Patagonia Quandary Brimmer Review
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As any good adventurer knows, you need a great hat to keep you protected from the sun. Patagonia has been providing quality apparel for climbing and outdoor adventures since the 70’s. Patagonia is known for quality materials and fit, coupled with fashionable styles and colors. Patagonia did not fall short with the Quandary Brimmer Hat. Made of high quality materials with a logical function and style, it will fit nicely into any outdoor wardrobe.
Over the past month, I have had a chance to test out Patagonia’s Quandary Brimmer while hiking, running, kayaking, and even at my nieces softball game. It has definitely moved into position as my new favorite hat.
Testing the Quandary Brimmer
As I opened the package, I could already feel quality in my hands. The brim is rigid and the top is soft with some slight stretch. I ordered the hat in a size S/M since the sizing is unisex and I have a pretty normal size head for a woman. The size was perfect. Note: I noticed that the tag in the hat indicated in was a small, not small/medium. The hat has an adjustable bungee that adjusts in the back in case you need to adjust the fit slightly. I didn’t end up needing it, but I thought it was a very nice feature and worth mentioning. The hat band is a stretchy tech material that provided a super comfortable fit while being very gentle against my skin. Whether I was running, hiking or kayaking, the material was quick to wick away sweat and water and kept me feeling fresh. The band fit nicely without squeezing my head. The shape of the hat allows for the hat band to wrap low around the back of my head. I credit the flawless fit to this genius design. It has an adjustable chin strap in case you need to secure the hat to your head or want to hang it on your back while not wearing it.
Quandary Brimmer vs. The Elements
I really put this hat to the test on my recent travels to Colorado. The afternoon winds frequently picked up in the mountains. The Quandary withstood the challenge. This hat would not blow off! The rigid brim maintained it’s shape despite the high winds and fierce sun at 10,000 ft. The vent holes in the sides of the hat allowed for a little fresh air to cool my head when the hikes were rugged.
I kayaked one of Colorado’s reservoirs during high winds and choppy waters. The Quandary Brimmer stayed snuggly in place and repelled water better than an umbrella! The curve of the brim allowed me to tuck down my chin and cut through the wind. Not once did the hat catch the wind and blow off. At one point, I dunked the hat in the water so I could cool my head. The water repellent material beaded off most of the water. Even wet, the Quandary Brimmer maintained its brilliantly engineered shape without becoming floppy.
Technical Specs on the Quandary Brimmer
- Glare-Reducing, Buoyant Brim
- Adjustable chin strap keeps the hat in place, even in windy conditions
- Toggled strap at back of hat cinches tight for a secure fit during high-output activities or rowdy weather
- Quick wicking, low-profile sweatband has miDori™ bioSoft for added wicking and softness, and HeiQ® Pure odor control
- Vented crown has an internal mesh lining for breathability, comfort and a cooling airflow (see my notes in “Final Thoughts)
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, which means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor
- Available in unisex sizing of Small/Medium or Large/X-Large
- Colors available: Basin Green, Black, Classic Tan or Forge Grey. (I am wearing Forge Grey)
Final Thoughts on the Quandary Brimmer
I tested this hat at a softball game, running, hiking, kayaking, and just lounging around camp. It has an extremely comfortable fit and is clearly made of quality materials. As a note to the specs above, I found that when my hat arrived, it did not have the mesh lining for breathability as described in the manufacture’s specs. This detail did not effect my love for this hat overall but, I thought it was worth mentioning. As an avid ultrarunner, hiker and kayaker, I now have my favorite hat for sun, rain and wind. The extraordinary coverage of the wide brim coupled with the quality you’d expect from Patagonia makes this hat a winner at the recommended MSRP of $59. For more info on or to purchase the Quandary Brimmer, visit www.patagonia.com.
