While Detroit Free Press Travel Writer Ellen Creager is away, here is one of her reader-favorite columns from 2012. Ann Bagley was on a Galapagos Islands ferry when she spotted the Tilley Hat Man.

Alex Tilley was in his early 40s when he set out to design a classy, durable hat for weekend sailors like himself. The iconic Tilley hat became a Canadian success story, and spawned the Tilley ...

• What: Hemp hat with built-in UV protection. • Aimed at: Boaters, beach bums, safarigoers and other active travelers looking for extra protection from the sun. • How much: $69. • Evaluation: $69 for ...

The fate of the Tilley hat is in limbo, as the inventor, Alex Tilley, has announced he’s retiring at the age of 77 and selling his company, Tilley Endurables. Tilley lived in Sudbury during his teens ...