OR sun hats: Helios vs Sombriolet pros and cons

This may or may not help you – I took a hard look at these recently for a backpacking trip into the desert and ended up sticking with my existing (and much more versatile) OR Radar pocket cap, with a white bandana under the hat draped over the back of my neck, shoulders and hears.  I was already planning on bringing a 1oz cotton bandana with me anyway as a multi-use item.

I’m starting to have the opinion that less gear, but more generally useful gear, is the best way to go.  YMMV.

FWIW the Sombriolet looks much more “Australian.”

:)

Frankly, the Sombriolet Bucket looks even more so- it looks similar to what the Diggers wear.

I bought a Sombriolet 2 years ago, only to discover that its large brim at the back interferes with my backpack. It was immediately relegated to my wife’s “backyard gardening” hat.

I developed my taste in backpacks back in the 70s and favor narrowish tall ones; they usually stick way above my shoulders. This obviously prevents me from wearing any hat with brim wider than 3″ in the back.

Just thought I’d offer this perspective for your consideration. Keep also in mind that the Sombriolet creates appearance of better ventilation, but does not actually ventilate all that well, a fact that my wife comments on every now and then.

It’s not directly related to your specific question, but have you considered the OR Ghost Rain?

I got one last year, and I love it. It’s a convertible sun/rain hat. I have a khaki one that I wore into the high 90s and I didn’t find it overly warm. It is rather expensive, though. However, if you wanted less gear that’s more useful, I’ve found the rain hat function to be fantastic. I’m not necessarily a large guy, but it’s surprising how dry your shoulders stay with a rain hat.

The Ghost Rain shall be my forever hat.

Make sure to read the amazon reviews. There are alot.