Tilley LTM6 Airflo Review

Name: Tilley LTM6 Airflo
Brand: Tilley

This pricey hat nails the look, but doesn't quite deliver on performance

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Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Price: $99 List

Manufacturer: Tilley

By Lissette Velasquez ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 19, 2025

OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#22 of 23

Protection - 40% 4.0
Comfort - 25% 5.0
Breathability - 15% 4.0
Packability - 15% 8.0
Style - 5% 8.0

RELATED: The Best Sun Hats of 2025

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Our Verdict

The Tilley LTM6 Airflo has a rugged, adventurous charm and Tilley's trusted lifetime guarantee. When sized right, its flexible materials are comfortable enough, albeit a little clammy. We wished this hat offered a touch more protection, but we appreciated that its modest silhouette makes it easy to wear and take anywhere. If you're looking for a stylish hat to wear to the bar, backcountry, or beach, the LTM6 might fit the bill. Its buoyant construction is pricey, though, and more affordable sun hats we tested perform better.

REASONS TO BUY

Travel-friendly

Stylish

Floats in water

REASONS TO AVOID

Expensive

Runs small

Not the best coverage

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Tilley LTM6 Airflo isn't a top-performing hat, but it still has a few tricks up its sleeve to make it stand out. Its moisture-wicking Hydrofil and water repellent finish make it an excellent water companion, ensuring it stays afloat if it ends up overboard. It's machine washable, so you can feel comfortable mowing the lawn with it. Plus, its unique tuck-away Wind Cord keeps it secure in the wind and stylish when it's calm.

The LTM6 has a hidden pocket that can store the chin strap, cash, or your credit card.

Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Protection

The Tilley underwhelms in sun protection. While the brim provides ample coverage in the front, the sides are short, leaving much of the cheek and neck exposed. As the sun gets lower, the flat brim becomes less effective.

when facing the early afternoon sun, the ltm6 shades much of the face.

when the midday sun is at your side, the short brim doesn't provide...

In midday sun, this hat will keep the sun out of your eyes, but that's about it.

Although the LTM6 doesn't shade much skin, the areas it does cover are well protected. The UPF 50+ material blocks out 98% of UV rays. Plus, the dark-colored material under the brim reduces glare when cruising on your boat or hiking in sandy deserts. When the winds pick up, the chin strap keeps the hat firmly in place.

The Tilley's thick materials do a superb job at blocking out UV rays. Even the lined mesh in the crown is highly protective.

Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Comfort

The Tilley LTM6 is constructed with flexible materials, but they're thick and somewhat heavy, making the hat much more apparent. Despite the soft build, our test model had a tendency to dig in because it was so tight. We think ordering another size up would have resolved this issue.

tilley ltm6 airflo - we didn't love the wind cord. we could feel it when it was stowed... — We didn't love the Wind Cord. We could feel it when it was stowed away in the pocket and it dug into our ears and face when tightened over our chin.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Breathability

The LTM6 Airflo is made of relatively thick, heat-trapping materials, but it has a band of mesh around its crown that allows some air to pass through. There's also a nice sweatband for wicking moisture away from your forehead.

tilley ltm6 airflo - the thick materials don't breathe well, but the mesh helps some. — The thick materials don't breathe well, but the mesh helps some.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Packability

This hat packs down like a dream. We loved how easy it was to fold down and stash into a pocket. When it's time to use it again, it regains most of its shape, minus a few creases. Our creases flattened out over time, but other users have reported that their brims became permanently misshapen.

these fold lines eventually flattened out within a couple hours.

the ltm6 is super easy to fold down and take anywhere you go.

The Airlfo has some creasing, but quickly regains its shape.

Style

Wearing a Tilley is like being a member of the Indiana Jones nostalgia club. They have a particular look, and the company has coined “The Tilley Nod,” which is exactly what you think it would be.

We think wearing this brand requires a certain level of panache and confidence. They look good when you wear them with authority, but they're certainly not for everyone. The LTM6 Airflo comes in many colors to suit your tastes, too.

tilley ltm6 airflo - the airflo has a dash of indiana jones swagger - whether that's a... — The Airflo has a dash of Indiana Jones swagger - whether that's a compliment or a caution is up to you.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Should You Buy the Tilley LTM6 Airflo?

This hat is one of the most expensive sun hats we've tested and only scored average in protection, comfort, and breathability. If you like the style, the bonus features, and the lifetime guarantee, it'll keep the sun at bay while golfing, boating, or strolling through the park. But this isn't a hat you'll want to wear for long hikes with a big pack. It can get toasty, and the brim will bump into your bag. Still, it's built to last, and may make the right buyer happy.

What Other Sun Hats Should You Consider?

If you like the look of the LTM6 but want something that feels much more comfortable and effortless, the Scala All-Season Crushable is worth a peek. Or if you need a little more sun protection, we also like the Sunday Afternoons Islander Hat. For something more backpack-friendly, the REI Co-op Sahara has a stow-away cape that's versatile for hiking outdoors and sharing a beer with friends afterwards.