Shelta Seahawk Hat

Finding the Perfect Sun Hat for Your Outdoor Adventures

Investing in a high-quality sun hat is one of the smartest things you can do to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays during your outdoor adventures. Not only will it keep your face, ears and neck shaded, but the right sun hat can also keep you cooler and more comfortable in hot weather.

When searching for the ideal sun hat, the Shelta Seahawk Hat stands out as a top choice for durability, comfort and functionality. Keep reading for a comprehensive buying guide to help you decide if the Shelta Seahawk is the right sun hat for your needs.

What is the Shelta Seahawk Hat?

The Seahawk hat from Shelta is a technical sun hat designed specifically for maximum sun protection during outdoor activities. It is made from rugged nylon canvas that is coated in Shelta’s proprietary Soltex treatment. This coating allows the hat fabric to remain waterproof yet still breathable in hot and humid conditions.

Unlike many other sun hats made from weaker materials like cotton or polyester, the Shelta Seahawkfeatures an ultra-stiff brim that will hold its shape and position in even the windiest conditions. This is a critical feature for anglers and boaters who need their hat brim to stay put despite ocean winds.

The stiff brim also provides superior sun protection, creating a wide circle of shade around your head and face. When combined with the 360° sun flap in back, the Shelta Seahawk offers UPF 50+ sun protection from all angles.

Where to Buy the Shelta Seahawk Hat

Shelta brand hats are sold through select specialty retailers due to their premium construction. The Seahawk is one of Shelta’s most popular styles, so it is carried by several major online retailers of outdoor gear and clothing.

Some of the best places to buy the Seahawk hat include:

• REI – The outdoor gear mega retailer offers the Seahawk on its website and in select stores. REI frequently runs sales and specials, so you can sometimes find it for less than MSRP.
• Backcountry.com – This outdoor specialty website offers free 2-day shipping on the Seahawk. Look for occasional discounts and coupons too.
• Moosejaw – Known for good deals on outdoor apparel, Moosejaw sells the Seahawk at competitive prices with price-matching.
• Sun Precautions – As an authorized Shelta dealer, this sun protective clothing site offers the full line of Seahawk hats. Expect to pay MSRP but get superior customer service.
• Shelta – You can buy the Seahawk direct from the manufacturer via the Shelta website. This is the only way to get custom hats.

For the best shipping rates and return policies, buying directly from major online retailers is your best bet. But you can sometimes find even better deals through specialty sites or directly from Shelta on custom orders.

What is the Cost of the Shelta Seahawk?

The Seahawk hat has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $79.99. However, you’ll almost never pay full price since most major retailers sell it at a discount.

Some typical pricing for the Seahawk hat includes:

• REI – $69.93
• Backcountry.com – $69.95
• Moosejaw – $76.99
• Sun Precautions – $79.99
• Shelta – $79.99

As you can see, most major retailers sell the Seahawk for around $70, which represents about a 15% discount off MSRP. Special sales around holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day might knock that down even further to the $50-$60 range.

The Seahawk’s premium materials do make it cost more than cheaper sun hats made from cotton or synthetics. But buyers say the high-quality construction and sun protection are well worth the extra investment for serious outdoor use.

Rugged Waterproof Fabric

One key benefit of the Shelta Seahawk is the waterproof fabric that keeps you dry in wet conditions. The tightly woven nylon canvas fabric has a dense 230 thread count.

But what makes it fully waterproof is the proprietary Soltex treatment applied to the outer layer. This chemically-enhanced coating causes water to bead up and run off the surface of the hat instead of soaking in.

So while other sun hats turn into a dripping mess in the rain, the Seahawk will keep your head dry and comfortable. That waterproof protection even extends to the brim binder and chinstrap for all-over protection.

The Soltex coating also has the added benefit of blocking 99% of UV radiation. By reflecting the sun’s rays, it helps achieve UPF 50+ protection.

