CTR  Summit Sahara Cap

I bought the S/M size, which I figured would fit well enough since I usually wear a M or L in women's hat sizes. Unfortunately, the cap was so large that I couldn't even keep it secured on my head in strong breeze, and I had to put it away while out on the water to keep it from blowing away. It's also not as breathable as advertised, so despite being loose it felt a little claustrophobic and definitely very warm in direct sun. Will definitely be returning this one; would love to see REI offer some women's-specific shade hats in the future

The concept of this hat is great - I live in Colorado where sun protection is needed year round but especially in summer. Often my neck is the most unprotected part of my body. This addresses that need, but I wish the sizing was adjustable. I fall squarely between the head circumference for the two sizes so ordered the larger one, and it is quite loose with no rest to tighten it up a little. I might end up adding a neck stay to secure the cap around my neck when it’s windy, because it will definitely come off if the brim is caught by a gust. Since I purchased this for paddling that is very likely to happen. Not worth returning at the sale price and I will definitely use it, but I can’t exchange as the smaller size will definitely squeeze my head. I hope they will take into consideration a need for more sizing adjustments for a product like this.

This is a simple product that works exactly how you'd expect. It has a longer bill than a typical baseball cap, with very soft material that has no rigid structure. The attached veil completely covers the back of the neck, and can be secured around the front of the neck. My main complaint is because of the sizing, the cap can be affected by the wind, potentially being blown off. The material is so light it doesn't have any weight to resist wind, like a typical baseball cap. The velcro can also come undone easily. I would have preferred a snap buckle.

This is the second one of these hats I`ve purchased. I`ve had skin cancer and use whatever hats and shirts I can find that offer SPF 50 rating for when I have to be out in the sun. I used the first hat painting my house and I still use it for dirtier work around the house. In the evening if I`m working outside in the summer it helps keep mosquitos from biting my neck. So far after a couple years of using the hat and other sun protection clothing I haven`t had any additional skin cancer spots.

I bought this to replace an Ex official buzzoff cap that I loved for 10+ years. This cap was immediately uncomfortable on my first hike and only got progressively worse generally causing headaches because of it’s lack of adjustability. In terms of pure looks, it’s a real disappointment, too. the sweat bands appeared after my first hike and even after washing doesn’t go away. Meanwhile my buzz off cap looks perfect except for the rip in the back. I guess I’ll just have to stitch it up…

I had never worn a trucker cap before, so the heaviness of the brim took some getting used to it. By now, however, I love my packable Sahara hat. The attached flaps, which can be worn loose or velcro'd together, are fantastic at shielding me from unwanted sunlight. The color was a slight letdown; I thought it would look like white sand, yet it's more of a khaki hue. Overall, it's been a real lifesaver this summer and makes a good alternative to wide-brimmed sun hats.

I hate sunscreen, but I hate the thought of skin cancer even more, so, for shorter periods outdoors, I throw on this hat, secure the neck flaps, and go about my business. For longer exposure, I'll double up the protection and apply sunscreen. It provides really good coverage around the neck, better than the last hat I had of this design, and is reasonably well vented. A little loose on my head, but with only two sizes to choose from, a perfect fit will be out of sheer luck.

Points for the neck protection--that is excellent! More of a Large than an XL (on the "L/XL" identifier). A pullcord to stop it from blowing off would be a nice improvement.

The L/XL did not fit my XL head. The headband is TIGHT with very little stretch. There is no mechanism to loosen the fit, not even a little. It is a size L at best... no XL.

Extremely satisfied with this as I work long hours Out in 95 degree blistering sun and this protection is greatly appreciated. The net sides allows for air circulation, and the long brim is perfect. Furthermore this is lightweight. My coworkers asked me where I got it. I have worn several kinds of hats and neck protection over the years and this is my favorite in working in prairie restoration, and taking long hikes.