Hats / Headwear

[tasadam]

If the weather is fine I wear my hat. If it is poor I will probably have my beanie on.
I also have a polypropylene balaclava but rarely wear that.
Sometimes I will have my beanie on underneath my hat.
My hat is perfect because it has a wide brim, it fits well and I can pull it down a bit for a real tight fit in windy weather. It is possible to screw it up in the tiniest ball or, usually, tuck it under straps in the top of my pack. It cops a lot of abuse like this. It always comes back to shape instantly, with no degredation.

So I thought I should share with you this fantastic hat.

http://www.salamanca.com.au/tazhatz/images/thumbs700/thumbs150/DSC00975_thumb.htm

I first bought a hat from him many years ago. I really loved it. But my wife used it, left it out, and the dog ate the sweaty leather from the forehead, leaving a big hole.
I finally bought another, and have had it a couple of years now.
If you are stuck for what to do for a good hat, this really is your answer.
No kickbacks, no associations, just that I have bought two hats from them and both have been excellent.
A couple of action shots of my hat in action on the Geryon photos in the gallery...

DSC00975_thumb.jpg (30.92 KiB) Viewed 40156 times

[Son of a Beach]

I'm fairly sure that's the same make (certainly same style) as what my wife wears. I was similarly impressed that a leather hat could be crumpled into a ball, and then fully regain it's shape so well so often.

I just wear a crappy army disposals hat most of the time, and when it's cold, a polar fleece beanie.

[walkinTas]

Cool hat Adam! I'm a hat man. I never walk without a hat. These days there are bits on top that would get sunburnt. A beany is a must for winter (I hate cold ears). I've been thinking of buying a Merino beany with the hope it would not be so itchy.

I'm not too keen on broad-rimmed hats that catch the wind. The hat I wore up Mt. Pillinger on Sunday was the Legionnaire style. They might not be a fashion statement, but they help avoid sunburn on the back of the neck and tops of the ears.

[Joe]

The hat I wore up Mt. Pillinger on Sunday was the Legionnaire style. They might not be a fashion statement, but they help avoid sunburn on the back of the neck and tops of the ears.

and by that of course you mean "hahahaha that person looks like a noof noof"

Leigoneers is a disease...i wouldnt wear a Gonhorea hat...

Back to matter at hand, Ive been wanting a wide brimmed hat for ages to wear walking in summer. Good leather ones are all way too expensive though. $40 for that particular one is a bargain. And I imagine the balling up for storage would give it a great worn in look...which you need otherwise you look like a member of the village people.

I think thats just been added to my xmas wish list. My pokey out ears need sun protection.

[Joe]

http://www.discountcamping.com.au/index ... dcade366b6

just found that page. about half way down is a kangaroo leather hat that appeals.

[tasadam]

http://www.discountcamping.com.au/index/products/hat/clothing?PHPSESSID=b418c5e12ed3331bfcc50edcade366b6

just found that page. about half way down is a kangaroo leather hat that appeals.

Interesting!

When I bought my second hat at Salamanca from this guy, I had a good look around at the markets to see what other hats were there. There was another maker of similarly shaped hats, but on close inspection, the stitching wasn't as good, these just looked a better quality. The stitching on the lesser ones (from Victoria) were a zig zag pattern; these were over-stitched...
I went to each store twice to compare before finally buying.

I would like to have a close look at these Kangaroo ones you've found. The blurb reads okay... here's their home page.
On closer inspection of their web site, it seems Allgoods may have them - http://www.barmahhats.com.au/aus_outlets.asp#tas
Might have to go check em out!

[norts]

I use my old army boonies hat. I like it because I can stash it away if its cold and I want to walk in my beanie.
it also dries quickly if it gets wet, tried a heavy cotton broad brim hat on the south coast but once it got wet it took days to dry so back to my light cotton broad brim camo hat.

Roger

[Joe]

Yeah if they do stock them that rocks. I was going to ask for one for xmas...and allgoods is way easier to ask rellies to shop at than online stores.

