Chillba

Born from a National Geographic photo, a used pizza box, and a utility knife, the Chillba is one of those ideas that could only have come out of KAVU HQ. Barry Barr spotted a lightweight traditional sun hat in a photo from Vietnam and started experimenting with ways to bring that combination of shade and breathability into the outdoors. A few sacrificed pizza boxes later, he had a pattern. Working with Mr. Hong, the idea evolved into the Chillba we know today.

Underneath the unmistakable circular brim is some seriously functional headwear. A quick-dry mesh headpiece keeps air moving, while patterned tubular webbing and an adjustable toggle provide a secure fit. The wide, semi-padded brim delivers UPF 50+ sun protection, sheds water, and floats. It may look like a good time, but it takes keeping your melon covered seriously.

Details

• Semi-padded circular sun hat
• Wide brim for maximum sun coverage
• UPF 50+ protection
• Water-resistant fabric
• Quick-dry polyester mesh headpiece
• Patterned nylon tubular webbing
• Adjustable toggle-lock fit
• High-profile 4" crown
• Floats in water
• One size fits most
• Fits approximately S–XL
• Head circumference: 20.5"–25.5"
• Constructed in the USA from worldwide materials

Materials

• Solids: 100% nylon, water resistant, UPF 50+
• Prints: 100% polyester, water resistant, UPF 50+

Care & Storage

The Chillba likes a little personal space. Store it hanging on a wall or resting flat on a shelf. Traveling? Roll it gently like a burrito—never fold it like a taco. Once that brim gets creased, it tends to remember.

KAVU History

The Chillba came to life after customers began asking for a traditional sun hat to follow the original Strapcap. Its unlikely path from a magazine photograph to pizza-box prototype to KAVU classic is a pretty good example of KAVUism #247: “Local Feel, Worldwide Appeal.”

Watch: The Origin of the Chillba