www.tilley.com, five ounces
The classic fedora never goes out of style, but the venerable Canadian manufacturer Tille makes stylish lightweight hats that reinforce the timeless style and provides the outdoor lovers the sun protection we need once our sartorial impulses have been sated. Certified for UPF 50+ protection (the maximum rating), the Tilly Town is made from the fronds of the raffia palm—a species of palms native to the tropical regions of Africa like Madagascar. The soft, supple material is extremely flexible, but nicely bounces back into shape, as one review can attest after a large seatmate accidently sat on the hat mid flight. The hat is designed for sun—it has a DWR finish (Durable Water Resistance), so it will thwart sudden squalls; you just might need to reshape the crown if it gets too soaked. Inside is a tuck-away wind cord, a cool mesh lining with a hidden, velcro-closure pocket that can hold a key and cash (it’s not quite deep enough to secure credit cards, driver’s licenses, and most business cards, but they’ll fit without the velcro being engaged). The inner hatband is lined with a luxuriously soft microfiber with a removable sweat band (you get two extra to help with washing). The Town Hat is ideal for travel, touring, day hikes, and picnics, and comes with a two-year insurance policy in which Tilley will replace the hat for 50 percent of the current catalog price, no questions asked.