Columbia Omni Shade Silver Ridge Booney

Replaces my sunscreen.

Honestly I've never been a complete fan of these 360 degree brimmed "safari" sun hats. If I'm chilling out in the sun I prefer the straw lifeguard/gardner hats better but those are not hiking hats.

I have a few breathable baseball caps that I always wear in the sun on bike rides or hikes but I always end up sun burned if i don't apply sunscreen.

So I caved and picked up a couple of these in grey for my girlfriend and I before our treacherous Grand Canyon mission in a week and 1/2

The weather there has been picking up and I wasn't looking forward to three days exposed to the sun wearing sunscreen without showering (I hate feeling grimy) and there's no water sources we can wash off in.

I saw these hats at the Columbia Outlet and they were buy one get one 1/2 off so I did.

I must admit they don't look that bad.

They feel like a breeze. Just as light as my dri-fit hats (these are "quick drying" Omni Shade Fabric)

The brim is large enough to completely cover my face, ears and neck.

It has mesh around the sides and back to breathe, which is essential to me because I usually soak my hats in sweat.

There is a drawcord in the back which lets you fit the unisex hat (mine fits my large melon just fine but my girlfriend needs to cinch it).

There's also a chinstrap so you don't lose it in the wind.

Two fabric loops around the top reminiscent of military boonie caps,

I've never known what you could possibly wish to attach up there that would be comfortable or convenient.

I guess if I was shirtless in the jungle I could stash a grenade up there?

It's very crushable so stashing it in my pack will be no problem.

All in all it seems like an improvement over my ball caps and hope I survive my desert safari in it.