Findlay Black Dad Hat

by Findlay Hats,  /findlay-black-dad-hat/
Findlay Black Dad Hat
Findlay Black Dad Hat
Best Warranty
View on Amazon

We may earn a commission. Our picks remain independent. Disclosure

About the Product

The Findlay Black Dad Hat is a casual, everyday cap with a rare perk for the category: a lifetime warranty. Findlay commits to repair or replace hats that are damaged (e.g., ripped seams, failed grommets, broken snaps, frayed threads) and explains the claim process in plain language. You’ll email photos to start, then mail the hat in; shipping is covered both ways for U.S. orders within 90 days, with some costs shifting to the customer after that. Exclusions are typical—stains, general wear, and long-term fabric weakening aren’t covered—and discontinued models may be swapped for a “mystery hat.”

On durability and care, Findlay says its hats are hand-modified in-house and “battle-tested,” and they’re water-resistant (not waterproof) with clear rinse-and-air-dry guidance. For fixability, the brand sells replacement Stampede laces and wood clips, and the chin-lace system can be retied for a more secure fit in wind or on the water. Functionally, this is still a dad-hat: an adjustable strap-back with standard eyelets and no published UPF rating or brim measurement, so sun coverage is more limited than purpose-built sun hats. If you value repairability and long-term support, this is a solid, low-profile option; if you need maximum sun protection, look for a wide-brimmed hat with a tested UPF.

About Findlay Hats

Findlay Hats is a Portland-based independent brand known for its commitment to durability and long-term wear. Founded in the mid-2010s, the company built its reputation around rugged, repairable hats designed for everyday adventure. Each hat includes practical touches like hidden pockets and custom strap systems, backed by a lifetime warranty that promises to repair or replace any damaged hat. That warranty—even when replacements come as a “mystery hat”—is a key part of Findlay’s mission to keep its products in use rather than in landfills.

The brand’s loyal community, known as the Findlay Force, helps sustain its strong reputation for reliability and customer care. Independent reviews consistently praise both the product quality and the responsiveness of its small support team. Findlay’s transparency about its repair process and its consistent follow-through on warranty claims reinforce a level of consumer trust that’s rare among smaller direct-to-consumer apparel makers.

While Findlay is still a privately held company and lacks large-scale financial disclosures, it has maintained steady growth and active operations from its own Oregon warehouse. For shoppers seeking long-lasting headwear with genuine post-purchase support, Findlay Hats stands out as a modern example of small-brand craftsmanship paired with repair-first values.

