The well-named Borneo Hat from Trekmates offers protection against flying insects in addition to being a traditional wide-brimmed hat, writes Mike Gormley.
~
There are lots of wide-brimmed hats out there on the market but this one is different. It is generally a good fitting broad brimmed hat to protect the wearer from the sun and rain but, interestingly, it also has an integrated mosquito net.
On the face of it this is an ordinary style bush hat but stowed away in the crown in its own pocket is a fine mesh anti-bug net. When required, this is taken out of the internal pocket and fitted over the entire hat and the wearers head with a drawcord to tighten up around the neck to keep those nasty biters out. The outer material and net are also treated with Deet-based midge and mosquito repellent.
Various features help to make this a well-sorted item of headwear in particular for hotter climates and where insects may be a nuisance: The material has a UV protection rating of UPF 40+; the wide brim has a darker inner to ease the eyes from reflection; the 7cm brim is also reasonably stiff to help keep shape, especially with the mosi net fitted; the headband is adjustable to ensure a good fit; and there is a removable and adjustable chin cord. The Borneo, available in three colours and two sizes, also has metal fine mesh vents for the main hat section to give some airflow to the head.
I can definitely think of many past trips out where I would have been very pleased to have had this hat.
[images © Jean or Mike Gormley unless noted]
~
