Editor's Personal Pick — Our editor uses this and loves it.
A light, brimmed sun hat that Matt uses and loves.
Why we picked this
Matt Gehrmann wears Kuiu's Gila boonie and loves it. California's upland seasons open in the heat, and a brim keeps more sun off your face, ears and neck than a ball cap does. The current version is the Gila PRO Airmesh Boonie.
Quick specs
| Category | Clothing |
| Brand | Kuiu |
| Current model | Gila PRO Airmesh Boonie |
| Fabric | 100% polyester Airmesh stretch fabric |
| Sun | UPF 50+ |
| Finish | DWR |
| Weight | 3.2 oz (91 g) |
| Features | Removable chin strap, packable foam brim, welded eyelets |
| Sizes | S/M, L/XL, XL/XXL |
| Conditions | "Hot to mild" (Kuiu) |
| Price | $49 list, $24.49 on sale at Kuiu (checked Oct. 22, 2026) |
| Worn by | Matt Gehrmann |
| Editor's verdict | A light sun hat Matt loves. |
The full review
The Gila PRO Airmesh Boonie is a 100% polyester stretch-mesh hat rated UPF 50+, with a DWR finish, welded eyelets, a removable chin strap and a foam brim that packs down, according to its product page. It weighs 3.2 oz, and Kuiu rates it for "Hot to mild" conditions.
The DWR sheds a passing shower, but this is a sun hat, not a rain hat or a cold-weather hat.
Kuiu doesn't list a brim width. One reviewer on Kuiu's page says it "does run small," so check the size chart before you order.
What we love
- UPF 50+ for September and October sun.
- 3.2 oz, with a brim that packs down.
- A chin strap for windy ridges, and it comes off when you don't need it.
- Matt's verdict: he loves it.
What to know before you buy
- A sun hat, not a rain or cold-weather hat.
- May run small, according to one reviewer.
- On sale when we checked: $24.49 against $49 list.
- This page used to call it the Gila Hat. Kuiu's current name is the Gila PRO Airmesh Boonie.
Where to buy
- Kuiu Gila PRO Airmesh Boonie (brand-direct)
California Upland doesn't earn a commission on these links.
See also
- All clothing
- Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Beanie — what Matt wears when it's cold
- Kuiu Tiburon Pant — the rest of the hot-weather kit