I wore this hat in Israel and Jordan. I could fold it and stuff it in my carry on. I liked wearing it with the rim turned up all the way around. It kept the sun off my face and back of my neck. I was in the sun a lot while we were traveling. I poked tiny holes in the ribbon that is inside the hat so I could have the tie just in case the wind was strong. I only used the tie while I was riding a horse on a windy day just as a precaution, but I don't know that I needed it. The hat stayed on and I totally forgot I was wearing it which is nice. My focus was not about keeping my hat on, but enjoying the sites.