[tasadam]

Although your Kanga ones are one and a half times the price of the ones from Salamanca...

[Joe]

yeah but its under $20 difference...and they are kangaroo leather...making them infinitely more occer

I also like the statment "All kangaroo hides are obtained under the Australian Federal Government's Wildlife Protection Act".

I bet the roos all felt real protected as they were made into hats

[tasadam]

I bet the roos all felt real protected as they were made into hats

[Joe]

picked myself up a barmha hat today. blo0dy good buy. got it discounted from mate at walking shop. its light as feather, balls up to nothing, springs back to shape instantly and looks good. It was belated xmas present from my wife and along with my tent is my favourite xmas present

[ben.h]

Took my new Sea to Summit Java Gore-tex hat for its debut hike today up to Cathedral Rock and over to Mt Montague and return.

Nice brimmed hat, super light, fits nicely and breathes well.
Pros: Does not absorb liquid whatsoever (of course, it's Gore-tex).
Cons: Does not absorb liquid whatsoever (of course, it's Gore-tex).

I'm not yet sure how I feel about having a constant sheet of sweat streaming down my face and onto the back and front of my sunnies lenses requiring continual wiping with my shirt due to the hats "non-absorbency"!

[johnw]

I guess I must like hats too. Always wear one and somehow I've managed to collect 14 of them . Seven wide-brimmed of various styles and materials, one legionnaire cap, two baseball cap style, one American style winter peaked cap, two beanies and one of those buff things. No Gore-Tex to be seen, which might be a good thing by the sound of it . My favourites are probably two Columbia hats that weigh little, have a very absorbent nylon sweat band, include ways to stop them blowing off your head, and pack away to almost nothing. On really cold days/nights a thinsulate lined beanie does the trick .

[photohiker]

Hi all,

The time is rapidly approaching when I will need a new hat, and it occurred to me that there doesn't seem to be a navel gazing hat thread on the forum, so I might as well start it!

Currently, my go-to hat is a Barmah 1018CR Squashy in Kangaroo. Its been a great hat in most weather except extended rain.

Barmah Squashy



Good Points:
+ Good Sun cover
+ Looks Good
+ Comfortable
+ Good in light rain/drizzile
+ Keeps rain etc off my glasses.
+ Good protection from bumping into low-hanging branches etc.
+ Unusual (although I occasionally bump into another Barmah wearer)

Not so Good Points:
- Leaks after about an hour of steady rain. No amount of proofing helps this. I give it a regular dose of snoseal which helps but does not cure.
- Shape has gradually changed from undulating brim to heavily curved.
- Back of hat can tangle with top of pack.
- Sweaty in warm weather or high exertion.
- No strap - had to add one because:
- Can fly off in the wind.
- Bulky to pack, heavy when soggy and wet.

My other hat is an OR Sun Runner Cap which is good in the sun on windy days, especially in bright environments like the beach, water or snow.

Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap



Good Points
+ Very Good Sun Cover.
+ Full face and neck coverage (except nose)
+ Light and packs small
+ Secure in wind

Not so Good Points
- Not so waterproof
- Looks a bit dorky
- 'Curtains' don't fit me so well - not enough adjustment.
- Can get tangled - a bit 'strappy'
- Can be irritating to wear, especially if you already have a bit of sunburn or a few days growth.

The Sun Runner will stay, its useful and not a lot of weight to carry for the days I need it when my goto hat is not suitable. I'm currently looking for a waterproof replacement goto hat.

Candidates are the OR Seattle Sombrero:



or the Sunday Afternoons Oregon Cloudburst



Currently leaning to the Sunday Arvo hat. That drooping tail looks just the ticket for rain or sun. They also have a non-waterproof version called the Adventure hat which is slightly longer in the tail (and cheaper)

Interested to hear what hats are about and how they are performing!

[HitchHiking]

Great thread!

My hat is a waxed cotton canvas from Watership. It was manufactured in the USA just across the boarder from where I lived(since moved to china ). Its been around the world a few times with me and has seen vietnam, NZ and Canada.

