Firebird V2

I have two of these - a tan one and a grey one. Why do I have two? Well, the first one became completely impregnated with dirt and grime from so much use hiking. The dirt wouldn't come out with hand washing, so I bought a second hat. I then put the first hat in our front-loading washing machine on the gentle cycle and I couldn't believe what came out - the hat looked brand new. No limpness in the bill, no ragged fabric, no dirt, no stains, just a pristine hat. Now I have two great hats.Here's what else I love about the hat - the bill curves up to give you good visibility, while at the same time being long enough to give good sun protection on your face and nose. I do a lot of photography and birdwatching, and the bill is perfect. The sides of the hat are stiff and extend out, giving good sun protection on your ears, while not blocking sound. I can hear other people and birds much better with this hat than hats with draping ear flaps. The hat is comfortable, with an effective adjustment for tightness. I have a bald spot on top of my head, and many hats with claims of high UPF still let enough UV through to burn my head. I no longer trust the UPF rating of any hat. The V2 completely protects my bald spot, even on a full cloud-free day in July at 10,000 feet in Colorado. I really have nothing negative to say about the hat, but if I find a flaw, I'll update this review.

bought this hat for my dad, best christmas happy ever! he looking forward to wearing it when fishing! quality is 10/10! fit was perfect!

I spend 6 months (+/- ) a year, sailing on a catamaran, and have been searching for a sun hat that will provide protection in windy conditions. I met a cruiser earlier in the year in Martinique, who had a Shelta Firebird V2 and couldn't say enough good things about it.My light silver Firebird 2 hat arrived today. It's comfortable right out of the box, without tweaking it. I got the small size and it is snug without feeling tight, and I love the stiff brim!It was expensive, but the quality and fit are excellent. I'll write an update after a season on the water, to see if it paid for itself with great sun protection and function.

This is a top quality hat that also looks good due to its unique shape and quality materials.I was torn between Seahawk and Firebird. I decided to purchase the Firebird because I wanted maximum sun protection for my prolonged days of backpacking. I think I made the right choice. The brims are not too large at all and are of perfect size.The hat, when worn properly, does handle the wind very well. But it isn't perfect and it can definitely fly off your head in a heavy wind. To me, the hat's main advantage is its ability to not flap much in a wind which gives you sun protection in a windy situation.As far as sizing, when in doubt, order one size larger. The size is somewhat adjustable and it is far better to have a larger hat that you can shrink in size. I ordered large/xlarge and it fit me perfectly (I do have a large head).I can highly recommend this hat for hiking/backpacking in heavy sun and windy weather.

I have three Shelta hats; one I've had since 2018. They change color from sweat, but the color returns when washed and air dried. The hat from 2018 has a frayed adjustment string, otherwise all good! I order my fourth hat and the head string adjustment strap was never sewed into the hatband. Because of the quality of my other hats, I am calling this a one-off, I sent it back and reordered another one. I fish, walk, and do all outdoor activities in these hats; never had one blow off of my head in West Texas or Oklahoma winds. No response from the company about poorly made product. This rating may be reduced based upon the quality of reordered hat.

I probably bought this hat so that the brim wouldn’t blow up in the wind. It does just that. Front end looks a little, different, but it’s OK.

I’m outside every day. Keeps the sun off my ears & eyes. Brim stays in place, does not flop. My favorite for kayaking on the water or boating of any kind. Keeps my head cool. You can wear it in windy weather with the straps tightened and it’s not gonna go anywhere. Love it.Expensive but worth the money to me. I’ve never found another hat that the brim stays in place like this one.

The hat fits well and is adjustable to help stay on in windy conditions.