In NO WAY waterproof, brim becomes shapeless when wet
Written: Oct 31 '05 (Updated Oct 31 '05)
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Pros: Fits well, lightweight
Cons: In NO WAY waterproof, brim becomes shapeless when wet, dries slowly (if at all)
The Bottom Line: I couldn't recommend this hat for rainy weather, although it's probably ok for sun protection.
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| firerant's Full Review: Columbia Sportswear Omni-Tech Booney Hat |
I bought this hat in December 2004 from REI OUTLET on the basis of a Nov 2004 owner's review on backpackgeartest.org. After I bought it I heard some comments on backpacking.net about the brim drooping when it got wet. Before I committed to wearing it on a backpacking trip I performed a simple test.
During a moderate rain in October '05 I put the hat over the end of upended fruit drink jug (from my recycling bin) and secured it with a rubber band around the crown. I then hammered a piece of steel reinforcing rod upright in an open sport in my back yard, and placed the jug upside down over it. I noted with satisfaction that raindrops appeared to be beading up on the hat's exterior. I waited 1/2 hour, then returned to observe the hat.
I noticed immediately the brim had become shapeless and was hanging down at a steep angle. I retrieved the hat and felt inside. The mesh lining was damp, and inside the crown was positively wet. The underside of the brim was also wet. According to my backyard rain gauge, less than 1/16" of rain had fallen in the 30 minute timespan.
I then placed the hat out of the rain under an overhang on my house and left it there. When I checked it again a few hours later it had not dried in the slightest, it was still wet completely through.
If I had worn this hat on a wet backpacking trip or dayhike (which is this hat's advertised purpose) my head would have been soaked. And I'm also reasonably sure the hat would not have dried if left overnight in a tent. I have to say that while I'm mildly disappointed with the hat, I'm completely disillusioned with backpackgeartest.org, which until this point I had assumed was a reliable source of information. While some of tester's results can be chalked up to individual preference and intended use of a product, if the thing is supposed to be waterproof, the tester says its waterproof, but in reality the thing leaks like a sieve, then I question their whole process. I should note there is only one review on their site for this hat, perhaps they shouldn't publish reviews of a product unless they have at least two different individual's reviews of it.
At any rate I'm glad I bought the hat from REI because I can easily return it - and will be doing so shortly.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 20
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Epinions.com ID:
firerant
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Location: Saint Louis
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
father, recovering computer geek, cyclist
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