It has been 3 ish years of loyal service through all adventures. It now has a massive hole in the front and a few small ones along the side as the canvas is really starting to wear but still has plenty of life. Now I must add that I am extremely proud to be wearing out a hat that had a lifetime warrenty!
http://watership.imperialheadwear.net/m ... all/Winter


Likes:

loyal (easily my third best friend)
waterproof (was )
durable
perfect brim size
packable
easy to clean and care

Dislikes:

When wet is shrinks slightly being canvas.
nothing else I can think of.

Heres a couple of actions shots over its life so far....

[walkinTas]

I have notice this offering from Lowe, but are yet to see it in any shops. Looks like something you could perhaps wear with a hooded coat.



http://www.tiso.com/shop/lowe/mountain_cap/

[sailfish]

I'm thinking of purchasing a L.L.Bean Upland Field hat in dark mushroom. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/57240?feat=sr

There is also the S2S Kimberly and Java.
I have the H2Off which is surprisingly fine for hours of light drizzle though I did treat it with Grangers 2 or is that 3 in one.
I like that it is cool and light and I can take the flap off and put a shell hood over it but I don't think it would be up to serious rain.
I don't like that the colour is way too light for fishing (no stealth) and the flap is on the outside (very bad for serious rain).
I wish there was a seriously sun/rain fishing/hunting option in this, lack of style.

I also like the look of the Failsworth Fisherman's wax hat though perhaps not for hiking.

There is the Columbia Torrent Downpour Booney breathable waterproof. I thought there was one with a minimal varying width brim but I can't find it now, "canoe hat" comes to mind.

Brim hats always have the problem of blowing off. Peak and flap hats stay on better but seem to muffle sound a little. So it's a compromise. Of course you can treat most fabrics to make many hats reasonably shower proof but Gore-Tex is essentially a waterproof membrane in it's own right so that seems a more sure thing. I like the idea of using waterproof sun hat and just adding a skullcap or balaclava for warmth but then I don't treck snow.


Regards,
Ken

[rucksack]

I've worn one of these for the past 14 years.

http://www.tilley.com/The-T2-Cotton-Duck-Hat.aspx

Tilley Endurables make great hats. I bought mine in Toronto at their HQ shop; (they are Canadian company). The T2 is waterproof, near on indestructable, and washes & dries in a flash. 100% cotton duck with brass 'fittings'. And it has a lifetime guarantee! What more could you ask of a hat?

rucksack

[tasadam]

It's been a while since I merged topics together. I just merged the topic started with the post by Photohiker above, with the existing hats topic, as there is a lot of useful stuff already in the existing topic.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to leave a shadow topic for the newer one, so all the new posts just got dumped into the existing topic.
Sorry 'bout that.

[photohiker]

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to leave a shadow topic for the newer one, so all the new posts just got dumped into the existing topic.
Sorry 'bout that.

Butcher!

Never mind that, hows your Salamanca hat going? Are you still using it, or have you moved on?

Needing glasses and having fair and sensitive skin makes brim hats a stand out preference for me. The first time I wore the Barmah in the rain was a revelation! Previously, I had relied on my shell's hood or a peak style baseball hat which are useless at keeping rain away from specs (and the most sun off your face)

[tasadam]

Butcher!

Well, you know, if you did a search.......

I finally bought another, and have had it a couple of years now.

Still got it, still going strong. And if ever I lose it or the dog eats it (again ) I'd definitely get another.
About the only thing that's changed since the first post is that I don't ever use the balaclava.

[photohiker]

Butcher!

Well, you know, if you did a search.......

Actually, I did a search but gave up looking after a bunch of pages. This old thread hadn't been touched in so long that you probably needed a shovel to exhume it!

Still got it, still going strong. And if ever I lose it or the dog eats it (again ) I'd definitely get another.
About the only thing that's changed since the first post is that I don't ever use the balaclava.

