Tilley hat advice

shootist16

shootist16

knife law moderator
Moderator
Joined
Dec 25, 1998
Messages
7,394
Looking at getting a Tilley. Would like to hear which models you recommend.
 
Been thinking about one too. Got a chance to see some At a Gander Mountain when on a business trip south of Dallas the other day. I am thinking of going with the T6 Airflow. Just my personal opinion.

One thing though. They suggest you buy one size larger than your normal size. When trying them on the other day, I would agree with that. Good luck!
 
I'm on my second T3 right now. Someone stole my first one in college, and the second has been kicking around for 3-4 years now. For me, it begins and ends with an olive drab T3. Definately try it on first. I've replaced the stock chin/neck cord with a piece of OD paracord, and I also would like to braid a paracord hatband. Highly reccomended piece of gear.

I was wearing mine Tilley downtown yesterday afternoon, and not only did some middle school girls want to photograph me for their project, but I also got a "cool hat" remark from one of the teenage guys walking around.
 
I have a T3 and an LT5. I wear the LT5 more often because it fits flat into my briefcase and pops right back into shape for use as a rain hat.
 
My first Tilley years ago was an LT3 with Tilley hatband. I still have it, but now I usually wear my LT5. The LT5 has a wider brim and offers more protection from the sun, and has a better looking shape. I found that unless I constantly pull down on the LT3's front and back rim, it sticks staight out all around, and looks kind of dorky. I remember the first time I wore my LT3 and my girlfriend saw it, she laughed at it (And me - but when doesn't she?). She "Accepts" the LT5. I like the lightweight nylonite material - they are great hats. :)
 
I have no idea what a Tilley hat might look like. How about a pic or website pointer. Thanks.
 
I find that the LT5 Airflow looks the best on most people who've tried Tilley's around me. I bought one myself. Great hat, use it all the time. Comfortable, easy to care, cool and light.

Gajinoz: Here's the link: http://www.tilley.com

Guy
 
I have a T4 in Hemp.

I reccomend hemp because it has a more interesting texture and color then canvas.
 
gajinoz said:
Thanks guys, they look good but I think I'll stick to my Akubra. :)
Click to expand...

Akubra's are great. I use the Snowy River and the Territory myself but they are a b*tch to pack when you're on the plane. They do have a new foldable one called the traveller though.

I'd go with the Tilley LT5. Although the brim is slightly wider than the T3 it is downward sloping so it doesn't look too big when you wear it. It is light and packs easily. Here in the UK they have it in olive drab which is quite cool if you're a jungle sort of person.

The T3 is good but i find the height of the crown a bit on the short side. The LT5 is deeper and sits lower so is nicer on the head.

For getting the size it is not difficult. Just follow the instructions on the website and you will get the right hat size.

Another website that i've liked for getting hats is
Noggintops .
They have all the Tilley models and much more. Superb hat site.
 
DaveH said:
I have a T4 in Hemp.

I reccomend hemp because it has a more interesting texture and color then canvas.
Click to expand...

Hey DaveH, do you have the white hemp or the brown (or other color)? I'm wanting a hemp Tilley but I'm afraid that the white will stain easily. Any info is appreciated....
 
I have the natural, the brown is a new color.

It's not really white, it's more like a an ivory. As for staining, it will, I got a little blood on it (oops) and it sucked it right in. Since I got it for a summer hat, I don't know if brown is a good idea, seems like it would just make the hat get hotter. in the sun :confused:
 
I have a T3 and an LT3. I NEVER wear the T3 -- it gets my melon too hot. I love the LT3, however. A great hat! That Alex Tilley guy strikes me as a first-class nimrod -- but he makes an excellent lid. :D
 
I've got 3 of them myself and love'em. The synthetics are good in wet weather, the cotton are best in the sun. To be honest, I don't like the airflow as much as the non-airflow older style top - YMMV. The brim on the cotton model is stiffer so, it's better in the wind. The synthetic is lightweight and slightly easier to pack in a suitcase.

How are you going to use it? What properties do you value most?
 
You can't beat a Tilley for style and toughness. I have an LT5 that I really like and I get lots of compliments on it. If I had it all to do over again though, I would go for a Cotton rather than Nylamite model. Nylamite just doesn't seem to breath well and my head gets really hot when I wear the LT on warm, humid, wind less days.

I am pretty sure that Tilley recognizes this problem, hence the "airflow" models. Personally, I don't like the looks of those models. The great thing about a cotton model is that you could soak it in water and let the wind provide a natural air conditioning. I don't think that would work with Nylamite.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top