Rothco Pith Helmets

I was surprised. Many years ago I had a real pith helmet with the full suspension harness. I doubted that the simple band of this helmet would suffice to maintain an adequate amount of air all around the head. But it does work just fine. Because air can flow freely around the head, this hat is cooler than sun hats that have a close-fitting band. If anything, I would rate this helmet above the authentic pith helmet because this plastic is much lighter than is pith and therefore more comfortable. Despite that light weight, it is sturdy. My helmet has taken several hard impacts without damage. Prior to buying this, my standard sun protection was a wide-brimmed nylon hat. That hat had a tendency to catch wind when I would be driving my tractor and would blow off unless I had its chin strap snugged. This helmet seems to have a different aerodynamic design and has never blown off despite the lack of chin strap. While it does have an elastic band that probably could be used under the chin if necessary, that seems to be primarily a cosmetic feature to imitate the functional chin strap of authentic pith helmets. I first bought one of these for my wife. She was so pleased with it that I bought a second one for my own use. She has a small head, I have a large (7-3/8) head. The headband has a wide range of adjustments and it is very comfortable for both of us. The terry cloth sweatband will probably need to be replaced at regular intervals. I have read the critical reviews of this helmet and can only think that the item description and construction of the helmet being sold in March and May 2018 are not the same as they were previously. We are farmers in Hawaii so it is important for us to have a good hat for protection from the sun of the tropics. We have gone through many hats over the years, and this is proving to be the best we have found. In addition to great sun protection, being plastic and having the broad brim it also is a good rain hat. When this hat deteriorates, as it surely will, I will buy another.

The pith hat is of really good quality. The hat itself is lighter than it appears and can be adjusted to fit your head size.

Surprisingly cool. Good ventilation and comfortable

If you can get past the looks, this hat/helmet is the ideal form of head protection from the elements. I don't mind how it looks, but my wife thinks I look ridiculous wearing it. For what it's worth, this is the exact hat/helmet USPS couriers wear in the sun/rain. I've owned this helmet for a few years now and wear it primarily for fishing in my canoe and working in the yard. Due to the internal suspension system, it is noticeably less hot to wear than a regular hat that sits against your head collecting sweat. Air can pass between your head and the helmet shell and heat can dissipate through the holes. The plastic construction provides a few substantial benefits: First, it means that the helmet is fully waterproof and works as an excellent rain hat to keep your head/face/glasses dry. Second, it cannot be stained by sweat, mud, concrete, fish slime, etc., and is easily washed clean. Third, you don't need to worry about maintaining the shape of the helmet like you do with some full brim hats. Fourth, this thing actually provides some decent physical protection from things like low-hanging branches, hail, dive-bombing birds, etc. All in all, if you aren't too embarrassed to wear it, this hat/helmet is an exceptionally practical form of head protection. The only suggestion/improvement I would offer is to add some type of retention strap to keep it on your head in high winds. The elastic band on the brim is really just for looks. Although I find the shape and weight of the helmet to keep it in place most of the time, there have been very windy days that I had to take it off while out on the water so it didn't blow into the water. I'll probably add a retention strap/cord at some point.

Pour mon fils très satisfait