Recently, on a trip to the Mt. Lassen area in search of big trout, Kayak Fishing Magazine had a chance to field test some new headgear from Sunday Afternoons clothing company. Our volunteer kayak anglers were stoked at the look and fit of these hats, but needed to put them to the test.  We had a few models to choose from, just a small sample of the extensive line put out by Sunday Afternoons.  

For kayak fishing, most popular was the Oregon Cloudburst hat.  With nearly four inches of front bill, and a six-inch dropper veil for the back of the neck, the Cloudburst is equally effective for sun or rain. Love to use one of these hats in the tropics!

The Cascade sports a more traditional fedora look, but again provides that excellent Sunday Afternoon water resistance and UV protection. 

We also tested the Elements Cap. A robust little skullcap with earflaps, the Elements can be used by itself for wind, cold, water and UV protection, or can be added under any of the sun hats for warmth when the weather gets blustery, or for wintertime fishing.

Testermony  Scott (The Kraken) Keller: 

"It's only been a few weeks, so I only was able to field test my hat twice. I was testing the Oregon Cloudburst Hat.

Overall, I think it functions pretty well as a kayak fishing hat. One of the best features is of course the wide brim on this hat. It covered my face really well and the best part was the neck protection. I like the adjustable strap on the back as well. You can leave that loose, so you might be able to wear a beanie underneath, or keep it tighter so it won't leave you head during high winds.

In my short use, I only had two issues that I found. The first was the material is thin. When the wind blows it will actually collapse the brim down on your face and neck. Also, there were times the wide brim almost obscured my view to the point that it was a bit irritating. A way around this though, was to just flip up the bill, giving full view and when you want it back down just give it a tap.

So really my only issue was with the really thin material. This will be a great asset though, in the summer when I want a cooler hat. Thanks to Sunday Afternoon for letting me give it a test drive, I'm going to continue to use it as I really like the sun protection it offers."

Testermony Aaron (SeaChumm): 

"After using the Oregon Cloudburst Rain Hat for one day, this may be my new favorite kayak fishing hat.  At first look, it was obvious that the wide brim and wider back brim were designed to shed water past the collar, to remain very dry and happy in the heaviest of downpours.  When I wore the hat for the first time, I was grateful for the extra sun protection provided by the wide brim.   I had not been thorough with my sunblock application the day before, and I had a couple of sunburned areas on my neck. 

The hat performed well at keeping the sun off my burnt neck and face.  The back brim drapes nicely over the back of the neck,  and this is one of my favorite features of the hat.  I also have a larger head(7 5/8 hat size), and the exterior adjustable fit strap in the back allows for a custom fit.   I used a size Large, and I imagine that it would fit a 7 3/4 hat size for sure, maybe larger.  For my use, there may be enough room for a thin insulating beanie for those colder days on the water. The chin strap with adjustable clip are sturdy and do well to keep the hat in place on a windy day.  Overall, this is a very well made hat.  The construction exhibits even and clean stitching that is thoroughly water proof (kitchen sink laboratory tested) and ready for any adventure you could throw at yourself."

Testermony Ben Fishin (Fisheries Biologist):

"Allen, I got a chance to head out for some kokanee stream survey work today (no pictures, unless you want dead kokanee and fish redds).  Although I didn't have the yak, I did put the hat through grueling paces, and am happy to say this is a certain addition to my arsenal!

My uncle was diagnosed with melanoma last year due to many years of sun exposure on long-range sportfishing boats.  This year I really paid attention to my levels of sun exposure, and was mindful to wear a large straw-hat while on the water.  That works great in the summer, but throw in any precipitation and wind and the straw hat is history. 

The Sun Day Afternoons Cascade hat that I tested will fit the need to keep the gun and glare off my face, ears, and back of my neck, while at the same time offering complete waterproof protection from the elements.  As a father of three with two jobs, kayak fishing time is precious.  This time on the water cannot depend on the weather, if it's blazing hot and 115 out, I go.  If it's snowing and 15 degrees, I still go.  And now, I'll be dry, comfortable, and without the racoon eyes we all know!"

Testermony Jessi (Bushy's Wife) Butler

"I use the Elements cap more than anything, while I'm Stand Up Paddling on the ocean.  I love it because it's small.  I can bunch it up and stash it under the strap of my PFD. When it gets windy or cold, it fits tight on my head and really warms things up. I take it every trip on my SUP. It keeps my head warm even when it's wet.

My Cascade Hat came in really handy on a recent backcountry hike at Pinnacles National Monument. it was a twelve-mile hike straight up and down, looking for the resident condors.  I was hiking alone because my husband is too much a wuss for "real" hiking. Of course, I was hot and sweaty but the Cascade fabric wicked moisture away, and the breeze had a cooling effect. Reducing glare and preventing sunburn were most important of course.  The Pinnacles is mostly rock and sun, you better bring your shade with you." 

From Sunday Afternoons:

At Sunday Afternoons we specialize in designing and manufacturing high quality sun protective hats and clothing for men, women, and children. Every product created at Sunday Afternoons is designed with sun protection and comfort in mind, and carries a minimum sun protective rating of UPF 40+ (excellent rating). With over 70 unique sun hat styles, multiple sun protective shirts, and a wide array of sun protective accessories, Sunday Afternoons is the best place to find reliable sun protection for the entire family. Sunday Afternoons’ sun hats and sun clothing are dermatologist approved and carry the seal of recommendation from the Melanoma International Foundation. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine wisely with Sunday Afternoons.

Here in rainy Oregon the Cloudburst Hat is a staff favorite! This versatile waterproof rain hat offers exceptional coverage from rain, light showers and hard downpours - and, its fully sun protective. 3.75” front brim and 6” rear veil keeps rain outside of your collar while the interior wicking liner aids in evaporation, cooling and breathability. MSRP:  $49

The Cascade, attached offers full sun and foul weather protection. Waterproof, breathable and seam sealed, it offer offers a dark under brim for glare protection on water.  The deep crown and the chinstrap keep that hat on. MSRP:  $49

The Elements Cap offers quick dry, highly breathable skull cap protection.  It offers ear flaps for warmth, and is designed to be compatible with sunglasses.  The 2” brim allows peripheral vision.  MSRP: $28

 The Storm Bucket hat, is a simple bucket styled hat that’s waterproof, breathable and seam sealed.  The full 3” brim  provides, ear, nose and eye coverage. It’s packable/foldable and has a removable chinstrap with cord lock. MSRP:  $39