The Tilley TH5 HEMP Hat Is the Best Damn Travel Hat Ever

Gear Diary is independently owned and operated. We receive compensation through advertising and from the companies whose products we review, usually in the form of the reviewed product. We test the products supplied to us, and the opinions expressed are our own.

Gear Diary is also reader-supported. When you buy through links posted on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. You can learn more by clicking here.

I’m not sure why it has taken me this long to write this review but, having just returned from two weeks in Israel and Greece I felt the need to share my thoughts on my Tilley TH5 HEMP Hat. This $84 hat is, by far, the best damn travel hat EVER. I’ve had it for years and still love it.

 
I was introduced to Tilley products when I was at a rabbinic conference in Canada and wandered into one of their stores. At the time I bought their T5 Duck Hat and one of the similarly designed winter hats. Both continue to serve me well. some time later however I decided I wanted something that offered similar protection but was lighter and would travel better. I purchased two of their TH5 Hemp hats, one in each of the two offered colors. I have since lost my darker one but the white version has now been to the Caribbean and Israel numerous times and, most recently, served me well in Greece. It has been, and continues to be, one of my prefered travel companions. The TH5 Hemp is light, it is comfortable, it does a great job of protecting me from the sun and I happen to love the way it looks.


Here’s what Tilley has to say about the hat:

Made from one of the oldest and strongest natural fibres in the world, this medium brimmed hemp Hat is hard wearing and breathable. Its natural fibre means natural fade, so your Hat will change colour in time and become truly unique.

The hat is made in Canada from 100% hemp fabric and is certified to block 98% of harmful UVA/UVB rays. That came in especially handy when we were on the Acropolis in 110 degree heat with direct sunlight and minimal shade just a few days ago. It was so hot that, at one point, I soaked an ultralight travel towel in water, wrapped my head in it and then put on the hat. I may have looked ridiculous but the combination kept me a bit cooler and more protected than the sun than I would otherwise have been.


Tilley makes hats with an assortment of different brim sizes. I happen to like this one with its front 2 5/8″ brim and back 2 3/4″ brim. The sides come in at 2 1/8″. For me this is the sweet spot when it comes to wanting good protection but not looking to have something too big. The hat weighs in at a mere 5.3 ounces.


The light weight mean I can easily carry it pretty much anywhere. The fact that it is made from Hemp means that it puts up well with all of the crushing, beating, rolling and general abuse any serious travel hat needs to endure. Fact is, I’ve had this hat for years, have used and abused it a great deal and the only way you know it is not new is that I have not washed it regularly enough to keep it from having some sweat stains. That noted, I do wash it and it holds up well to that too!

Features:

Guaranteed for life not to wear out

Insured against loss for 2 years – all perils; 50% deductible

Excellent sun protection, rated UPF 50+, the maximum rating given

Repels rain, floats and ties on in the wind

4-page Owner’s Manual


It has other features that make this hat stand out. There are the open but reinforced holes that allow for air to flow around your head. There are the ties that can hide within the crown of the hat but are there if you are enduring serious wind. (This came in hand when we went sailing around Santorini. And there is the velcro pocket in the crown that holds some money and an ID card if you so desire.  I also love the fact that, for every Hemp Hat sold, Tilley will make a donation to Save the Children. Yes, by keeping the sun off of me the hat does good for my body and by purchasing one I, and you, can do good in the world.

In all, this hat is something that was made for serious travel. It has served me well and, I expect, will continue to do so for years to come. That noted, I miss having the darker on so I’m about to order a new one too. Yes, I love my Tillet TH5 Hemp hat that much. You can learn more and order yours here.

Source: Personal purchase

What I Like: Comfortable; Packable; Wears well even with years of use and abuse; Can be secured with included ties; Pocket for ID and cash; I happen to love the way it looks

What Needs Improvement: Not a thing. This is, I believe, truly the best damn travel and all-purpose hat ever

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!

About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.