Despite having around a dozen or so baseball caps, I’ve never really found them useful.  If the sun is blasting down on my balding head, or I’m driving the Bugster (our Doon Buggy), sure they stop me from getting burnt and blinded, but my ears and neck always get scorched, which is why I have a penchant for wide brimmed hats, and so far I haven't found better than a Tilley hat.

I’ve been fortunate over the years to have been sent a variety of them, and my latest is by far my favourite, the Mashup Airflo.

Made with a 29% hemp, 28% cotton, 36% polyester and a 7% rayon mix, the Mashup has impressive eco-credentials as it uses leftover yarns from their other ranges.  Despite this recycled fabric blend, the Mashup still retains its Tilley qualities, like its DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, a moisture-wicking Hydrofil sweatband and a tuckaway wind cord, for both under your chin and behind your head for extra windy conditions.

There’s more, of course - along with other Tilley hats, for maximum sun protection the fabric is certified to UPF 50+ (you can’t get any higher), and in the crown there’s a hidden pocket in which you can store a few quid or a credit card for emergencies.  Speaking of the crown, the Mashup has a thin built-in a layer of foam to help it float, great for when I forget to use the chin strap when I'm paddling about in the canoe!

All sounds well and good, but what’s it like to wear?

I don’t know whether it’s the new recycled blend of materials, but the Mashup feels softer, lighter and much cooler than my older Tilleys - the 3/4” air flow mesh around crown helps with extra ventilation.

I like that the Mashup retains its shape after being ‘scrunched-up’ and packed away in a case, and even after being dunked in water, oh, and of course its guaranteed for life against wearing out.

Despite only having it a month or two, I can already tell that it's just as sturdy and well put together as my oldest Tilley hat which is well over ten years old and still going strong.  Overall it looks great, feels great and performs as a high-end hat should, and will hopefully last a lifetime!

As it's available in 8 different head sizes and 2 colours - Blue & Sand, the TMH55 Mashup Airflo Hat can be for both men and ladies.

price: RRP £75 currently £60

more at » uk.tilley.com/products/tmh55-mashup-airflo-hat

*UPDATED - Original published in issue #27 of The Mud Life Magazine