Outdoor Research Nimbus Sombrero

This is a great hat. finally decided to upgrade from the Indiana Jones style crushable felt hat I've been wearing for years, as the felt was not all that breathable and the dark brown color didn't help either. Also it tended to blow off my head in moderate wind.

None of those things is a problem with the Nimbus. In a moderate drizzle in Japan, it kept my head and shoulders completely dry for 2 hours ducking in and out of temples. It was pretty drenched at the end of the day, and took awhile to dry out back in my hotel room, but my head stayed warm and dry.

It is also a pretty decent sun hat. For being as waterproof as it was, it doesn't make my head overheat to badly. I chose this had over the Seattle Sombrero because the reviews made that hat sound like only a rain hat that would be too hot in sunny conditions.

The Nimbus does get a bit warm in 75 degrees, and I'd probably be better served by a single purpose sun hat in that case, but when packing for a trip with potential for wet weather, and only wanting to grab one hat, this hat is ideal. Also, when I took the hat off, I found I was hotter with the sun beating down directly on my head and face.

A feature I really like in the one hand adjustable cinch cord in the back of the brim. It snugs it to my head making the chin strap unnecessary in all but the highest winds. The chin strap can be untied, but I just tuck it up in the top of the hat when not in use. For warmer, less windy conditions, I loosened the cinch for extra breathability. The cinch pull tucks away, and I didn't have any issue with water getting in through the cord hole. The brim has snaps so you can wear the sides up "Australian style" if you so desire.

An excellent value, multi-use hat. I will pack it with me everywhere.