Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat
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The amply brimmed Outdoor Research Helios Sun hat not only shades your eyes, face and neck, it also provides UPF 50 sun protection.
Shop similar products- Plus, the browband wicks away excess moisture, so your skin stays dry, cool and comfortable
- Great for river use—lightweight construction and foam brim keep the hat afloat during "man overboard" drills
- Adjustable drawcord ensures the hat remains in place on windy days
- Machine wash cold, tumble dry low; do not bleach
| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Hat Style | Sun Hat |
| Fabric | 86% nylon/14% polyester |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 50 |
| Moisture Wicking | Yes |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Visor/Brim | Yes |
| Width of Brim | 2.6 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
| S | M | L | XL | S/M | L/XL | One Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Circumference | 21.5 - 21.75 | 21.75 - 22.5 | 22.5 - 23.25 | 23.25 - 24 | 21 - 22.5 | 22.5 - 24 | 21 - 24 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Measure around your head where the headwear would fit comfortably.
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Like wearing a plastic bag
Took this kayaking in the southeastern US on a 75 deg F day. This hat straps to the head via a tightening cord around the circumference of your head which is uncomfortable at first but you get used to it. However, the tightening cord combined with 100% synthetic material with no ventilation traps sweat and heat making you want to dip it in the river, but then the brim gets floppy and it does a weird suction thing to your head. I took mine off for the rest of the trip which completely negated any sun protection. This hat does seem durable and it is very packable and light, but due to the performance I will return, wait for a 20% off coupon and get a Tilley airflo.
Great shield for the sun, but no ventilation mesh
I loved the wide brim and thin material of this Helios model, and have previously owned OR brand hats that lasted over a decade. This lightweight hat was great for keeping the sun off of my face and neck, but without any ventilation mesh on the sides it was really hot to wear. Even in direct sunlight (90-100+F in SoCal), removing the hat made my head feel instantly cooler. I returned it (Without hassle) and exchanged it for OR's "Transit" model, which has continuous mesh on the sides and back. I'd recommend this, but with the no-ventilation disclaimer.
Pleased with this choice
This was a great choice for backpacking 12 days in the New Mexico sun. Was lightweight and comfortable. Crushed in my backpack, when taken out it bounced right back to its original shape - especially after a soaking rain. Not listed as waterproof, but did an acceptable job of keeping light rain out of my face. Usually my head is big for hats, but I followed the sizing guidlines and XL felt a just a touch big. This really wasn't a problem as the cinch at the back completely corrected the fit and in retrospect, I was probably appreciative of the slightly looser and more ventilated fit. At the end of the hike the hat was filthy, but came completely clean in the wash. The style is a little nerdy and floppy, but in that kind of sun, function over style is definitely called for.
Great hat - but pink discoloration from sweat
First this is a great hat. I bought for a week long hike in the Davis Mountains of west Texas to help provide additional shade and then also used on the rivers of Missouri. After the first few days however I noticed discoloration where I was sweating. The color actually became somewhat pink in color. Before writing this review I checked other reviews on REI and other sites and no one else seems to be citing this problem so I'm hopeful I just had a defective hat and will be exchanging when I get home for the same as I really do like the hat, but have an obvious problem with discoloration.
Favorite piece of hot weather gear.
It looks good, it does everything you need and nothing you don't need. I love the way this hat looks and fits. I have a pretty small head and it has quick easy adjustments. The adjustments are so good that I ride to the beach and back home on my motorcycle without this thing flying off. When I get to the beach and ready to fish I can loosen it in less than a second. It's sun gear so the most important thing is the protection. it's still spring here in Florida but it's already up to 80s on a regular and the day in the photograph was exactly that. The hat works great for blocking the sun and it also does a pretty good job keeping you cool. The brim is stiff enough to stay out flat for coverage but soft enough to still look good. Used it all last summer and heading into this year i'm relying on it again. Caught my first pompano of the year and the photograph came out great so I figured i'd actually write a review.
Great hat, just doesn't fit my head perfectly
I use this on the range at work during the summer time. It does an excelling job keeping the sun off me while remaining cool and light weight. My only complaint is the fitment (which is probably just due to the shape of my caveman head). The band is a good size, just a little snugging and the hat isn't going anywhere with what I am wearing it for, but its a little tall (not sure if that is the right term) and the brim sits a little low on my head. It's nothing uncomfortable, just have to adjust it up now and again. A smaller size may fix this, so I would recommend ordering one at or maybe even a little smaller than your normal hat size.
Great Hat - only 1 real issue
Love this hat. This is my daily go-to except for bad rain, when I use the Seattle Sombrero. Brim is wide enough to give decent face and neck sun protection, but light enough to wear all day long. The brim is semi-formable and doesn't flop much at all. The only real issue with the hat is sizing. You really need to try them on, aa even in same sizing, head circumference varies a lot and is not consistent. Also varies significantly based on color. Easy to do if you buy it in-person, but I wouldn't buy online unless you're okay with possibly going through a return/exchange process. Would gladly buy again and likely will if I ever lose this one.
Tip O'the Hat to OR!!
Best sunshade hat on the market by far. Light-weight and easy to pack and fold, this hat is essential for my life in the sun. As a soon to be super model for OR, I keep my vintage complexion in catalog form with this hat. Seriously, it punches the sun away from your face, nose and ears and keeps you cool and lets your nugget breath better than any other hat out there. Quick drying too should you want to use it as a swamp cooler for your head. Again, lost my original to a high-speed extraction from Iraq, and immediately repurchased a new one after I got back home to the calm sunny serenity of New Mexico. You will love this hat, so go for it.
Keeps the sun off.
This is a great lid for your grape in cooler times. I live in Arizona and bake in this hat from March through October - the months when I need it the most. This is a durable hat that will adjust to fit your head perfectly. I have had mine for over a year now and it holds up and holds its shape wonderfully. Like I said though - THERE IS NO VENTILATION. No mesh, no holes, no clever flaps or anything of the sort.
sizing is off and its little warm
I bought this to have a full brimmed hat while hiking and backpacking. The hat its self is great, keeps the sun out of my face, ears and partially covers my neck. It’s light and fast drying. BUT the sizes do run little off. I normally wear a xl hat but had to get a large due to the xl being way too big BUT the large fits a little tight also. When I start to sweat it stretches the hat a little and loosens up. Also It’s a tad bit warm, with no venting holes on the sides. Only other thing I would like to have on the hat is Velcro or clips on the side to put the side brim up instead of using the chin strap to hole the side brim. All in all it’s a great hat and its staying with me when I go out hiking camping backpacking or 4x4