Adjustable Size with Chin Strap

Finding the right fit is crucial for maximum comfort and security in windy conditions. The Seahawk features a micro-adjustable sizing band with a toggle and strap system. This allows you to custom-tailor the fit for your exact head size.

Once sized properly, you can then fasten the adjustable chin cord when needed to keep the hat anchored in windy weather. The cord is easy to attach and detach as conditions dictate.

Having this level of adjustability is a must for active use. You don’t want to worry about your hat blowing away on the water or trail, so the Seahawk’s smart design keeps it in place.

The Seahawk is available in two size ranges:

• Small/Medium: 20 5/8” to 22 3/4” circumference
• Large/Extra Large: 22 7/8″ to 24 1/4″ circumference

Measuring your head circumference will determine which size is right for you. The extensive adjustment range within each size means you can fine tune the fit as needed.

Lightweight Yet Durable Construction

Despite its robust fabric and construction, the Seahawk remains lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long. At just 3.2 ounces, you’ll barely notice it on your head. This is lighter than most cotton hats which soak up moisture and get heavier as they get wet.

The lightweight nylon canvas material also makes the Seahawk easily packable. It can be folded, rolled or crushed and it will spring back to shape once unpacked. This compressibility allows you to stash in a pocket or bag when not needed.

Don’t let the lightweight canvas fool you though. This material is genuinely rugged and built to last. It’s specified at 30 denier weight but then reinforced with double stitching for enhanced durability.

The ultra-stiff brim adds even more resilience to maintain its shape through years of use. Overall, customers say the Seahawk stands up to years of regular outdoor wear far better than other lightweight sun hats.

Stiff Brim for Superior Sun Protection

The single most important feature of the Seahawk is the ultra-stiff brim. Constructed of dense closed-cell foam and heavy duck canvas, it will not flop over or blow out of position.

This premium 300 gram hat brim is essential for optimal sun blocking efficiency. A weaker brim prone to folding means less coverage for your face.

The Seahawk’s brim measures a full 3.5 inches wide for maximal shade coverage. And coupled with the 63mm long side flaps, you get 360° protection all around your head.

For fishermen, boaters and paddlers, having a brim that won’t fold upward in windy conditions is a true game changer. You can focus on the activity at hand instead of constantly fighting to keep your hat in place.

The sturdy windswept brim also sheds rain nicely to keep your face drier. All around, no other sun hat offers the brim performance of the Shelta Seahawk.

Multiple Color Options

While the Seahawk was originally only available in light tan, today you can choose from a range of color options:

• Natural Tan
• Olive Drab Green
• Naval Blue
• Jet Black
• Sandstone
• Camo

The neutral tan and green colors are ideal for fishing, hiking, paddling or any outdoor activity. They are dark enough to block glare without getting too hot.

The navy blue option offers a more stylish look for everyday wear around town or on the water. Or choose classic black for a sharper look with business or casual attire in the city.

For desert environments, the sandstone color retains breathability while blending in withnatural hues. And the camo pattern gives more concealment for hunting or wildlife viewing.

No matter which color you choose, they all offer the same level of sun protection and durability thanks to the proprietary Soltex treatment.

UPF 50+ Sun Protection

Don’t let the lightweight fabric fool you – the Seahawk offers exceptional sun protection on par with much thicker fabrics. The nylon canvas material along with the Soltex coating provides UPF 50+ blocking.

This means the hat blocks 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. That’s on par with typical sun protective shirts made of heavier fabrics. So you get reliable sun safety without overheating and sweating.

In addition to the protective brim, the Seahawk has a 4 inch rear flap that extends down the neck. This provides added protection in back for vulnerable areas prone to sunburn like the ears and neck.

For all-day sun exposure on the open water or trail, the comprehensive coverage makes the Seahawk an ideal choice. No gaps or weak points in construction allow burn through.

Ideal for Fishing, Boating and Hiking

Thanks to its high-performance design, the Seahawk shines in active outdoor pursuits:

Fishing – The waterproof fabric and stiff brim make the Seahawk perfect for days out on the boat or shore casting for fish. It keeps your head dry in sea spray while allowing you to see clearly under the brim at all times.

