Solbari Bondi Bucket Review

Inspired by Sydney, Australia's iconic Bondi Beach, the Solbari Bondi Bucket Hat is thoughtfully designed with comfort, protection, and style in mind. We think its relaxed, laid-back vibe is the perfect go-to for casual outings. And with color options like Sage Green, Cool Yellow, and the Riviera Blue hat we tested, you can keep things understated or let your personality shine.

Protection

The Solbari Bucket scored slightly below average in sun protection. That isn't to say this hat isn't protective. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation awarded it an official Seal of Recommendation for reducing UV exposure. It's just that its petite brim doesn't provide quite as much coverage as some of the bulkier, wide-brim hats we've tested.

So what earned the Solbari its Skin Cancer Foundation Recommendation? Well, throughout our testing, we noticed that whether the sun was high in the sky or low on the horizon, the Bondi always kept our eyes shaded, all day long. Its downturned, bucket-shaped brim provided that extra coverage when the sun dipped low that even some wide-brim hats struggled to match.

It's also constructed with durable, UPF 50+ materials that block over 98% of the sun's UVA and UVB rays from reaching your skin. We never had to worry about the tops of our scalps, ears, or foreheads getting hit by the direct sun, which is great for anyone with thinning hair.

However, our noses, cheeks, chins, and necks felt a bit exposed in this hat. The Bondi's short, 2.8-inch brim just didn't cast the same protective bubble over our faces as a classic wide-brimmed hat. But compared to other short-brim bucket hats, the Bondi actually comes out ahead: most measure around 2.5 inches, giving the Bondi a little extra coverage. As long as you back your skin up with SPF, we think this hat strikes a nice balance between an approachable look and solid sun protection.

Comfort

The Solbari Bondi Bucket is one of the most comfortable hats we've tested. Its feather-light build and soft, pliable materials almost feel like you're not wearing a hat at all. And when a hat is this comfortable, you're more likely to keep it on, which means more consistent sun protection.

What we love most is how adjustable it is. Need a snugger fit? Just pull the elastic cord at the back. The Bondi fits all sizes from small to extra-large. The cinch cord also helps on breezy days, but keep in mind that, without a chin strap, the Bondi is susceptible to strong gusts.

We also like that you can easily flip up the brim when you want it out of the way. While the Bondi already provides better visibility than most bucket hats, folding up the front lets you take in more of the view while chatting with friends or playing a round of golf. You can also fold up the back to keep it from bumping into a large backpack. It's a small detail that makes this hat feel especially easy to wear.

Breathability

Without a dedicated ventilation system, the Solbari Bondi fell a little short on breathability.

The most breathable hats use a single layer of thin, loosely knit material that lets air flow freely. Some also have mesh in the crown or along the sweatband to prevent heat trapping. By contrast, the Solbari Bondi uses two layers of more tightly woven fabrics, with no mesh or other ventilation features. The result is a hat that feels a bit thicker and less airy than the high-performance hats we tested.

That said, the Solbari's mediocre breathability isn't necessarily a con for us. After all, you're more likely to wear the Bondi strolling around town than trekking through the desert. For everyday errands, outdoor lunches, and casual outings, we found it plenty breathable. But for more strenuous activities, we'd opt for a hat with better airflow.

Packability

Thanks to its lightweight, compact size, and foldable design, the Solbari Bondi crushed our packability tests.

It's easily the kind of hat you can toss in a bag, suitcase, or beach tote without giving it a second thought. The brim is incredibly resilient and can be stuffed into the tiniest of spaces and still come out looking clean. Some of our testers could even squeeze it into their pants pocket, though it felt a tad bulky compared to truly pocketable hats.

We put that resilience to the test with our standard crush test, where we cram each hat into a tiny Ziploc bag for 30 minutes. When we pulled the Bondi out, it had some minor creasing, but the wrinkles relaxed within a few minutes. With a little reshaping, the brim is ready to go right away, making it the perfect vacation-ready hat.

Previous Next

Should You Buy the Solbari Bondi Bucket?

If you're looking for a casual sun hat that avoids the nerdy beekeeper vibe, we think the Solbari Bondi is a great option for everyday wear. It's comfortable, highly packable, and provides enough coverage for leisurely outings without looking overly technical. We love its approachable style and high-quality build, but if you need full coverage, maximum breathability, or wind protection for hiking, running, or other active water pursuits, we have better recommendations.

What Other Sun Hats Should You Consider?

If you want something better suited for athletic endeavors, consider the Arc'teryx Sinsolo Bucket Hat. It's thinner, lighter, and more breathable than the Solbari Bondi and also includes a wind cord for added security. It's pricey, though, and slightly less protective. Or, if you're more into the booney look, we also like The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer. Its slightly wider brim provides more coverage, while its lightweight, breathable fabric makes it well-suited for both casual and active pursuits, though it isn't nearly as comfy.

Previous Next