Gear Editor Melanie van Zyl has had this unisex sun hat for a year and is evangelical about its advantages for travellers. But did she manage to convert Deputy Editor Tyson Jopson?
Melanie’s thoughts
‘This fedora-style Beau Hat from Emthunzini Hats is one of my favourite summer travel accessories – chiefly because it’s crushable, which means it doesn’t lose shape. It also has exceptional sun protection, is made from natural fibre and is spot washable (you can wipe off grime with water and a cloth) – perfect for long days in the dusty bush. There’s an internal drawstring that adjusts the fit to your head, which is super-useful on game drives and on windy beaches. It’s also chic, adding style to my Getaway assignments (who said you can’t look good doing my kind of work?). Even after a year of being squished into my backpack, it still snaps back to shape. But don’t bend the brim – the wire can kink over time.’
Tyson’s thoughts
‘I’ve never liked wide-brimmed hats – they’re clumsy, unpackable, a nuisance to drive in and never make me look as much like Indiana Jones as I hope – but the squishability of this one mitigated (most of) those factors. It’s also good to see its sun-protection claims backed up – it’s made from ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency) approved material and has a UPF rating of 50+. It fits snug and it’s the least stupid I’ve looked in a fedora. Mel’s not getting it back.’
Get it
R552, sunhats.co.za
This gear review first appeared in the September Getaway issue.
Our September issue features 11 amazing beach cottages, two ways to see the Klein Karoo, a windswept 4X4 drive in Namibia, our guide to swimming in Greece and much more!
