Outdoor Research Sombrero

By Susan Bibeau

I have learned the hard way over the years to heed my mother’s advice and “stay out of the sun!”

A beautiful sunny day spent paddling without the proper protection will often guarantee a miserable evening tending to singed flesh.

Having said this, I will admit to some vanity in that I would rather suffer the discomfort of a sunburn than look goofy.

Luckily for me the folks at Outdoor Research have created something both highly functional and stylish.

They call it the Sombrero. Features include:

• A new high-tech fabric that sheds water and also breathes well in high humidity, so it’s great in the rain also.
•  A sombrero-style brim that is wide enough to provide shade but not oversized in a goofy way like some other hats.
•  Snaps on the dome and band, so you can put the brim up (when the sun goes in)
• Chin cord that adjusts.
•  And if the wind does manage to take it… it floats sweet!