Living in a place where it rains frequently, I know the struggle of finding reliable rain gear all too well. For years, I’ve battled with umbrellas that flip inside out and jackets that soak through within minutes. But the biggest challenge? Finding a decent rain hat. It sounds simple, but believe me, it's not! My hair would always get wet, my glasses would be covered in droplets, and I'd generally feel miserable. So, I embarked on a mission to find a truly rain-proof hat that could withstand even the heaviest downpour. This is my story.
My initial search felt like a wild goose chase. I wanted something like those old-fashioned rubber rain hats with a wide brim. I envisioned a hat that would shield my face and neck from the elements, keeping me dry and comfortable. But for some reason, finding anything even remotely similar proved incredibly difficult. Most hats I found were either flimsy, poorly designed, or just not truly waterproof. I started to wonder if such a hat even existed anymore.
I needed a hat that could handle more than just a light drizzle. I'm talking about a hat that could withstand a good thirty-minute walk in a downpour. The kind of hat you could wear comfortably while running errands or walking the dog on a rainy day. I needed something durable, reliable, and, most importantly, truly waterproof.
After trying several different options, I stumbled upon a few recommendations that seemed promising. One that caught my eye was the Outdoor Research Seattle Rain Hat. I hadn't tested it in severe rain yet, but I heard great things about it. It's made of nylon with a Gore-Tex membrane, which sounded like it could be a game-changer.
Then, I remembered seeing letter carriers in Vancouver, BC, wearing similar hats. They're constantly exposed to rain, especially during the autumn and late spring. If it works for them, I thought, it might just work for me! The letter carrier I knew swore by the Outdoor Research Seattle Rain Hat (formerly called Seattle Sombrero). They said it was a lifesaver, keeping them dry and comfortable throughout their shifts. That was a strong endorsement!
Another style I came across was the sou’wester. It's a classic design that's been around for ages, and it's specifically made for wet weather. They even come in different colors now, which is a nice bonus.
I also started researching oilskins, or waxed cotton hats. Apparently, they're incredibly durable and waterproof. Farmers in New Zealand and Australia still rely on them, which speaks volumes about their effectiveness. I found some interesting options at Outback Trading. The idea of a rugged, long-lasting hat made from waxed cotton was definitely appealing.
After all my searching, I settled on trying a few different options. And while I was browsing online for hats, I came across something completely different that caught my eye at the WholeCustomDesign Online Store. It was a Cartoon Ear Knitted Hat for Women. Now, this isn't exactly a rain hat, but it looked incredibly cute and cozy, perfect for those chilly autumn and winter days when it's not necessarily raining cats and dogs.
I decided to order one just for fun. It's a warm, slouchy beanie cap, perfect for adding a touch of Kpop-inspired cuteness to my winter wardrobe. It’s not waterproof, of course, but sometimes you just need a cute hat to brighten up a gloomy day. I've been really happy with the quality and the overall look. For days when it's cold and dry, this hat from Wholecustomdesign is perfect. It's comfortable and stylish. Plus, it's machine washable, which is always a bonus!
Back to my search for the perfect rain hat, I realized there wasn't a single "perfect" solution, but rather a range of options depending on the level of protection I needed. For lighter rain, the Outdoor Research Seattle Rain Hat has been great. For heavier downpours, I'm leaning towards trying an oilskin hat. And for those cold, dry days, my Cartoon Ear Knitted Hat from WholeCustomDesign is my go-to choice.
Choosing the right rain hat can be tricky, so here are a few tips I've learned along the way: