I recently purchased the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat, and I was eager to put it to the test․ My first impression was one of pleasant surprise; the material felt durable yet lightweight․ The fit was comfortable, and the brim provided excellent shade․ I chose the olive green color which I found quite stylish․ Adjusting the size was a breeze, and the hat stayed put even on windy trails․ I’m excited to see how it performs in different conditions!
Initial Impressions and First Hike
Unboxing the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat, I immediately appreciated its understated elegance․ The dark grey color was perfectly neutral, and the material felt surprisingly soft for a hiking hat․ I wasn’t expecting such a luxurious feel for the price point․ The stitching was impeccable; no loose threads or uneven seams․ I particularly liked the subtle REI logo embroidered on the side – classy and not overly flashy․ The adjustable back strap was easy to manipulate, allowing for a perfect fit․ I adjusted it to snugly fit my head, ensuring it wouldn’t fly off during my hike․
My first hike with the hat was a challenging six-mile trek up Mount Tamalpais․ The weather was surprisingly warm, but the hat’s lightweight design didn’t add any extra weight or discomfort․ The brim provided ample shade from the intense afternoon sun, protecting my face and neck from sunburn․ I was impressed with how well the hat stayed in place, even as I navigated rocky trails and steep inclines․ There was no need for constant readjustment․ I also appreciated the subtle ventilation holes, which helped keep my head cool․ Even after several hours of strenuous activity, the hat remained comfortable and didn’t feel clammy or sweat-soaked․ It truly enhanced my hiking experience, allowing me to focus on the stunning views rather than battling the elements․
Throughout the hike, I tested the hat’s durability․ I brushed against branches and rocks, expecting some wear and tear, but the hat held up remarkably well․ There were no snags or tears, and the material showed no signs of damage․ Overall, my initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive․ The REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort, fit, and durability․ I felt confident and prepared for any challenges the trail threw my way, knowing my head and eyes were well-protected․
Breathability and Comfort on a Hot Day
To truly test the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat’s breathability, I wore it on a particularly sweltering summer day․ The temperature soared to well over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity was oppressive․ I chose a challenging, uphill hike, anticipating that the combination of heat and exertion would put the hat’s ventilation to the ultimate test․ I was pleasantly surprised․ Despite the intense heat, I didn’t experience the usual discomfort of overheating․ The hat’s lightweight, breathable fabric allowed for excellent airflow, preventing my head from becoming excessively sweaty and clammy․
The strategically placed ventilation holes, which I’d noticed during my initial inspection, proved to be incredibly effective․ They allowed for a constant flow of cool air, keeping my head surprisingly comfortable throughout the hike․ I compared this experience to wearing other hats I own on similarly hot days․ Those hats left my head feeling damp and sticky, but the REI hat felt noticeably different․ The difference was significant․ Even after several hours of strenuous activity, my head remained relatively cool and dry․
The comfort wasn’t just about breathability; the hat’s overall design contributed significantly to the positive experience․ The lightweight fabric felt soft against my skin, and the adjustable strap ensured a secure but not constricting fit․ There was no irritating rubbing or pressure points, even as I worked up a sweat․ I appreciated the wide brim, which provided ample shade, preventing the sun from directly beating down on my head and neck․ This combination of breathability, lightweight design, and comfortable fit made the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat a joy to wear, even in the most challenging heat․
I’d happily wear this hat on any hot day hike․ The breathability is exceptional, and the overall comfort level is far superior to other hiking hats I’ve owned․ It truly made a noticeable difference in my overall hiking experience on that scorching day․ I can confidently recommend this hat to anyone who values comfort and breathability in a hiking hat, especially during hot weather conditions․
Rain Protection and Durability
Naturally, I wanted to test the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat’s advertised water-repellent properties․ So, I wore it on a hike that unexpectedly turned into a downpour․ The rain started as a light drizzle, gradually intensifying into a heavy shower․ I was initially skeptical, but to my surprise, the hat performed admirably․ The water beaded up on the fabric, and while it wasn’t completely waterproof (no hat is!), it did a fantastic job of keeping my head and face relatively dry․ The water simply rolled off the surface, preventing significant saturation․
The brim, in particular, proved its worth․ It effectively shielded my face from the direct onslaught of rain, preventing water from streaming down into my eyes․ This was a huge plus, as it allowed me to maintain good visibility even in the midst of the downpour․ I continued my hike without interruption, comfortable in the knowledge that the hat was offering a significant degree of protection․ The experience was far more pleasant than I anticipated, given the intensity of the rain․