Does it remain waterproof after extended heavy rain? That's where the Barmah fails. Note that I don't know if a new Barmah leaks like this, or if it is the result of the leather drying out or general wear and tear. It was already nearly a year old when I found myself wearing it in the rain, and maybe another 6 month or so before I discovered the leaks. I bought it as a sun hat under Dermo advice about my skin. I also didn't start treating it with any conditioner until the leaks started, so it could be that a new hat regularly treated to keep it supple would perform better than my abused copy.

I think I'm going to give one of those Sunday arvo Cloudbursts a go.

[tasadam]

Does it remain waterproof after extended heavy rain?

If the weather is fine I wear my hat. If it is poor I will probably have my beanie on.

It will absorb water, but I never really know how much because if it turns to more than a drizzle the hat goes away and the hood of the japara does its thing.
Though, it's never been soaked so I don't know exactly how "absorbent" it is. I've never treated it with anything. If you're looking for a hat that absorbs no water, this probably isn't the hat. I reckon there'd be lighter weight hats out there too, not that it's super heavy or anything. It's still the hat for me though. I like the way it fits, and feels.

[stu]

I've been using this hat for the last 3 years or so & really love it:

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/lig ... ucket.html

It's perfect IMHO, a great rain hat (I hate wearing a hood unless it's really foul, it feels claustrophobic) & a great sun hat so it covers all seasons.
It's very light (75g) & can be rolled up & stored in any pocket or rolls into it's own little integrated pouch.
When it's really cold / snowing I wear a thin merino beanie underneath it & it performs beautifully.
I love it so much I have a spare one sitting in the toy box at home for when my current one dies.

All personal prefernce tho

Cheers.
Stu.

[north-north-west]

I replaced my poor old beloved grotty, ragged, patched old felt bush hat with a Barmah squashy, although it hardly ever gets worn. I don't like wearing hats.
But as soon as it gets cool enough, the thinsulate lined beanie goes on. I don't go anywhere without my beanie. sometimes two of them . .

[andrewa]

I've had a OR Seattle Sombrero for a few years. I love it. It breathes enough and is very waterproof, and has a strap to hold it on. My hiking/fishing/packrafting mate hates the look of it. His problem, not mine. I think it's perfect. I wrecked one by putting it in the drier by mistake -went all curvy. Don't do this

[Area54]

I'm a fan of Frillnecks up here in sunny QLD, great coverage and very flexible to set up for particular needs. Broad peak, good ventilation.

http://www.frillneck.com.au/catalog/index.php

I have this fantastic possum fur hat from Solo (NZ cycling wear supplier) that is just amazing. Soft, warm even when saturated.

Combine them with a winter Buff.

[forest]

Okay a bit of an open question.

Just wondering what everyone uses and why there reasoning is ??

Here's mine:

Type: Akubra Cattleman (full brimmed hat)
Why: Sun protection (that's an obvious) but it's also a great rain hat.
I find myself a lot cooler when wearing a rain shell if I can have the hood off or rolled down and the neck open a little. Just lets so much more heat escape. That's where I find the full brimmed hat better than just a cap as it eliminates the water running down the sides of my neck and back. It's a great hat in a drizzle/shower or not too windy rain, not so much a storm though with high winds.
That's the downside to this type of hat is when your in very exposed windy conditions. I have hole punched the rear of the hat and I attach mini carabiner with a small bungie cord tied to my pack. If I get an unexpected wind gust and the hat is blasted off I don't lose it off a cliff etc. I know I could use a tie under my neck but I don't find them comfortable at all. It's gotta be pretty gusty to blast the hat off but it does happen.
If I have the hat off I just clip it up through the hole/carabiner on my pack somewhere. Seems to come back to shape easy enough when I squash it up anyway.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I used to wear one of those funny looking hats with the enclosed sides, Made me look like I was from Dubia.

I than started wearing a cap, recently purchased a Columbia Omni-shade hat from Mountain Designs, on sale from 30.00 to $8.00
Have not tried it on a hike thus far, but worn it around the house, very comfy and light and I don't look like a dork like a did with my Abu Dabia hat.