Tilley Hats have long been worn by outdoor types and travellers worldwide ~ for this feature I have tried out their T5 Adventure Hat, writes Mike Gormley.
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As we have just had the first rain-free day of 2026 where we live, it seems spring is on the way and therefore this review is maybe more appropriate Hopefully Tilley-wearing days are soon to be with us.
I have been a Tilley wearer and enthusiast for many years. In fact, since 2007, when my elder son Bruce advised me to get one for our upcoming family trip to Nepal, which included a trek to Everest Base Camp. Back then a Tilley Hat was more or less just that, with only a few variants, and Bruce had been wearing one for a while by then when off on his adventures around the world. These days you are a bit spoilt for choice as Tilley have a load of hat options as well as other items.
For me it was about time to update and give my now very well-travelled, and slightly tired, Tilley a break. I have to say here they do come with a lifetime warranty and Bruce did make use of this when the rim of his finally gave up the struggle against many years of Gormley sweat! It was replaced no questions. This however does pose a bit of an issue. One’s Tilley Hat soon becomes a part of ‘you’. It goes where you go to all those, mostly, exciting places and it kind of becomes your ‘signature look’. Mine has and it is there on most of those memory photos over the last couple of decades. So however tired and battered the old and faithful Tilley becomes it can’t just be discarded. It has to be put away or, better still, hung up somewhere as a reminder of all those places you have been together.
The new Tilley I now have is the T5 Adventure Hat, to give it its full title. It immediately feels like it is up to the task, perhaps partly as my old one is clearly feeling the strain after nineteen years of travel and being stuffed into rucksacks and travel bags – not to mention very many washes. As I was heading off on a new adventure where my Tilley would be an essential part of my kit it seemed a good time to move on.
Tilley Hats are proudly designed and made in Canada. When you have one you kind of join a club. Tilley hats are easy to manage. Made from 100% cotton they are easy to wash and keep clean. They keep their shape with a bit of a stretch over the knee. A Tilley feels robust and is known for its durability and, famously, many years ago one even got eaten by an elephant; the patient owner waited until it was passed through; gave it a wash and carried on as before!
Apart from perhaps making a statement, the Tilley is a very practical item of headwear. It keeps the wet off and sun’s rays at bay without being intrusive, offering a good level of sunshade all around so protecting the eyes, ears and the back of your neck. There are brass vent grommets which allow for air movement over the top of the head. There is a double and adjustable chin cord to keep it safe in the wind and, just in case it does fall off into water, it will float. To aid this there is a removable foam pad in the hidden pocket in the top of the hat.
My latest Tilley is in khaki olive and the T5 is also available in blue. I’m definitely looking forward to new adventures with my T5.
[images © Jean or Mike Gormley]
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