Boating / Sailing– Windy conditions on the deck or helm are no match for the Seahawk. The chin strap and stiff brim keep it locked down in the fiercest gusts when you need sun protection most.

Hiking – Extreme breathability and sweat-wicking performance allows the Seahawk to be worn year-round on the trail. It also packs down small in your backpack or cargo shorts when not needed.

Paddling – The adjustable fit and chin cord allow you to tailor the Seahawk for optimal stability as you paddle a kayak or canoe. No need to ever take a hand off your paddle to adjust your hat.

Travel / Vacation– When heading to warmer climates, the Seahawk provides superior sun protection – wet or dry. Wear it by the pool, beach or out seeing the sights to stay comfortable and avoid sunburns.

Any activity that exposes you to long hours in the hot sun will benefit from the Seahawk’s thoughtful design. No detail was overlooked to create the ultimate technical sun hat.

Customer Reviews

The Seahawk earns very high marks from customers across major retailers. Here is a sampling of real verified buyer reviews:

“This hat is perfect if you spend a lot of time on the water. It holds its shape and stays on your head even in crazy windstorms. I wear it fishing, sailing, even mowing the lawn. Super comfortable but built rugged.”

“I bought this to hike the Appalachian Trail and it was worth every penny. Lightweight, breathable and kept the sun off my face and neck. Chin strap was crucial when it got windy up on the ridges. My head was the only sunburn-free body part!”

“I’ll admit I hesitated paying so much for a sun hat but given how much use I’ve gotten out of it, it has been a great investment. It still looks brand new after 3 years of heavy use.”

“This has been my go-to sun hat for summer kayak fishing on the bay. It shades my face perfectly and ear flaps protect my neck. I tighten the chin cord when the winds kick up and it stays put no matter what!”

The vast majority of reviews confirm the Seahawk performs exactly as designed under real-world conditions. If you’re seeking a premium sun hat, it hits the mark.

How Does It Compare to Other Sun Hats?

There are certainly cheaper sun hats on the market – but none offer the premium performance of the Shelta Seahawk. Key advantages include:

• Superior sun protection – UPF 50+ protection surpasses most other sun hats, especially lighter weight models. The stiff brim maximizes shade coverage.
• Industrial strength brim – No other lightweight sun hat has a brim as durable and wind resistant as the Seahawk. It stays put in nasty winds when others blow away or collapse.
• Waterproof fabric – Most sun hats either absorb water or repel it only briefly before saturated. The Seahawk’s Soltex coating makes it fully waterproof.
• Comfort features – From the adjustable toggle to chin strap and moisture-wicking sweatband, the Seahawk is made for active wear. Cheaper models lack these details.
• Packability – The Seahawk stuffs easily into pockets or bags. Lower quality sun hats lose their shape when packed.

Without question, the combination of premium materials, smart design and rugged construction makes the Seahawk stand apart from any other sun hat. It simply outperforms on every level.

If you prioritize quality and performance over price, the Seahawk is incredibly hard to beat. There’s no disputing you get what you pay for.

Is the Shelta Seahawk Adjustable?

Yes, the Seahawk features an adjustable sizing system to customize the fit. An inner drawcord with toggle and stopper allows you to tighten or loosen the inner sweatband circumference.

Just slide the toggle up or down to find your ideal fit. This allows you to fine tune the snugness and stability on your head. Then lock it into place by holding the stopper against the toggle.

The adjustment range is approximately 1″ in either direction. Combine this with the two available size ranges and you can achieve a tailored fit for almost any adult head size.

For example, the Small/Medium Seahawk can adjust from 20 5/8″ down to 21 5/8″ up to 22 3/4″. While the Large/XL adjusts from 22 7/8″ down to 23 7/8″ up to 24 1/4″.

So no matter what your head size, adjusting the inner drawcord will help achieve a perfect comfortable fit all day long.

