Canoe with a View : : Canadian Open Canoe forum

Having just read a reply by Matt on another thread he mentioned his Tilley hat and it got me thinking why has this hat got such an affiliation with the open canoe I remember Andym in Keswick turning round to Lee (who was trying hats on) and saying "Tilley mate" pointing at his hat, the wearers have a great fondness for them so what are the advantages over any other type of hat

I've been known to wear a hat



Sir J.

Advantages, lightweight, keeps the sun out of your eyes and off the back of your neck (that is if we have any) on the other hand they keep the water out of your eyes and the water from running down your neck (especially useful in the Lake District) or when on holiday

As Graeme has said they're lightweight and have the dual purpose of keeping the sun off and the rain out. They're also very well made and tough, you can machine wash 'em (in fact it's recommended to regularly do so). They tie on at the back and the front so won't come off in the wind. They also float, nay I kid thee not - allegedly at the late, great, Bill Mason's suggestion, the pocket in the inside crown of said hat is fitted with a disc of closed cell foam thus enabling floatation. The sweat band is great if, like me, you happen to be a sweaty git. There's also many shapes, styles and colours to choose form and a range of fabrics for the cotton/canvas haters .

I've had my Tilley T3 for over a year now and it's been the best hat I ever had. To be honest, I've looked for alternatives but nothing else ticks all the above boxes. I've got a Rogue hat (handmade by Selke Leathercraft in South Africa) but it just doesn't cut the mustard (sorry Gav) compared to the Tilley.

And another thing, what company will give you half your money back if you lose or destroy your hat in way, shape or form. Add in a lifetime guarantee and despite the £40 to £50 price tag, it's a no brainer for paddling whether you have plenty hair or not.

They're purpose built and the best, see the blokes ones here, Gav: http://www.tilley.com/thumbnail.asp?catI...oryId&id=1

Tilley Kite
(Not really, I just like their hats, that's all )

Hey Gav

They even do one for you



I do like the look of this one



The Tilley Insect Shield® Hat

GUARANTEED FOR LIFE
INSURED AGAINST LOSS
REPELS RAIN & INSECTS
FLOATS
TIES ON IN THE WIND
CRUSHABLE & PACKABLE
SECRET POCKET
MACHINE WASHABLE
NEW - Introducing the T4IS Tilley Insect Shield® Hat

And it weighs only 5.5 ounces!

Say good-bye to annoying bugs.

The Tilley T4IS Insect Shield® Hat will help to protect you from mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums and other biting insects during all your outdoor adventures. Treated with an odorless and invisible Insect Shield® repellent that is bonded to 100% Cotton Duck Fabric, this Hat will keep preforming through 70 washings. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Great for paddling in Scotland or Kielder

Hmmmm do I need another hat

(13-01-09 11:38 PM)Graeme @ YC Wrote: [ -> ]Hmmmm do I need another hat

Aye, sure you do. Better still why not stock 'em then we can buy some off you. I'll have a T5 in mocha hemp .

(13-01-09 11:44 PM)Red Kite Wrote: [ -> ]Aye, sure you do. Better still why not stock 'em then we can buy some off you. I'll have a T5 in mocha hemp .

Hmmm you may have a point there

Nice one Graeme

(13-01-09 11:49 PM)Graeme @ YC Wrote: [ -> ]

(13-01-09 11:44 PM)Red Kite Wrote: [ -> ]Aye, sure you do. Better still why not stock 'em then we can buy some off you. I'll have a T5 in mocha hemp .

Hmmm you may have a point there

Nice one Graeme

A Genuine Customer here Graeme 6-7/8" please (Duluth Colour)
Regards Bill

I have one 'Tilley'. I think it is enough!

(14-01-09 09:37 AM)mattT Wrote: [ -> ]I have one 'Tilley'. I think it is enough!

Enough? Aye sure, one doesn't need another but one may quite like another as one wishes to vary one's wardrobe for social paddling occasions .

A TH5 (hemp) in mocha 7 5/8 for my big bonce, please. And I will make that purchase for definite if you do decide to stock them, sir. Been thinking about a TH5 for long enough and this thread has tipped the balance.

Ta muckle,
The Kite in the Hat

Er...best ditch that hat request . Mrs Kite has seen this thread and guess who's getting pelters . Apparently, we've gotta keep our pennies for Little Kite . Now I feel bad, sorry.

Silly Kite

I like this one not the traditional style but I think it would look rather good on a handsome younger paddler mind you i would have to take my helmet off

Still don't know why there synonomous with open canoe paddler's though?

gav
1 one guy has had his tilly nicked and eaten by an elephant 3 times
he collects it at the other end washes it and wears it
2 if you wear it out they will send you a new one
on the basis of 1 they would suit you

You can pull the brim down and pretend it's not you wearing one the the blighters.

TGB

(14-01-09 08:50 PM)Retro Wrote: [ -> ]I like this one not the traditional style but I think it would look rather good on a handsome younger paddler mind you i would have to take my helmet off

Still don't know why there synonomous with open canoe paddler's though?

Yep, the only problem being, where do we find such a person?

Me, I'm never buying another hat ever again!