Outdoor Research Bug Bucket Hat - UV Sun Protection for Hiking & Camping

These are great - light, fit well - just enough brim to kept off your face but effective.Wore this hat yesterday for the first time. It's a little big (I ordered a large) . But it's not huge and it stays out. Bugs were outside while I was outdoors gardening and it kept them off me! The "veil" part is a little dark but not so that you have trouble seeing. The drawstring works great, you can drape it over your shoulders or draw it tight (I tucked my collar into it) and it kept bugs away from my neck too. Just what anyone who wants to keep black flies, gnats or any flying insect away. Wish I'd bough one soonerWore this on the lake last weekend. As the bugs began to swarm in, I put it on.. Sure enough the bugs were kept away, BUT my visibility for fishing was very limited. I need to find an item with NOT SO DARK mesh. First time buying a bug bucket hat so this may be just the way it is.. but as is.. it is useless to fish with unless I am throwing a huge bright bobber in the middle of a lake.I got this for black fly season up in the Adirondacks. If you have ever been there during May/June you'll know exactly what I am talking about. They are so intense, you cannot breath without sucking a few in on each breath. This year is so far, no different. I just got the hat 4 days ago and I used it up at my camp, nestled in the Adirondacks. It worked really well and it allowed me get projects done without being mauled in agony. I am going to order a couple more and leave them at my camp for guests.Purchased for my dad, who has a big head! He finds the hat very effective against tiny gnats. I rate this four out of five stars to reflect his complaints that the fine mesh, which solves the gnat problem, obscures his view. I think he expects to much! I have tried it and find it a fine product.Actually, this is a 20. I have bought I think 6 by now. The netting is breathable, just a tad tough to see through IF the sun is shining directly in yer face - but I tug to make the netting snug and it works that way. Just delightful to see t he bloodthirsty buggars not able to get me!!!Perfect for minimalist bug protection for hikes and exercising. However you will want something wider/bigger for non-active work because the net will touch against your face since it is narrow and has no skeleton.I used this going northbound in the 100 mile wilderness of Maine. The Mosquitos were on a level I have never seen before. While I did not hike with it on, I used it over my head while cowboy camping under the stars. It kept the Mosquitos off my face but they did hum around my head all night. Truely the craziest amount of blood thirsty Mosquitos I've ever seen.Fits well around shoulders to keep bugs out. The option of folding it up inside it's pocket is a little more difficult because of the mesh. If it were the hat alone it would be fine. Nice bucket hat anyhow. It was worth the extra cost compared to other brands. ( I ordered a few others for family members)