My first Shelta is the Osprey but decided I needed more sun coverage as I approach 70 I need the extra protection. Details and build quality are excellent. Yes they are pricey but very functional. Although I have not spent much time wearing the Condor but heading to Maui for a couple weeks and will be using it daily and on and off the water.
Yes I believe the hats are worth the price.
I love this hat. I am not a hat person. In the rare event I wear a hat, it is a baseball cap. Now that I'm 50 and more concerned about sun exposure and don't want to put toxic sunscreen on my face I was looking for a wide brim hat that didn't look dorky to protect my head/ears/neck. THIS IS IT! The formed front brim makes this hat. Thank-you to Kayak Cliff who recommended it on his youtube channel.
The formed front brim keeps it from flopping in your face. The fit is perfect. Snug, but not tight to where it gets annoying. Chin strap/lanyard tucks back perfectly when you don't need it in non-windy conditions. 10 our of 10
I really like the hat but the price is a little crazy.
Lightweight, comfortable, covering most of each finger without significant drag for swimming /surfing. Good UV protection. Also protects fragile skin from friction injuries/minor trauma. Have tried other types but these fit the best without causing compression and hand/joint pain. Thanks, Shelta!
Absolutely love this hat. Purchased it for a 3-day backpacking trip in the mountains of North Idaho. Fits perfectly, stayed on well even in windy conditions, and kept sweat out of my face. Would definitely recommend
I was pleased to find an XXL hat size for my big head. However it appears the upsizing did not include the head volume which is a little tight on top. The material is soft and seems well put together. I would prefer a slightly more curved bill. I like that Shelta, noted by the company as meaning "shelter," is in its formal sense a secret language used by travellers in Ireland and the UK.
Fits great under all my Shelta hats and gives that perfect amount of warmth without the bulk and overheating.
Love the hats, unfortunately I am one of those between sizes and the large feels a little loose, but the medium I just purchased is too tight. Definitely follow sizing instructions and size up. I wish I could find one that is just right, but I still 100% recommend!
Light weight, just the right size. Doesnt get in the way. You hardly know its there. You have to keep the chin strap on but you can tuck that to the back. I have a hat just for being in the yard and it works great.
This is my third Shelta. I really like the easy adjustable drawstring in the band for windy conditions and the brim really does work. It keeps its shape and doesn’t flip down over your eyes. Quality is better than any other like it. I highly recommend getting one. You’ll be glad you did!
I bought this hat for Disney trips as my neck and ears were burning up from the sun all day. I was only slightly concerned about the high price, but I have a bunch of pricey Melin hats so pricing isn't a concern for something that should hold up for a long time. It fits great and is very comfortable. The best part is the no flop brim as it doesn't get in your face and doesn't require constant adjustments. The crown part is very thin material which breathes well. The hat looks and feels well-made. I also do appreciate the slightly narrower brim than normal sun hats as it makes taking off bags a bit easier.
I love everything about this hat, but the fit on my size large is a little bit tight. I owned a previous version of the same hat which came in a M/L and fit a little loose. I wish I could relax the fit of this one ever so slightly.
I use it for sailing. The stiff brim is great in a stiff breeze. Fits very well, comfortable, and adjustable. I bought the Thunderbird Limited and the bought the Condor V2 as a spare/alternate. Spendy but worth it.
This is my second hat from Shelta. The quality and comfort exceed my expectations again!! It offers great sun protection, yet the hat breathes well and very light on your head. Very easy to maintain and recommend this to anyone looking for sun protection while enjoying the outdoors.
I am a big fan of Shelta's products. I have two hats, an Assault hooded L/S, multiple shirts both L/S and S/S and a face/neck gaitor. I recently bought two more hats, one for each of my boys who were constantly taking mine for themselves. It is nice knowing I'm protected from the sun while out at the lake or while on outdoor vacation excursions. Thank you Shelta for sun protection products which I look forward to and want to wearing.
1, Excellent sun protection for face ears and neck.
2, Feels cool in hot weather.
3, Light
4, Great adjustable fit.
5, The exterior clip loops really hold my sunglasses securely regardless the level of activity.
6, Firm no flop bill is excellent for attaching fold down magnifying goggles for tying small flies to tippet while Fly Fishing.
7, Finally, I play a lot of Pickleball for exercise, 4 to 5 days per week. It is the most comfortable hat I have ever tried in hot, windy, sunny and/or humid conditions.
Had my Patrol Navy Seahawks for a trip up Maine coastline, a lot of wing.. performed so well I got another in Sand Dune!
I own 4 Shelta hats- different colors 2 Griffen 2 Condor. Griffen fit tighter on the head due to the shape of the crown . The look is slightly sleeker than the Condor and more like a regular hat- "friends" give me a little ribbing on the shape of my Condor hats which sit a little wider on the top of the head. But the Shelta hats always stay on in any wind, keep the sun off my neck and ears, last a long time, clean easily and hold their shape. A+++
Since the hat was on sale and my original Shelta hat is 6 years old I took advantage of replacing it. Very satisfied with original Shelta hat. Still performs it is just faded.
Great hat, super functional! I wish it was cooler/had more ventilation. Too hot for summer days for me.
So, I haven't used it on the beach yet but I have an upcoming plan to give it a good test. The purchase and initial impression of the hat are good. Plus I have very high expectations and needs on the windy beach while surf fishing.