I still have my first Seattle Sombrero from 20+ years ago and it looks very much like the newer one I have. Its form follows directly from its function, and in this case that means keeping water off my head, neck, and glasses. This hat is THE right piece of gear for paddling trips in the rain. I believe the reason for its success follows closely on the heels of the fact that hoods on rain jackets are simply uncomfortable. The photo above clearly shows this: each of these guys has a hood on their rain jacket and they aren't using them! Why? Because a hood limits your hearing and movement and tends to overheat the user quickly. Conversely, the Seattle Sombrero promotes venting out the top of a jacket, keeps rain off the head, does not limit hearing, and allows unrestricted movement. In plain language, it's comfortable.
Now sure, it's not the most stylish thing to wear. But here's the interesting thing: when I'm on a paddling trip and I look around and see almost everyone wearing one, I must concede that this hat is stylish for paddlers in the watery environment. Will I wear it on a date with my wife this weekend? No. But will I wear it on my rainy after-work paddling outing tonight? Certainly will.
This is a great product for its intended purpose.
Kaj
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