07, 2011

I purchased this hat primarily because it has one of the widest brim widths I could find. Since that is the main factor that will give you sun protection, this, I feel, is a wise purchase. Every Outdoor Research product I have bought does not disappoint. Quality construction and material, wide brim = buy it!

May 02, 2011

The hat is comfortable and the shades both your eyes and neck. It's adjustable band makes it great for people who are between sizes like I am. The color, purple, is really pretty and overall I just love the hat. Thanks Altrec.

Nice Sun Hat
May 02, 2011

I used the hat canoeing through the windy and sunny Colorado River for 3 days and this is what I think. Pro: Very light weight, breathalbe (I didn't feel hot or sweating under the hat), love the chin string which helps keep the hat from flying away, really keeps the sun out of my face and neck, high quality, flexible to bend, can pack the hat flat in luggage without damage the shape. Cons: I only use it for 1 time but the rim of the hat seems to warp (or not completely flat) like how I've seen it in the store. I'm not sure if that how it suppose to be but I already seen little of the warp when I received the hat. Also, I don't think I could or should fold the hat as it could creat permanent lines. But over all, if you're looking for a light weight, build to last, cover you from the sun, good look hat, this is it.

Light and Pretty
May 01, 2011

I like this hat very much! it is light weight and cover the most area to protect my face and neck from the sunshine. It is ease to use and comfortable~ Plus, the blue color I have is very beautiful. It looks great in all the pictures I have.

great hat for the field
April 29, 2011

I bought this hat before I headed to the field in the summer. I usually spend 2 months directly under the sun surveying and therefore I was looking for a hat which will cover my head and neck, but at the same time is not too large to carry around in a backpack and does not look bad if it gets a little wrinkly.

Great Sun Hat
April 26, 2011

I wear this hat while kayaking and it protects my head from the Sun's damaging rays. The hat's breathable fabric keeps my head from getting too warm on hot days.

Comfortable and stylish hat.
April 13, 2011

Cool light weight hat. Does a good job at keeping the sun off your face and neck. Wore it on a trekking trip to Mammoth. Wide array of colors offered. I have since lost this hat but will be looking to purchase another.

Great HAT!
January 28, 2011

This hat is fantastic. It is very flattering and doesn't crush your head or hair! It took a little getting used to the band around the head. It is a snug fit and does not blow off and because it is so weightless, it doesn't fall off when you bend over while gardening. The broad brim is also great for keeping the sun off face and neck. I would definitely recommend this hat! It is really fun to wear.

Fantastic!
December 12, 2010

I've owned two of these hats for a year, and they've traveled to Europe with me twice. Any straw hat can cover your face and neck, but these hats are packable in your suitcase and have a very elegant curve to the brim that people will notice. My yellow one attracts more attention than my gray OR rain hat, but I never go out without someone--neighbors, foreigners in Europe--remarking on the hat's cuteness. My friend, who was holding it while I used a restroom at a museum, had it on her head with her eyes closed, and a photographer (attached to the museum or a museum event) took a photo of her because he said she looked so cute. Highly recommended!

Wonderful hat for hiking or the beach
December 05, 2010

I love this hat!! I wear it backpacking and on the beach. It is light weight....packs well and cleans easily. It also looks nice on. I used to wear baseball style hats but they did not protect my face from the sun enough. This does the job and it looks stylish as well!!! Altrec orders come quickly and the staff are great help on the phone.

Love it!
October 31, 2010

This is my all-time favorite hat! Once when I was hiking, I handed it to a friend to hold and told him, "Lose it and die!" This is actually the second one I've purchased as a gift (the first was for my mom) because I really think it's the best sun hat out there. I've found the fit true to size, it's light, not too hot to wear, and provides great coverage. The cord is handy in the wind to keep it in place, and it washes just fine in the washing machine. I've gotten compliments on it just wearing it around town, and asked from where I got it multiple times. I try not to go anywhere sunny without it.

Just the hat you need for sun
September 23, 2010

To put it in ecological terms, Outdoor Research has exploited the headwear niche like few other companies I've found. Some serious R & D goes into their products, and this hat is no exception. For years I have searched for a sun hat with wide brim that doesn't swallow my head or make me sweat even more while gardening, etc. The Oasis is perfectly lightweight and blocks sun well with that wide brim--especially on back of neck and face where I need the shade. Sizing seems true; M fits my average size head well but not so tight that it causes excessive hat hair. The chin strap pull cord is handy too; the brim will flip up a little in the wind but the hat stays put. Highly recommended.

Perfect for Peru
August 05, 2010

This hat was with me every day in Peru for two weeks at the end of July -- perfect for everything we did: exploring floating islands, watching condors, trekking, riding horses and shopping in Lima. It packs flat, can be rolled up without harm, and when riding in a taxi or combi, I let it dangle down my back and leaned against it comfortably. Great hat!

Love it!
July 30, 2010

I bought this hat because I have been helping at a local CSA farm and needed protection from the sun and bugs. It has been perfect for both. I love the way it fits. I was especially impressed with how quickly it was shipped to me at a reasonable cost.

My wife loves this hat.
July 23, 2010

We are kayaking a lot and needed a hat to keep the sun off her head. This hat works well. It returns to its shape after being folded in a bulkhead, it's brim stays down in the wind, which I have not been able to get in an OR hat. It has a cool stitched lotus on the back. Very happy.

fabulous
July 17, 2010

I got this hat because I wanted something more lightweight for garden work. I'm pleased with it so far. It hardly feels like I'm wearing anything on my head.

comfortable and ample protection from the sun
July 05, 2010

Bought it for my almost 83 year young mom. She looks 20 years younger in the hat, too!

superb
June 07, 2010

I bought this hat in sand/dark gray for my wife and she loves it! She says it's the only sun hat she's owned that's lightweight enough so that it doesn't flatten her hair. The wide brim gives lots of sun protection. It's also stylish -- she's gotten several complements wearing it in Central Park in New York City.

Great hat
May 24, 2010

enjoy the color and the hat fits wells and gives good coverage for protection from the sun.

great hat
April 01, 2010

fits great, accurate sizing and looks stylish, nice wide brim, good quality

Great Hat
March 25, 2010

terrific color, comfy, and stylish. How could you ask for more.

Great hat for both men and women
January 26, 2010

I ordered the Women's Oasis Sombrero Hat a few months ago - wore it extensively - love it. Then my husband hinted he'd like one so I got him one for Christmas. We just got back from Panama where we wore our hats extensively. Comfortable! Kept the sun at bay really well! His an XL and mine a M. Good design. We love our sun hats. No reason why men can't enjoy this hat too.