Sam Fried Sam FriedSam Fried has seen and photographed almost all North American birds. Meet Sam Previous Answers

Don't you just love it? I've had that hat now for about five years and it goes with me everywhere. It probably has 50,000 miles on it and has been to the Amazonian jungles, Bolivia, the Galapagos Islands, all over the USA and Canada from south Texas and Florida to the high arctic. It's gotten rained on, scorched by the tropical sun, birds have landed on it and left their calling cards, soaked in fresh and salt water, used for drinks and bathing, and it's still in great shape. Squash it, roll it, sit on it, nothing seems to bother this wonderful chapeau!

Named “The Seattle Sombrero”, by its manufacturer, Outdoor Recreation (“OR”), the hat was originally designed to be a water repellent topper that could withstand the rains of the Pacific Northwest, keeping your head dry and warm with its full brim and Gore-tex lining and keep a semblance of its shape despite the brutal treatment it would likely receive. I've found the hat to be much more than that, suitable for just about any conditions except serious cold. The brim folds up on either side, secured with Velcro and there is a chinstrap for those windy or seafaring days.

The hat, now offered with many variations for a variety of conditions and personal tastes, is readily available from most outdoor outfitters, like EMS, REI, Campmore, and many others. So, Claudia, there's no reason for you now not to rush out and get your own Seattle Sombrero!

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