REASONS TO BUY
Extremely durable
Comfortable
Stylish
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Fits small
Tilley LTM6 Airflo Review
This durable hat requires a certain level of panache to pull off, but once you own one, you're in the club
Credit: Tilley
RELATED: Best Sun Hats of 2023
Our Verdict
"Handcrafted with Canadian Persnicketiness," the Tilley LTM6 Airflo is one of the most durable and stylish hats in this review. It also blends a reasonable amount of comfort and breathability with its built-in sweatband and mesh paneling. This competitor is durable enough to hold its shape well and has a classic, rugged style that will make you feel a bit like Indiana Jones. It fits small, though, so size up or try it on before purchase. If you're looking for a stylish hat that's also very durable, this is a versatile choice for the bar or the backcountry.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Tilley LTM6 Airflo | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | | |  | |
| Price | $54.99 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $31.10 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $75 List | $30.72 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $14.98 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Extremely durable, comfortable, stylish | Lightweight, durable, great sun protection | Very stylish, well ventilated, packable, comfortable | Great protection, very adjustable, ventilates well, durable | Excellent protection, removable cape, good in the wind, good value |
| Cons | Expensive, fits small | Not super stylish | Somewhat narrow brim, not adjustable, expensive | None | Looks a little funny, can get hot on the back of your neck |
| Bottom Line | This durable hat requires a certain level of panache to pull off, but once you own one, you're in the club | This hat wins our Editors' Choice for Technical Use for being the highest performing and most versatile of the bunch | This versatile, stylish, durable hat stole our hearts and earns one of our top awards | This is hands down our favorite hat for kids because it's comfortable, looks good, and is very protective | This super protective hat is lightweight, versatile, and an excellent value, winning our Best Buy Award |
| Rating Categories | Tilley LTM6 Airflo | Sunday Afternoons U... | Filson Summer Packer | Sunday Afternoons K... | Outdoor Research Ru... |
| Protection (30%) | |||||
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Breathability (15%) | |||||
| Durability (15%) | |||||
| Style (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Tilley LTM6 Airflo | Sunday Afternoons U... | Filson Summer Packer | Sunday Afternoons K... | Outdoor Research Ru... |
| Weight | 3.2 oz | 2.6 oz | 3.9 oz | 2.2 oz | 2.8 oz |
| UPF rating | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ |
| Brim Size | 3.25" front/back, 2.25" sides | 3.25", with 6" neck cape | 2.25" | 2.75", with 5.5" neck cape | 2.75 brim, 7.25" neck cape |
| Material | 100% supplex nylon and 100% polyester mesh | 88% nylon, 12% polyester dobby | Dry finish shelter cloth | 100% Polyester | 100% Supplex nylon |
| Cinch Cord | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Packable/Compressible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Size Tested | 7 (22in, 56cm) | L | L | Medium | L |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Tilley LTM6 Airflo is a solid product. It is super durable, stylish, and functional all at the same time. It isn't quite as protective as some of the other models tested, though. This high-quality model breathes well and keeps its shape even after being stuffed in a small bag. We enjoy the style of the LTM6 Airflo and think it is confidence-inspiring.
Performance Comparison
The Airflo is a great hat for boating. It's stiff and wind resistant - and looks good.
Credit: Jessica Haist
Protection
Although the Tilley LTM6 Airflo has one of the broadest brims in Tilley's lineup of hats, it is not the broadest in our review. Measuring 3.25 inches in the front and back and 2.25 inches on the sides, it offers ample protection but not as much as some others hats. It certainly will be very difficult to lose this hat, because it floats. And, it has a double "front and back wind cord system." This means there's no question that it will stay on your head, but even if it doesn't it won't sink.
The Airflo's brim is not the widest in this review and provides moderate sun coverage.
Credit: Jessica Haist
Comfort
The LTM6 Airflo is much more comfortable than most of the models we tested. We did discover that the Airflo fits small, though. When purchasing, we recommend sizing up or trying this competitor on beforehand. Our tester's head size is 21.5 inches (Size 6 ⅞) and we purchased a size 22 inches (Size 7). This model still feels snug and gave our tester a headache when worn for long periods of time. We wish we had ordered another size up and believe this issue would be resolved had we done so.
Breathability
The LTM6 Airflo is made of relatively thick materials but has a band or mesh around its crown that allows for decent breathability. It also has a nice sweatband for wicking moisture away from your forehead.
You can see the 3/4" mesh venting around the crown of the LTM6 - it works well.
Credit: Jessica Haist
Durability
This category is where Tilley shines. This hat is built of rugged and durable materials, and we did not notice any significant damage or wear during our tests.
We stuffed the Airflo into a small bag for 30 minutes to see how it kept its shape. It did not disappoint.
Credit: Jessica Haist
This hat was folded up in a small bag for over half an hour and still retained its shape. This makes us think you can shove this in your luggage and take it anywhere.
The Airflo's "front and back windcord" will hold your hat on in strong winds.
Credit: Jessica Haist
Style
Wearing a Tilley is like being a member of the Indiana Jones nostalgia club. They have a particular look, and the company has coined "The Tilley Nod," which is exactly what you think it would be. We think wearing this brand requires a certain level of panache and confidence. They look good when you wear them with authority, on your yacht, or at the golf club. The LTM6 Airflo comes in many colors to suit your tastes, too.
Value
This is a very expensive hat. But, because it is so durable, keeps its shape, and has a unique style, we still think it is a decent value for the right wearer. People own and wear their Tilleys for life.
Conclusion
This hat requires a level of authority to pull off. But, once you do that, you're in the club. It is expensive but worth the money as it is very durable and well-built. It has decent sun protection and will stay on your head in gusty winds. Boating and golf are great activities for the LTM6 Airflo. This piece is not great for backpacking, because its stiff brim could hit the back of your pack. Any leisure activity outside where you anticipate being in the sun is a great place for the Airflo to help you do it in style.
#Tilleylife
Credit: Jessica Haist
—
Jessica Haist
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