GORUCK Tac Hat (Mesh) Review

We have owned numerous GORUCK Tac Hats since August of 2011. They were re-branded to the GORUCK Tac Hat – Mesh years ago when the Full Panel version was introduced. Until GORUCK Light Class 108 we had never actually worn one of them in an event. Sure, they saw a ton of use during training but for some reason a Nike beanie always seemed to beat them out when events came around. Prepping for GORUCK Light 108 the Nike beanie was nowhere to be found so the GORUCK Tac Hat adventured along instead. Honestly, it is awesome that this happened because it will definitely replace the beanie from now on.

Tac Hat (Mesh) Review Updates

4/21/2017

Pictures updated! After posting a picture on Instagram it appears that GORUCK has switched manufacturers since we purchased our hats. The reviews on the product page are decent but a little suspect as some reviewers are clearing reviewing different GORUCK hats. One even suggests purchasing this hat while leaving a one-star review.

10/1/2013

Original review published.

Tac Hat (Mesh) Review

Before writing this review this hat has been through a ton of training and numerous events. It should be noted that this hat was purchased somewhere between 2011 and 2013 so the fit might be slightly different than what GORUCK is selling now.

Quality

These hats have lasted through events and still look and work great. The quality is top notch and feels on par with the packs that GORUCK sells. We had one start to fray after it got caught in barbed wire at a Spartan Race but that’s to be expected… not much can beat barbed wire. The hat has not failed us yet so and we have put it through a lot so we say the quality is pretty darn good.

The amount of mud on the hat in this picture should be a clear indication of what it can handle and how much it can be cleaned up afterwards. That was some fun times down at GORUCK ABSOC 001…

Design

The combination of mesh and 1000 Denier Cordura used is great and gives decent breath-ability during warmer and humid weather. The fit is decent and will fit most heads. It is not a deep hat so if you have a large dome there is a chance it will not fit you.

The hat is fully adjustable by use of a Velcro strap on the back. There is not any excess Velcro or places for patches (besides the front) which is a welcome sight. There are a lot of “tacticool” hats out there if multiple Velcro locations and that is not something we wanted.

There is only one logo and, in typical GORUCK fashion, it is on the inside of the hat. Overall a great design and one that doesn’t really stand out more than it should.

Usability

One of the best parts about the hat is the soft underside of the bill. This thing soaks up sweat like a champ and ours has been used to wipe off the forehead numerous times. Afterwards this thing smelt like a deceased sewer rat but after being tossed in the wash (ran it through twice) you can not even tell it used to stink.

Value

Like all GORUCK products this hat is incredibly durable. It doesn’t even look like it went through an event let alone hours of training. It has been washed dozens of times and there is only slight fading on the inside… the rest of the hat looks as black as the day it was purchased. At $35 it is not the cheapest hat around but it is made in the USA and comes with a SCARS 6 month guarantee.

Conclusion

This is an awesome hat. It was loved well before it ever saw use at an event… and now that it has been to an event it will forever be on our GORUCK Light and GORUCK Tough packing lists. If you want to grab one for yourself check out GORUCK’s website and hopefully there will be one in stock for you!