Summer rugged outdoor wear: awesome or blasphemous?

**fcgeil** · 30th June 12, 05:20 AM

No pics, but another vote for the Tilley. Amazing hats, I've been wearing them for nearly 20 years now.

OP - other than the hat and too-formal diced hose tops, I like the look. Not even somewhat blasphemous.

**Tobus** · 2nd July 12, 10:37 AM

Didn't get time to 'kilt up' this weekend, since I had a lot of work to get done outside in the heat. But I did snap a few pics of my new Tilley hat.

I love this hat! This is the LTM5 Airflo model with the vents at the top. Very comfortable and provides a nice cooling effect as the breeze blows through the vents! And I think it will look quite stylish for a casual kilt look, perhaps coupled with a lightweight vented-back fly-fishing style shirt.

**Panache** · 2nd July 12, 12:29 PM

I checked out some Tilley hats (on sale even) at Mel Cotton's sporting goods in San Jose yesterday. Even though they were nicely made and on sale for 25% I just couldn't find one that looked right on my head to me. As I mentioned in a thread "Panache answers the Big Kilt Questions", hats are very personal things. You gents all look great in your Tilley hats (and those are pretty impressive whiskers there Tobus!

)but they just didn't work for me.

Cheers

Jamie

**ThistleDown** · 2nd July 12, 01:13 PM

Did you try it on under your pith helmet, Jamie, instead of on top?

**crash** · 5th July 12, 08:40 AM

Congratulations Tobus, welcome to the brotherhood. I have the same model only with the broader brim. Wear it a lot.

**Whidbey78** · 11th July 12, 12:50 AM

All in all I'd say your setup works. I'm partial to high snake-proof boots over any kind of leggings. they've saved my butt twice (the snake you don't see or hear is the one that will get ya). Unfortunately, while they are excellent for protection I have yet to find a pair that is well built and comfortable enough for extended excursions and will last for multiple years that doesn't cost enough to require a second mortgage.

I really wouldn't sweat whether it crosses any lines stylistically. It's comfortable for you and is suited to your environment and purpose. In my opinion you look prepared and ready to go. I outfit myself in a very similar manner sometimes, except I prefer my old 'chocolate chip" desert boonie.

**Muddy** · 17th July 12, 12:18 AM

Funny enough, after hearing you guys rave about Tilley hats, I was out thrift store shopping today (I'm a huge thrift store/garage sale guy) and I spy this brand new Tilley hat at the local Goodwill for $7.99. Now, I have a BUNCH of hats in all styles but not one of these things.......never really saw what the fuss was about......thought they were kind of goofy........but, I tried it on. Looks kinda dumb I thought......then I noticed it had these cool snaps to snap up the sides like a cowboy hat or something or, just one side like an aussie hat so I snapped it up and tried it again.......hmmmm......interesting.......put it back and shopped some more......came back and tried it on again. Ended up buying it. I figure what can I lose right for about 8 bucks? One more for the collection. Well, I think the darn thing is kinda growing on me a bit. I can't believe it. Still don't think I'll personally be wearing it with a kilt. Just not my look but, with other stuff I may just pop the thing on occasionally. Like I said, it's growing on me and, after looking online and finding they go for about EIGHTY FIVE BUCKS give or take I guess I did ok. Like I said, it's brand new too!! Missing the chin strap is all. It appears to be a "T3" near as I can tell. So there you go. That's my Tilley hat acquisition story. And I owe it all to you X-markers or I assure you, I would not have looked twice at the silly thing.

**Dale-of-Cedars** · 17th July 12, 05:22 AM

Originally Posted by Muddy

I guess I did ok. Like I said, it's brand new too!! Missing the chin strap is all. It appears to be a "T3" near as I can tell. So there you go. That's my Tilley hat acquisition story. And I owe it all to you X-markers or I assure you, I would not have looked twice at the silly thing.

Yes you certainly did OK!
The chin strap is only a 3/8" shoelace 38" long (41" stretched) the same colour as the hat, though a contrasting/complementary colour would work fine. The strap is threaded through the two side grommets so you have an uninterrupted loop for the front and the ends are at the back. The two ends are each tied in a simple square-knot over the opposite strap so they both slide. Here's a little video on how it works.

I often use just the back strap, unless it is really windy.

There should also be a removable 1/8" closed-cell foam disk (floatation and noggin-protection) in the velcro pocket in the crown, and a little plastic bag with the instructions (also a place to stow a spare $20 bill and a business card.)

**ScotFree** · 17th July 12, 06:00 AM

You know, it strikes me that the Scotsmen in general, and the highlanders in particular, are eminently practical people. Highland dress evolved in days of yore because it worked well for the budget and environment of the highlands. So unless you're having tea with the Queen, for going about on a working day in the moors and glens of Texas (or wherever you find yourself), you wear what is practical for what you're doing. Your look in the pictures above Tobus, you look very practical country for the country your in. And, it looks just fine. BTW ... Love the Tilley hat.

**Muddy** · 17th July 12, 02:46 PM

Actually, I think I misspoke. I believe I paid 7 bucks not 8. Said hat is currently in the washer thrashing about on the heavy setting to remove some of that vulgar newness. I may then drag it around the concrete a bit and wash it again just for good measure.
Apologies for the thread hijack....................

P.S. thanks for the strap info Dale.