Chin Cord for Windy Conditions

To provide extra security in windy conditions, the Seahawk features an adjustable chin cord. This 1/8″ cord can be tightened to snug the hat securely under your chin.

Just slide the adjustable cord lock up or down to find the right tension that keeps the hat in place but remains comfortable. You can loosen or tighten it throughout the day as conditions change.

The cord locks via a spring tension lock that you can quickly detach when not needed. For example, keeping it loose or removing when hiking or just relaxing in the shade.

But the chin cord truly shines when facing high winds that might otherwise blow your hat right off your head! Tightening it down creates critical stability as the wind gusts.

Fishermen and boaters will especially appreciate having the option to lock down the Seahawk when offshore breezes kick up. No more hassling with a floppy hat – just strap it on and focus on fishing.

Lightweight and Breathable

Despite its protective ruggedness, the Seahawk remains incredibly lightweight at just 3.2 ounces. For comparison, a typical cotton hat weighs twice as much.

Part of achieving this feathery light weight is the tightly woven 30 denier nylon canvas fabric. Treated to be waterproof, it still has enough open structure to allow good airflow.

This breathability prevents the sweaty discomfort that lesser sun hats cause. Your head stays cooler and the adjustable sweatband wicks away moisture to keep you dry.

The foam-stiffened brim also contributes to the lightweight design. It provides sun shade and wind resistance without heavier rigid plastic stiffeners other hats rely on.

Overall, customers are amazed at how light yet durable the Seahawk feels. The materials were specially selected to eliminate excess weight without compromising performance.

Ideal Hat Brim Width

When it comes to sun protection for your face, a wider brim is always better. But go too wide and the brim becomes unwieldy and can catch the wind like a sail.

The Seahawk strikes the ideal balance with a 3.5 inch brim circumference. This casts enough shade to cover your face without extending too far beyond your shoulders.

The brim width also proportions well to the overall hat size so it doesn’t look oversized. But it still provides ample protection when facing the sun at different angles.

If you’re upgrading from a typical 3″ wide brim hat, the extra .5 inch might not sound significant on paper. But in practice it makes a noticeable improvement in shading your face and neck.

And unlike flimsier 3.5” brims that flap and fold, the Seahawk maintains its protective coverage. The thick foam gives it a sturdy profile that won’t collapse or crumple.

Rollable Brim for Versatility

The Seahawk includes a unique rollable brim feature that quickly converts it from a protective sun hat to a warm winter hat.

Using the attached loop and toggle system, you can roll the foam-stiffened brim up into the crown. This removes the brim overhang when you want open upward visibility.

Rolling it up transforms the Seahawk into a warm watch cap for cold weather and winter use. The canvas fabric and neck flap now keep your head toasty without the brim getting in the way.

This versatility means you get a 2-in-1 hat providing year-round usage:

• Unrolled brim for sun protection in summer
• Rolled brim for warmth in winter

The hat takes just seconds to convert from one mode to the other. No other sun hat gives you this built-in versatility.

Foldable and Packable Design

Despite the stiffer brim, the Seahawk can still be folded, rolled or packed to save space while traveling or storing. Just avoid excessive creasing of the brim edge.

Fold the Seahawk once or twice and it slips easily into a pocket, bag, pack or suitcase corner. Since it springs back to shape, you can retrieve it and put it on without needing to straighten or reshape it.

The ability to stash the Seahawk away when not needed makes it ideal for activities like hiking where you only want a hat for sun protection during exposed ridge traverses.

Packable sun hats are also perfect for warm vacations and tropical trips. Just tuck it in your luggage and retrieve it upon arrival to instantly have sun protection in the new climate!

Easy to Clean and Maintain

To clean the Seahawk, simply wipe it with a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt and sweat residue after each use. The waterproof fabric resists staining and cleans up easily.

For a deeper cleaning, you can toss it in the washing machine. Wash in cold water on the delicate or gentle cycle. Skip the dryer and allow to hang dry.

The SweatLock TM sweatband is also removable and can be hand washed separately as needed.