Product Score:   52.0

Mission & Values
Whether the brand explicitly commits to durability, repairability, and sustainability.
Ideal: Brand mission and actions clearly prioritize long-lasting, repairable products.
Confidence — HIGH
5 sources
78.0% (W 40%)
PRO
Explicit lifetime warranty that promises to fix or replace damaged hats, signaling a long-term support ethos.Operationalized repair path (email/CSR workflow) showing repairability is built into customer service.Brand positioning emphasizes durability-centric features (stampede laces, hidden pockets) and "Built for Good Times" messaging aligned to hard-wearing use.Transparent policy that if a style can't be remade, a replacement "mystery hat" will be provided to keep customers covered.
CON
Warranty replacements may be a different style ("mystery hat") when exact models are no longer made, which can disappoint customers seeking identical replacements.
Track Record / Reputation
Independent history of reliability and consumer trust.
Ideal: Decades of consistent positive reputation from reviews, watchdogs, and experts.
Confidence — MEDIUM
4 sources
70.0% (W 40%)
PRO
Consistently positive customer feedback on an independent review site (Sitejabber average ~4.5/5 across posted reviews).Large, active customer community (“Findlay Force”) with ongoing engagement and repeat purchasing behavior showcased in public channels.Public demonstration of honoring lifetime warranty in practice (e.g., repair/replace videos), reinforcing trust in post-purchase support.
CON
Limited volume of third-party professional/editorial reviews; most sentiment comes from user reviews and brand-hosted communities.No readily verifiable BBB profile or watchdog track record specific to the company; independent ratings remain sparse compared to larger legacy hat brands.
Corporate Stability
Financial and organizational stability of the brand or company.
Ideal: Established, stable company with low risk of discontinuing support.
Confidence — MEDIUM
4 sources
66.0% (W 20%)
PRO
Operating history dating back to mid-2010s with ongoing product drops, own warehouse/retail presence, and sustained community growth.Active business listings and profiles (e.g., D&B; foreign LLC registration record in Washington) indicating ongoing corporate activity and compliance.
CON
Privately held DTC brand with limited public financial disclosures; long-term stability is harder to independently verify.Small-to-mid team size and niche category concentration could expose the brand to demand fluctuations compared with diversified apparel firms.
Coverage
Scope of what failures the warranty covers.
Ideal: Full coverage of defects and workmanship, including all major components.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
75.0% (W 20%)
PRO
Lifetime warranty promises repair or replacement if a hat breaks or is damaged.Policy lists covered issues such as rips/tears, grommets or pockets pulling out, buttons/snaps falling out, lace damage, frayed threads, smashed wood clips, and factory defects.
CON
Excludes basic wear, sweat or dirt stains, structural weakening over time, theft/loss, and intentional damage.If a hat is irreparable and discontinued, replacement may be a "mystery hat" rather than the same style.
Duration
Length of warranty term.
Ideal: ≥10 years (lifetime where feasible).
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
90.0% (W 30%)
DATA
Lifetime
Ease
How simple it is to file and process a warranty claim.
Ideal: Clear online or phone process requiring minimal effort or paperwork.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
70.0% (W 10%)
PRO
Clear instructions: email customer service with name, issue description, and photos to start a claim.Physical address and packaging guidance provided for mailing hats for repair.
CON
Customer must ship the hat to the brand; improper packaging can void coverage.Typical turnaround listed as 2–4 weeks for returns/repairs.
Cost
Direct costs to the customer for warranty service.
Ideal: No cost to the customer, including free shipping and parts.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
60.0% (W 10%)
DATA
US orders: within 90 days Findlay covers shipping both ways; after 90 days or if not original owner, customer pays shipping to Findlay (brand covers return). International: customer pays return shipping, brand covers shipping back.
Exclusions
Limitations or carve-outs in warranty terms.
Ideal: Few or no exclusions; coverage applies to all core components.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
60.0% (W 10%)
PRO
Exclusions are explicitly listed and easy to find.
CON
Stains, basic wear, and structural weakening over time are not covered.Irreparable/discontinued styles may be replaced with a mystery hat, not the original style.
Transparency
Clarity and accessibility of warranty wording.
Ideal: Plain-language warranty document published openly online.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
80.0% (W 10%)
PRO
Warranty page is public and written in plain language with examples of covered and not-covered issues.Process, timelines, and shipping responsibilities are described on the page.
CON
Outcome for discontinued items can be a "mystery hat," which may leave uncertainty about replacement value/style.
Transferability
Whether warranty transfers to subsequent owners.
Ideal: Warranty fully transferable between owners with no loss of coverage.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
70.0% (W 10%)
DATA
Yes—service offered even if not original owner (customer pays shipping to Findlay).
Fabric UV Protection
Resistance of the hat’s fabric to ultraviolet radiation, protecting both the material and wearer.
