Quick Answer
For beach lounging and casual wear, the Dakine Pindo Straw Hat offers classic style and reliable shade, but for active water sports like surfing or paddleboarding, the Dakine Indo Surf Hat provides water-friendly coverage and a secure fit.
Material and Water Resistance
The Pindo Straw Hat is made from 100% straw with a polyester underbrim, giving it a classic beach look but making it less suited for repeated wet use. Straw can become heavy and lose shape when soaked.
In contrast, the Indo Surf Hat uses 100% nylon (in black) or polyester prints, which are quick-drying and water-friendly. This makes it a better choice for activities where you'll be splashed or submerged.
Fit and Security
Both hats include features to keep them on your head. The Pindo has an integrated elastic headband and a cinch chin strap, ideal for breezy days on the sand.
The Indo Surf Hat also includes a chin strap and adds foam brim inserts that help the hat float if it gets knocked off in the water—a key advantage for surfers and paddlers.
Coverage and Versatility
The Indo Surf Hat features a stowable flap for added neck coverage, making it more versatile for long days on the water where sun exposure is intense.
The Pindo Straw Hat offers a classic wide brim that provides reliable shade for your face and ears, but it lacks the extended neck protection of the surf hat.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Classic style vs. water-ready performance: If you prioritize a timeless beach look and don't plan to get wet, the Pindo Straw Hat delivers. If you'll be in the water, the Indo Surf Hat's quick-dry materials are worth the trade-off.
- Neck coverage vs. minimalism: The Indo Surf Hat's stowable flap adds essential neck protection for long water sessions. The Pindo Straw Hat offers a simpler profile but less coverage. If you burn easily on your neck, choose the surf hat even for dry activities.
- Floatability vs. weight: The Indo Surf Hat's foam brim inserts help it float, but they add slight bulk. The Pindo Straw Hat is lighter and more packable for beach bags. Consider how often you'll be near water when deciding which hat to pack.
Product Facts
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Pindo Straw Hat: Classic straw hat with a subtle Hawaiian style, featuring an integrated elastic headband and cinch chin strap. This hat stays put during beach walks or casual outings, but its straw material isn't ideal for getting wet.
Pindo Straw Hat
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Indo Surf Hat: Water-friendly sun hat with a stowable neck flap and foam brim inserts that keep it afloat. The floating brim and secure fit make it reliable for surf, SUP, and sailing where losing your hat is a real risk.
Indo Surf Hat
Which Hat Fits Your Day?
Best for
- The Dakine Pindo Straw Hat is best for beach lounging, casual walks, or garden parties where style matters more than water resistance.
- The Dakine Indo Surf Hat is best for surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, or any water activity where secure fit and neck coverage are critical.
Not for
- The Pindo Straw Hat is not for water sports or heavy sweating, as straw can degrade and lose shape when wet.
- The Indo Surf Hat is not for formal or dressy occasions, where a straw hat's classic look would be more appropriate.