Seattle Sombrero
Quite possibly the perfect rain hat, especially if you wear glasses.
I went for a walk today — in the rain. I had been inside all day, feverishly working, and could tell I needed to get outside for a few minutes. I grabbed my Seattle Sombrero, put on a jacket and headed out the door.
About ten minutes in, as I was marveling at how light and free I felt, I realized this hat is one of my favorite things.
My brother bought it for me when I was in college and trudging back and forth to class in a place where it rains for months during the school year. I still have it and wear it regularly when it rains.
If you wear glasses (as I do), you might fall in love with one, too. Here’s why:
It’s made out of Gore-Tex and keeps your head dry.
Compared to carrying an umbrella, your hands are free.
Compared to wearing a hood, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic and your ears can still hear everything.
It has a brim, which protects your glasses from the rain so you can still see! (this is possibly the best part)
It’s an incredibly comfortable hat to wear and has Velcro on the sides so you flip the sides up or down. It also has a strap so you can make sure it stays on when it’s windy.
Here is a picture of the Seattle Sombrero:
Made by Outdoor Research since at least the 1990s (possibly earlier), it comes in a variety of colors that have evolved over time. Some are two toned like this one (and mine). Others are monochrome.
At the time of this writing, the official Outdoor Research website is currently showing it in three colorways:
It also has six colorways from 2023 on sale and Amazon has additional colors. If you have an REI near you, they often stock it, too.
For years, I’ve thought about buying a new one but — truth is — mine is still in great shape, which means these hats can last for decades.
If you’re intrigued and would like to get a Seattle Sombrero (now seemingly called the Seattle Rain Hat, which isn’t nearly as cool of a name in my opinion), use any of the links above (none of which are affiliate links), search online, or visit your local outdoor retailer.
Thanks very much,
-Bryce