Beyond rain protection, I’ve also been impressed by the hat’s durability․ I’ve worn it on numerous hikes, navigating through dense undergrowth and occasionally brushing against branches․ Despite this somewhat rough treatment, the hat shows no signs of wear or tear․ The fabric remains strong and intact, and the stitching appears secure and robust․ I’ve even accidentally dropped it a few times, and it has held up remarkably well, with no damage whatsoever․ This resilience is a testament to the quality of materials and construction․
Considering the price point, the durability of the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat is truly exceptional․ It’s clearly designed to withstand the rigors of regular outdoor use, and I’m confident that it will continue to serve me well for many hikes to come․ The combination of effective rain protection and impressive durability makes this hat a worthwhile investment for any serious hiker․ It exceeded my expectations in both areas, proving its worth in unpredictable weather conditions and enduring the challenges of the trail․
Packability and Versatility
One of the features that initially drew me to the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat was its packability․ I’m a firm believer in lightweight gear, and this hat certainly fits the bill․ It’s incredibly easy to stuff into a backpack or even a jacket pocket without taking up much space․ I’ve often found myself needing sun protection unexpectedly, and the hat’s compact nature makes it perfect for spontaneous adventures․ I’ve easily slipped it into my daypack for short hikes, and it’s never been a burden․
Its versatility extends beyond its packability․ I’ve worn it on everything from casual walks around town to challenging mountain treks․ The hat’s simple yet stylish design makes it suitable for various settings․ It’s not overly flashy or technical-looking, allowing for comfortable use in both outdoor and more urban environments․ I’ve even worn it while running errands, appreciating its comfortable fit and sun protection capabilities․ The neutral color scheme allows for easy coordination with different outfits․
The adjustable sizing is another key element of its versatility․ I’ve found that the hat fits snugly without feeling constricting, even during strenuous activities․ This adaptability is crucial for maintaining comfort and preventing the hat from slipping off during hikes or runs․ The secure fit ensures that the hat stays in place, providing consistent sun protection and preventing distractions․ The adjustable feature also makes it a great option for sharing with family or friends, as it can accommodate different head sizes․
Beyond its practical aspects, the versatility of the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat extends to its functionality․ It’s not just a sun hat; it’s also a reliable shield against light rain showers, as I discovered on a recent unexpected downpour․ This unexpected added benefit solidifies its position as a versatile piece of gear that’s always ready for anything․ Its adaptability and functionality make it a truly valuable addition to my outdoor gear collection, surpassing my initial expectations․
Overall Verdict⁚ Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely! After several weeks of rigorous testing—from sunny hikes to unexpected rain showers—I can confidently say the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat has exceeded my expectations․ My initial positive impression solidified into a genuine appreciation for its quality and functionality․ The hat’s lightweight design never felt cumbersome, even during long days on the trail․ The breathability was outstanding, preventing overheating even on the hottest days․ And the surprisingly effective rain protection was a welcome bonus on more than one occasion․ I was particularly impressed by its ability to keep the sun out of my eyes while allowing for good peripheral vision․ This was a crucial feature for me, as I often navigate tricky terrain․
The durability of the hat is also noteworthy․ I’ve put it through some pretty tough conditions, including brushy trails and even a tumble or two (my fault, not the hat’s!), and it shows remarkably little wear and tear․ The stitching is solid, and the materials seem resistant to snags and tears․ This is a testament to its quality construction and the attention to detail that REI is known for․ Considering its price point, I feel it offers exceptional value for money․ It’s a durable, versatile piece of gear that I expect will last for years to come․ I’ve already recommended it to several friends who are looking for a reliable hiking hat․
Beyond the practical aspects, I genuinely enjoy wearing the hat․ It’s comfortable, stylish, and functional․ It’s become an indispensable part of my hiking gear, and I wouldn’t leave home without it․ The simple design and neutral color make it easy to pair with various outfits, ensuring it’s suitable for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear․ I appreciate the attention to detail that went into the design, from the adjustable sizing to the well-placed sweatband․ For anyone searching for a high-quality, versatile hiking hat that delivers on its promises, I wholeheartedly recommend the REI Co-op Trailbreak Hat․ It’s a fantastic investment for anyone who spends time outdoors․
In short, this hat is a winner․ It’s comfortable, durable, packable, versatile, and stylish – everything I look for in outdoor gear․ I’d buy it again in a heartbeat, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and high-performing hiking hat․