Hats...

[Mesquite]

I've recently noticed a number of different comments about hats in different threads so I thought I'd ask this.

If you wear a hat for going out and about what is it and why do you prefer that particular hat?

Personally, I wear a swagman hat literally all the time, so much so that I've had instructions I mustn't wear it to press functions at work now It's about 6 years old and it's treated it regularly with a beeswax compound to keep it supple and waterproof. It's like an old companion that I feel something missing when I don't have it on.

 

[Pict]

My hat is typical of the kind used here in cattle country. It is made from used heavy canvass truck tarp. I like it because it provides good protection from the sun and once wet it dries slowly and helps with evaporative cooling. It is tough enough to use as a potholder, water bucket, bug swatter, etc. For a long time I used the same OD US Army bush hat but it finally wore out. I like this hat better. Mac

 

[Deleted member 4605]

Mine's a Barmah Oiled Squashy (in brown). I've only had it for almost a year (bought it in Australia), but I love it. A perfect fit, and it stands up well to the wind/rain.

 

[SimonM]

I've got this ...

Jacaru - Wallaroo Collection - Oiled Leather Waterproof, Packable Hat. A recent addition to my collection, but I already feel naked without it when out & about!

I've also got a fleece beanie that I wear when its cold out, and to sleep in!

Simon

 

[John Fenna]

Good old Tilley T3 is my all time favourite - see the review in the review section - but quite impressed with the Kakadu leather range as well...

 

[sandbender]

Another vote for Barmah

The colour would run in heavy rain for the first few months but seems to have stabilized now.

 

[marshall4771]

I have Barmah foldable , had it for 5 years and its as good as new. I've just treated myself to an Akubra Cattlemans, very comfy so lets see if it lasts.

Shaun

 

[British Red]

Tweed flat cap.

Keeps the rain out of my eyes, my head warm when its cold and allows me to wear ear defenders when I need to.

Good enough for 5 generations of farmer - good enough for me

Red

 

[Cap'n Badger]

I wears this......near on all the time

Which folds out t' this.....when it gets a tad squally....

Who said Pirates.....(honest fishermen).....ain't practical..lol

 

[hiho]

a funny coloured base ball cap

 

[tombear]

most of the time its a Tilley as you can actually get them to fit my head, the qualitys good, the colours what I like (OG), you can machine wash it, the brims the right size for what I want, the neck and nape cords work when it blows, the pocket in the crown, if you remove the padding, neatly takes a folded head net (treated and inside a ziploc) and a couple of those large graze type dressings that never fit inside a first aid kit without the packaging ripping and a few pills as a emergency back up. Also somebody else paid for it!

ATB

Tom

 

[verloc]

I quite fancy a hat - but only if it keeps the sun/wind/rain off AND makes me look like Indiana Jones. This thread is is certainly providing lots of ideas, keep 'em coming.

Cheers Guys

 

[Jedadiah]

I favour the Kakadu's; a good combination of quality and affordability. If i'd spent a lot of money on a hat, i'd be loathed to fan a fire with it or put it down when bushcrafting. Guillane came down to the Moot last year and i picked him up from Cardiff Airport to take him to the camp site. He misplaced his Akubra and, if that was me, i'd be heart-broken.

Yup, Kakadu, between £15 and £35 dependant on where you get it from, a good range of styles and colours as well as materials. Quality build, a good compromise.

 

[Mesquite]

....... Also somebody else paid for it!

Now that sure is a big decider in choosing a hat

 

[Rebel]

It is made from used heavy canvass truck tarp. I like it because it provides good protection from the sun and once wet it dries slowly and helps with evaporative cooling. Mac

Interesting that in your climate you prefer something that stays wet and dries slowly. Here in wet cold England I tend to prefer stuff that dries quickly if it gets wet or protects you from the rain altogether.

I like hats and have a variety for different occasions, depending on what the weather is like and where and what I'm doing.

I use a Buff on lots of occasions. I use a lightweight Columbia sun hat when I want something I can stuff in my pocket, I have felt cowboy style hat and a Driza-Bone leather hat that I really like. I like the all round sun and rain protection that wide brimmed hats give. I quite like baseball hats in some situations too.

I guess if I had more money I'd have more hats.

 

[tommy the cat]

YEP Barmargh squishy, bought in Canada on a bit of a whim.....far too much money but good hat. The fact it folded was the seller for me.
I wear a boonie hat for tracking and a trappers hat when cold + beanies oh and a buff.
Do fancy a tilley for the summer months as the kangaroo leather can be a bit warm.
Good review John although I had already decided on one.......
Dave

 

[squantrill]

http://www.penroseoutdoors.co.uk/acatalog/WhiteRock_Outback_Classic_Khaki.html

I have one of these its was a cheaper version than the tilly which I fancied, but after one trip it's corroiding !! ok it was a sea kayaking trip but still!..
on the vent holes there is corroision and the shapes gone!!
The cool max thing sticks in your head a bit when it gets wet and gives me a head ache..

That said.. its weatherproof warm yet cool to wear its got a wide brim keeps the sun out of your eyes and face and your neck!, it has bug repellent that seems to work ok and its an ok price..

There is a safety pocket in the hat for passport and such and a chin strap.. it wont fall off!! even in a storm trust me..

Usability 9/10
Look after one trip 6/10

overall 7/10

 

[John Fenna]

I find that with the White Rock hats, the cooling works well but you need to size them to allow for the room the crystals take up when hydrated!
With most hats I kind of like it when they develop a bit of "character" so this is a plus point for me...
I have just started reviewing some of the Whitte Rock hats for a couple of mags and realy quite like them, finding them much better than some I have used in the past, one of their range seriously amongst my all time favourites now!

 

[Dougster]

A baseball cap most of the time.

A wool felt Drizabone which used to get worn for dog walking and a wool hat for when it's cold.

Recently bought a REALLY cheap US Army boonie in digicam, nasty pattern, great hat.

 

[tommy the cat]

John, sizing on Tilleys?
Would you allow for stretch wear or just use the sizing chart after measuring above the eyebrows?
Dave
Slightly paranoid after buying by Barmagh a bit tight!