Einskey Classic Review

Measuring in at 5.2 ounces, the Einskey Classic isn't exactly lightweight, but it is light on the wallet. This is one of the most inexpensive sun hats on the market, offering a simple and affordable way to stay protected from the sun.

Protection

The Einskey impressed us with its solid sun protection. The wide, 3.8-inch brim is larger than most, providing excellent head and neck coverage. The mesh vents let a little light through the crown, but for the cost of a fast-food lunch, we're not complaining.

The generously sized brim is slightly coneshaped, which helps fend off the rays for longer throughout the day than a flat-brimmed hat. It's also slightly bent in half, turning the back side of the brim into a faux cape. It's subtle, but we appreciated the extra neck coverage when the harsh afternoon sun was beating down on us.

The main polyester material is UPF 50+ rated, meaning very little ultraviolet light can pass through to your skin. The mesh vents, however, let more light pass through. If you have long hair, the mesh isn't much of a concern, but if you're bald or have thinning hair, your scalp may be more susceptible to sunburn. We should also note that if you purchase a light color, you may notice more reflection under the brim than in our dark-colored test hat.

When the wind picks up, the adjustable chin strap keeps the hat firmly situated on your head, ensuring your face and neck stay protected. The brim is firm too, so it won't flop around when you speed across the lake.

Comfort

The Einskey Classic scored just about average in comfort. We didn't notice the brim or chin strap digging in, but the fit is finicky and the materials are stiff and heavy. It's not necessarily uncomfortable, but you're very aware that you're wearing a hat.

This is a one-size-fits-all hat, so if you have a medium or large-sized head, you'll probably be happy with the fit. Small and extra-large heads won't find it nearly as comfortable, though. The elastic drawstring around the crown adjusts some, but not much. The polyester isn't exactly flexible for larger heads, and the thick brim ruffles when cinched down on small heads.

We were perfectly happy wearing the Einskey while fishing or walking the dog, but the wide brim did bump into our hiking pack. This isn't to say you can't go hiking with it, just that if you have a large backpack, expect the brim to bump into your pack every now and again.

Breathability

The Einskey's mesh vents allow plenty of air to flow through the top of the head. However, the thick polyester sweatband traps heat, making the forehead a little sweaty.

For casual outdoor activities, this hat is sufficiently breathable. When we picked up the pace, though, our heads felt a bit warm. We noticed this mostly along the sweatband. The sweatband isn't very porous, which limits airflow and moisture wicking. Still, it breathes well enough to stay comfortable during mellow hikes.

Packability

Much to our surprise, the Einskey's stiff brim folds down quite well. It's not small enough to stuff into your pocket, but it'll easily fit into any bag. Then, when it's time to use it again, it can be molded back into shape, minus a few creases.

We weren't sure if we'd be able to cram the hat down into a quart-size bag for our crush test, but it actually fit. After 30 minutes of being stashed away, it came out with some minor creasing. The creases eventually relaxed, so we weren't stuck wearing a crumpled hat all day. If stored this way long-term, though, you may risk permanently damaging the brim.

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Style

We wouldn't go so far as to call this hat stylish. Its brim is larger than most sun hats, verging on beekeeper territory. However, there's no silly-looking neck cape and plenty of color options to add your own style.

We think this hat is best for someone who cares less about looks and more about affordable sun protection. The slight sheen and wrinkle to the materials have a bit of a cheap look, but it's practical, protective, and easy on the wallet.

Should You Buy The Einskey Classic?

With $50 sun hats dominating the market, buying a new sun hat can feel like a bigger commitment than it needs to be. If all you need is a cheap sunhat to keep you shaded while boating, strolling, or gardening, the Einskey is a great buy. Its full-coverage brim provides ample sun protection, while its mesh vents keep you from overheating during casual outdoor activities. It's not as well constructed or fashion-forward as pricier alternatives, but we think most average-sized users will find it reliable enough for laid-back summer days.

What Other Sun Hats Should You Consider?

If you're a lady looking for something a little more stylish without breaking the bank, the Furtalk Travel Foldable Brim and Furtalk Visor hats are worth considering. They're not as protective, but they'll still shade your face. If you want something less bulky, the Outdoor Research Sun Runner costs a bit more, but you'll get both a full-coverage cape-style hat and a casual ball cap with more durable construction.