Ideal: UPF 50+ rating with permanent protection that does not wash out or degrade with sun exposure.
Confidence — LOW
0 sources
0.0% (W 35%)
DATA
Material Durability
Strength and abrasion resistance of the outer fabric against wear, sweat, and salt.
Ideal: High-denier nylon, polyester, or natural fibers proven to resist fraying and UV degradation for years of outdoor use.
Confidence — MEDIUM
2 sources
55.0% (W 30%)
PRO
Brand FAQ asserts hats are inspected for quality in structure and build.Product page claims hats are "battle-tested in snow, water, wind" and hand-modified in-house.
CON
No material specification (fiber type/denier) or third-party durability testing is provided.
Water and Sweat Resistance
Ability of the fabric to repel water and resist sweat staining or odor buildup.
Ideal: Hydrophobic or quick-drying coating that maintains repellency after 20+ washes.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
50.0% (W 20%)
PRO
FAQ states hats are water-resistant (not waterproof) and can be used in water with care.Care steps provided: rinse with fresh water and air-dry in original form to avoid wrinkling.
CON
No quantified repellency or wash-cycle durability data.Brand notes hats will still get wet; sweat/stain resistance is not specified.
Stitching and Construction Quality
Precision and reinforcement of seams, eyelets, and panels that affect structural integrity.
Ideal: Double-stitched seams with reinforced stress points and consistent alignment throughout.
Confidence — MEDIUM
1 sources
60.0% (W 15%)
PRO
Product page lists in-house modifications: laser-cut leather patch sewn in-house, added grommets, hidden pocket, and patented lace/wood clip.Brand states hats are hand-modified and "battle-tested" for tough conditions.
CON
No stitch count, seam reinforcement specs, or construction test data published.
Component Replaceability
Ease of replacing parts like chin cords, sweatbands, or ventilation mesh.
Ideal: Modular or easily replaceable components using standard attachments or brand-supplied replacements.
Confidence — HIGH
3 sources
65.0% (W 40%)
PRO
Replacement Stampede laces are sold separately.Replacement wood clips are sold separately.Patented Stampede lace system is user-adjustable and designed to be re-tied/reattached.
CON
No evidence of replaceable sweatbands, eyelets, or other structural components.No official instructions for swapping sweatbands or internal parts.
Wash & Care Maintenance
Ease of cleaning the hat without damaging its structure, color, or protection.
Ideal: Machine-washable or simple hand-wash care that retains shape and UV protection for 50+ cycles.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
40.0% (W 25%)
PRO
Care guidance provided: rinse with fresh water after use and air-dry in original form; avoid crushing while drying.
CON
Not machine-washable; brand notes hats are not waterproof and may wrinkle if dried while misshapen.No data on shape retention after repeated wash/clean cycles.
Availability of Spare Parts
Access to replacement pieces or accessories from the manufacturer or third parties.
Ideal: Brand provides replacement chin cords, bands, and snaps directly or through retail partners.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
55.0% (W 20%)
PRO
Extra Stampede laces and wood clips are available directly from the brand.
CON
No spare sweatbands, eyelets, or brim components listed.Limited catalog of repair-oriented parts beyond lace and clip.
Repairability Support
Brand or community support for repairing minor damage or restoring shape.
Ideal: Manufacturer offers repair guidance or in-house repair service for tears, sweatband replacement, and reshaping.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
55.0% (W 15%)
PRO
Brand offers in-house repair or replacement under lifetime warranty.Detailed shipping address and process provided for sending hats for repair.
CON
No published guides or services for replacing internal components like sweatbands.Repair scope beyond warranty items is not documented.
Ventilation & Breathability
Effectiveness of mesh panels or fabric design in promoting airflow and cooling.
Ideal: Integrated mesh or air channels that maintain airflow even during high heat and activity.
Confidence — MEDIUM
1 sources
35.0% (W 30%)
PRO
Standard dad-hat construction with eyelets; no obstructive features called out.
CON
No mesh panels or dedicated ventilation features are specified for this model.No airflow or breathability claims or data provided.
Sun Coverage
Amount of physical coverage provided by the brim and crown for face, ears, and neck.
Ideal: Brim width ≥ 3 inches (7.6 cm) with full circumference coverage and neck protection where possible.
Confidence — LOW
1 sources
0.0% (W 30%)
DATA
Fit & Adjustability
Ability to fine-tune fit using internal bands, cords, or size adjustment features.
Ideal: Adjustable sizing system with internal sweatband or drawcord ensuring secure fit in wind.
Confidence — HIGH
3 sources
75.0% (W 25%)
PRO
Adjustable strap-back; one size fits most.Patented Stampede lace can be brought under the chin for extra security in wind or water.
CON
No internal sizing band or micro-adjustment system beyond strap-back.Fit may vary by blank supplier; brand notes variability across batches.
Packability & Shape Retention
Ease of folding or packing without causing permanent creases or loss of form.
Ideal: Crushable design that retains original shape after being folded or packed in a bag.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
20.0% (W 15%)
PRO
CON
Brand advises keeping the hat in original form while drying and avoiding crushing to prevent permanent wrinkles.No claims of crushability or shape retention after packing/folding.

