As any Tilley aficionado knows, the T3 style hat has been a staple in their lineup for many years.  I bought my first one (in canvas) back on my honeymoon in 1996 and it was my introduction to Tilley hats.  I wore that hat for 12 years and it was literally falling apart by the time I retired it!!  Many good hours of enjoyment out of that hat.

A few years back, Tilley innovated and came up with an LTM6, which was made of nylon, had the air venting strip on the top, and had a longer brim configuration similar to the T4 though not as long.  This hat became a HUGE seller for Tilley.  To capitalize on the popularity, Tilley then made  the T3 hat in this same vented nylon configuration --- and called it the LTM3.  I like the fact they kept the patented T3 "snaps" on the side.... that is what makes the T3 unique.

Personally, I have always been a BIG fan of the T3 configuration over all others - besides this LTM3 I currently own three T3 Canvas hats (one well worn one for yard work, one for hiking and one put away new), plus I also own a T3 in the nylon / camo configuration.  I also own the LTM6 which I like, but I like this LTM3 better due to the more circular and smaller brim, the side snaps, and how the brim does not get in the way for certain activities.

The LTM6 is great for when I go on hikes or activities where there is lots of sun and I want to maximize sun coverage due to the larger brim, which extends more over the back of the neck.  But for most other activities I like the LTM3 as the brim "gets out of the way" better and I like having the option of the snap up sides.  For example, did you ever sit on a couch or high back chair with an LTM6 (or T4)?  Or how about wear a high fitting backpack with the LTM6 or T4?  They simply get in the way as the longer brim makes contact and moves the hat.  With the T3, this is not as much of a problem.

Bottom line is I love all my Tilley hats, but tried to give some plus and minus for the LTM3 vs LTM6 above.  If forced to choose one between the two, for me it would be the LTM3 hands down, but again I am a T3 fan.  But I still love my LTM6!  The snaps on the side of the LTM3 are a bonus for me also.

NOTE: I actually returned the hat I bought from Amazon - it arrived in an envelope and crushed to the point of no return.  It was probably stored for extended periods crushed as the brim had permanent creases in it - the kind that don't work out over time or with water.  I own 15 Tilley hats, and know all the tricks on how to bring them back to new, but it IS possible to ruin one if you leave it stored mashed up for too long.  Sometimes I get disappointed at how sellers store / ship these - they are still $85 hats and the way they are handled does not always show the respect a hat of this price should command.

I ended up purchasing one from another seller and it was fine... they also shipped it in a box and had it stored correctly.

I wholeheartedly recommend this hat.  Thanks for reading.