Welcome to Tuesday Travels, a summertime series at Traveling with Baby. This season, my son and I are excited about sharing some local day trips and field trip ideas for families with little ones. This weekly series will also feature travel tips for families with kids-in-tow and related product reviews and giveaways. I enjoy hearing about your traveling adventures, too.
Since I no longer live in Texas, a black felt Stetson with silver buckles isn’t the most practical (although beautiful) accessory for shading the eyes. I’ve transitioned to a more practical hat that stores away much easier than a Stetson.
STYLIN’
Check out the irresistibly cute and insatiably practical Halcyon Sombrero by Outdoor Research.
The Sombrero is also Indiana Jones-esque handsome on rough and rugged guys. Sorry, I don’t have a photo of Steve wearing it for added proof.
FIELD TESTED / DR. MOM APPROVED
I LOVE the way Schoeller® 3XDRY® fabric repels water better than an oil slick. It also wicks away moisture from skin, dries in a jiffy, and breathes well. I absolutely do not leave home without it.
I first tested out the Sombrero on our first family hike on a sweltering afternoon. In my military past, I’ve worn fabric hats in extreme temperatures. Think Saudi Arabian deserts in the middle of summer–that equates to an easy 130 degrees Farenheit on the tarmac. Military issue hats and boonie caps only trapped the heat and made your hair feel like it was only 120 degrees. Totally gave a new meaning to the term “hat hair.” Based on past experiences with other fabric hats, I was stunned at how cool I felt wearing the Sombrero on a hot day–a first!
I’ve also worn the Sombrero in the midst of a drenching downpour while hiking on slippery rocks and carrying my a 40+ pound pack (toddler included) on my back. My clothes were soaked through, but my hat and face were dry.
If the decision-makers in the military ever discovered the Schoeller® 3XDRY® for uniforms, it might not be available for the rest of the planet to enjoy.
I’ve also worn my (sand/khaki) Sombrero at the Market
…at the (national) park. 
…on a train, on a plane, in the dark, and with a fork. Yes, I read Green Eggs and Ham. WAY. too. much.
From the photos above, you’ll notice that there’s a couple of ways to sport the hat. The sides can snap up for a more Outback look (or as I’d prefer to think of it as a cowgirl look). The chin cord with cordlock is removable, or you can just cinch it at the base of your skull to keep your Sombrero secured when a swift gust breaks through the trees on your scenic outlook.
One size fits all since the Sombrero has an external drawcord adjustment to allow you to decrease the diameter of the headband. Absolutely brilliant.
EASY CLEAN
Mountain berry stains, smokey campfire debris smudges, mud, and grass don’t stand a chance on the Halcyon Sombrero. For all the “stains” mentioned above, I used a small amount of hand soap on the hat. I barely rubbed soapy water on the hat, and the stains had vanished lickety-split. How’s that for low maintenance?
BUY IT
The Halcyon Sombrero can be purchased directly from Outdoor Research or Amazon.com
There are more headwear options available on the Outdoor Research site to outfit the entire family. While you’re there, check out their other products to help you enjoy the great outdoors through any season. I’m drooling over the extremely versatile Reflexa jacket in amethys/eggplant that would be fantastic for our autumn and winter adventures.
WIN IT
You could win a sand/khaki Halcyon Sombrero by Outdoor Research (retail value $36) just like the one I own. You’ll make all the other moms jealous.
(Primary entry method, this must be completed first!) Leave a comment describing your family’s favorite place to hike/camp/or enjoy the Great Outdoors.
EXTRA CREDIT
- Earn two additional entries by blogging about the giveaway and linking to Traveling with Baby and Outdoor Research in your blog’s post. Then, leave two comments here with a link to your post.
- Earn two additional entries by subscribing to Traveling with Baby’s RSS feed. Leave (two) comments stating that you’re subscribed.
- Earn another entry by following me (drdolly) and ORGear on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following “RT @drdolly @ORGear Win a Halcyon Sombrero on Traveling with Baby! http://tinyurl.com/l3rk86” Leave a comment with the weblink to your tweet.
- Earn another entry by adding Traveling with Baby’s button to your website/blog.
Leave a valid e-mail address, so I can contact you to claim your prize, or it’ll go to another amazing person. The contest is open to U.S. shipping addresses only.
This contest runs until 11:59PM (EST) on August 11th, 2009.
One winner will be randomly selected (via random.org) and announced on this post and e-mailed sometime shortly after August 11th. If a winner doesn’t respond within 72 hours, a new winner will be selected.
* UPDATE*
Congratulations to the winner, ChristieC!
–By Dr. Dolly
Subscribe // Twitter me: drdolly
Filed under: Giveaways, product review | Tagged: halcyon sombrero, headwear, men's sun hat, outdoor research, Reflexa jacket, sun hat, tuesday travels, waterproof hat, women's sun hat | 28 Comments »
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