See details on our Scoring Method.

Sources

These references are living documents: our research team and community continually review and update them to keep product evaluations accurate and fair. When stronger or more up-to-date sources emerge, we re-score accordingly. If you know of a credible study, review, or technical resource we’ve missed, please share it below — every contribution helps strengthen the evidence base.

Submit a Source

  1. Dad Hat
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    Navy cap with a leather patch & Brown & Navy Stampede Lace. Our caps are the most unique, customizable & functional hats on the planet. Each hat is hand modified in Portland Oregon with added grommets, embroidery & custom-made pockets. Battle-tested in snow, water, wind, and on…
  2. How to use your Findlay Hat
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    How to use your Findlay Hat
  3. Accessories
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    Built for good times. Stampede laces, hidden pockets, lifetime warranty & free shipping!
  4. From my living room to a 7 figure brand over 5 years, 1 day at a time ...
    reddit.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    Mar 5, 2019 ... Big Fan of Findlay hats for a while (and it's great to have the guys ... reviews, to purely entertaining or interesting content, to a few other ...
  5. Findlay Hats - Review
    thepaddlejunkie.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    Sep 22, 2015 ... Findlay Hats - Review ... A couple weeks before I headed out to Denver for the 4th of July weekend I found a sick hat on my Facebook feed and ...
  6. Reviews
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    Reviews from the Findlay Force. ... Findlay hats always go above my expectations on there hats. Love the color ...
  7. B550 Front Panel Connectors
    tiktok.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    ... Findlay Hats LLC @HAVNGlobal #buildHAVN #FYP #BuiltNotBought #PcBuilding #PcGaming ... This guarantees all our clients. 1 year PC build warranty. and ...
  8. Gift Card Gift Card Findlay Hats
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    Give them the gift of choice with a Findlay Hats gift card. Gift cards are delivered by email and contain instructions to redeem them at checkout.
  9. Yūgen Spaceboi Hats Findlay Hats
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    ... Yūgen Spaceboi Hats Findlay Hats ... Review Ask a Question. Reviews; Questions. Thank you for posting a question ...
  10. Straw Jolly Force Limited Edition Hats Findlay Hats
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    ... care of with a free replacement hat, but just wanted to make sure the ... Findlay Hats. Hey Kaleb! Looks like you may have gotten a batch using the ...
  11. Findlay hats, mediocre execution for a made in China, “handcrafted ...
    reddit.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    Apr 27, 2021 ... Findlay hats, mediocre execution for a made in China, “handcrafted ... Hat collectors take care of their hats. He doesn't replace that ...
  12. Deathstronaut 2.0
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    ... Deathstronaut 2.0 Limited Edition Hats Findlay Hats ... Review Ask a Question. Reviews; Questions. Thank you for posting a question! Your ...
  13. Warranty & Returns
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    We have a lifetime warranty on all Findlay Hats, which means if your hat breaks or is damaged, we will fix or replace it for free. If your hat is not reparable and no longer made, we will replace it with a mystery hat. We have over 1000 hats so it is impossible for us to remake many of the styles…
  14. help
    findlayhats.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    FAQ If you have any questions, this is a great place to start! Shipping How long does shipping take? Standard, non Limited Edition hats, our target is under 1 weekFor Limited Edition Hats, 2-3 weeks is average. Order Processing All our production is done in-house, and most hats are made to order.…
  15. Findlay Hats Reviews - 4.5 Stars
    sitejabber.com · Updated 2025-10-29
    Findlay Hats has a rating of 4.5 stars from 11 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases.

Status

Created 2025-10-29 COMPLETE
Updated 2025-10-30 COMPLETE
Published PUBLISHED
Scored 2025-10-29 COMPLETE

Change Log

2025-10-29 UPDATED product metadata edits
2025-10-29 UPDATED product metadata edits
2025-10-29 UPDATED product metadata edits

Report a Problem

See anything off with the scoring, sources, or product data on this page? Flag it and we’ll review quickly.

Report a Problem