With proper care, the Seahawk will last for years of regular use. Avoid soaking or submerging it in water. And apply fabric waterproofing spray periodically if the canvas material ever seems less resistant to moisture.

Storing the Seahawk with the brim unrolled will also help maintain the integrity of the brim structure over time. The less you fold the foam, the longer it will retain its shape.

Moisture Wicking Sweatband

Underneath the sizing cord, you’ll find Shelta’s SweatLock TM sweatband lining the interior crown. This band helps wick moisture away to keep you drier.

The soft brushed tricot fabric feels smooth against your forehead. Unlike cheaper unlined hats, chafe and discomfort are minimized.

The sweatband is also treated with Polygiene®, an odor control technology that prevents bacterial growth. This keeps the Seahawk smelling fresher between wearings.

Since the sweatband is removable and washable, you can keep it clean over time. Just periodically hand wash it in mild detergent to eliminate salt, dirt and odors.

Having a sweat-wicking, breathable lining is a must for activewear in hot sunny conditions. Cheaper hats without this lining quickly become a soggy, stinky mess!

Wind Resistant Design

With its stiff brim and secure chin strap, the Seahawk reliably stays put in gusting winds up to 50 MPH. This exceeds the wind resistance of most lightweight sun hats.

Four key elements keep the hat anchored in wind:

1. Dense heavy canvas – The 30D nylon weighs twice as much as regular 20D canvas for improved wind resistance.
2. Industrial foam stiffened brim – Far more rigid than typical sun hat brims to prevent folding or flapping.
3. Wrap-around brim binding – The reinforced binding keeps the edges locked down under wind pressure.
4. Adjustable chin cord – Snugging the strap locks down the crown and prevents blow off.

Together these wind-fighting features allow the Seahawk to hold its ground in conditions that would send other hats flying or collapsing. Just what you need standing on the casting platform battling ocean gusts.

Head to head against other leading sun hats, the Seahawk earns top marks for battling winds while retaining visibility and sun protection. A true heavy duty headpiece.

Unique Technical Sun Hat

The Shelta Seahawk clearly stands apart from all other sun hats on the market today. Here are some of the unique qualities that make it so special:

• Proprietary Soltex fabric treatment makes it fully waterproof yet breathable
• Industrial 300g stiffened brim stays rigidly in place for optimal sun protection
• Rollable brim instantly converts from sun hat to winter hat
• Micro-adjustable sizing toggle for customized fit
• Removable/washable sweatband with moisture wicking technology
• Wind resistant construction that won’t blow off or collapse
• Packable and durable 30D ripstop fabric
• UPF 50+ for full spectrum sun protection
• Designed and tested specifically for high exertion activities like fishing, sailing, hiking, paddling, etc.

Add it all up and you simply won’t find another sun hat built to the same technical specifications as the Seahawk. It’s truly in a class of its own.

Warranty Coverage

All Shelta hats are backed by a limited 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. This protects against defects in materials and craftsmanship.

Normal wear and tear from use are not covered. Damage from alteration, misuse or improper care will also void the warranty.

However, manufacturer defects are rare thanks to Shelta’s stringent quality control. Any issues typically arise from the initial manufacturing process, not daily usage.

If any issues do arise, customers report excellent customer service response from Shelta to make things right. They stand behind their products and quickly replace defective items.

The Ideal Technical Sun Hat for Outdoor Enthusiasts

After reading this comprehensive buying guide, it should be clear the Shelta Seahawk is no ordinary sun hat. This premium headwear is packed with performance features tailored specifically to stand up to life’s adventures.

If you demand superior sun protection, ruggedness and comfort from your equipment, the Seahawk delivers. For fishermen, boaters, hikers and anyone who spends long hours under the blazing sun, it’s the new gold standard in sun hats.

Once you experience the difference of a high-quality hat built for performance, you’ll never look back. Why suffer with cheap sun hats that flop in the wind and fall apart after a single season?

Treat yourself to the best with the Seahawk. Your face, neck and ears will thank you every time!