I've had this hat for over a year and just started wearing it again after the winter. It's still in great condition, and the mesh fabric is the perfect material for a hat like this -- it holds up extremely well. I will say that I don't crush my hat, and I wouldn't recommend doing that if you want to preserve the shape, but it's nice to know it wouldn't be ruined in an accident. If you don't care about the shape too much and want something you can pack, this is probably the best you can get. Also, the 3" brim is the balance of protection, convenience, and style. I don't find that there's any direct sunlight on my nose when I'm walking outside. The mesh provides very good ventilation, though of course sweat will build up around the brim -- that's an issue you'll have with any hat, and this is much, much better than a leather or felt hat.

I have to say I really like the style. It's not a fedora and it's not a cowboy hat (which has a horde of cultural implications). People don't always get that, but for anyone who wears a hat or knows anything about them, it's very clear. I do get a lot of compliments, although that's mostly because no-one where I live has seen a hat like this before. If you're a hat-wearing person, you have to embrace the difference.

I don't think you'll find a better summer hat than this one.