Good solid construction. This hat holds its shape even in strong winds on open lakes in North Park, Colorado (which can get VERY windy). By holding its shape in wind, it continues protect you from the sun. Granted, you still need a neck covering and sunscreen on your exposed face for the direct sunlight in the late afternoon. But my ears never got burned. Plus, by holding its shape, you don't have to deal with a flapping and misshapen brim. The neck cord is strong and holds the hat well. The back part of the neck cord goes around the back of your head, which serves to keep the hat ON your head in strong winds. I cannot comment on how it will fare in the rain. The hat looks "Australian". Great looking as well as functional (IMO). Oh...and despite the dark color, I wasn't overheated on a dry sunny day while fishing on a lake. (It was HOT and sunny). Not sure how that worked. Maybe it was the vents on the side of the hat that served to keep my head cool.