Camping/Hiking hats?

The REI Sahara Outback Cape Hat has been my sun hat for camping and hiking for a long time.

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In fact, I think I'm on my third. I lost the first one, (took it off in the shadows of Santa Elena Cyn, Big Bend NP, set it down on a rock...and forgot it) and I bought a third so I would have one that didn't have massive sweat stains -- for formal use. :D

I like the neck-protecting cape, and sometimes use it in severe sun, though I usually have it tucked away in the brim.

Recommended!
 
Craig, I just posted a link on the Fun in the Sun thread. I like the Sun Day Afternoon hats.

Mine have the massive sweat stains Mark mentions... :p
 
The best sun hat is one you'll wear - I became a believer after some skin cancer scares a few years ago...my go to hat is my Outdoor Research Sombriolet. Breaths good, covers well, and dries quickly (such as mine a dunk in the Lamar River last fall). Also machine washable, for the aforementioned sweat stains :)

https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/en/sombriolet-sun-hat/p/2434410008008

I recently bought a back-up to keep in the camper Every now and then they go on clearance for last year's colors. BUT the camo ones are not the same nylon/polyester mix and are cotton, so keep an eye out.
 
Many folks wear the Tilley hats which come in several different ventilation styles. Tilly's do not work well in the wind but are more comfortable for the campground.


The Outback Trading Company River Guide hats have stiffer hat brims and work better in the wind when hiking the high country.

Both are available at amazon and Tilley is available at many sporting goods stores.

I wear only the River Guide hat and my wife uses either depending on the wind.

I strongly recommend getting a brim hat with a chin strap/string for high country hiking.
 
I have several Tilly hats. Their manual recommends sizing the hat for comfort rather than a tight fit to keep it on your head. Use the chin strap to keep the hat on your head in the wind. That has worked for me so far. It would be nice to find a high visibility model. Sometimes, that is what I need.

Paul
 
Military adopted the "Bonnie" hat during Viet Nam conflict for various reasons. But, it has stood out as a favorite for keeping the sun off the face, ears and neck.

Aussie's call it the "Giggle" hat. You see boonie/giggle hats all over the Outback.

Today, there are many variants made of high tech fibers enhancing UV protection.

Having recently had a basal cell removed form my nose, I need to adopt a better hat (always worn baseball style hats) and wear better (and reapply more often) sunscreen with a higher UV protection rating.

Protection is a multi-faceted approach, just not clothing, but, sunscreen and avoiding exposure at higher (and lower) latitudes and elevations during high sun angles on clear days. But you can burn on cloudy days as well.
 
I still have a couple my old BLM "Boonie" hats ( based on us. military type head gear) that served me well since the 1980's! There are always couple of old baseball caps some where in the camper and my winter "Mad Bomber"pile cap just in case I get stuck in a snow storm..

Smoke
 
My family grew up making hats. Been around all sorts most all my life. Personally I believe a quality “cowboy” hat is the best overall option. Good ones are not cheap but the best value in the long run. I have a 100% beaver that I wear as a work and recreation hat all winter and even well into the summer. Great for shedding sun, water, snow, etc. water will not hurt it and is so comfortable I forget it is there until I take it off. It would cost me close to $800-$1000 to replace it and I certainly will when (if) the time comes. I have it for 20+ years, had it refurbished twice with new hatband and lining and it still probably has another 29 years left in it. When the weather gets really warm I have a couple of straw hats but my favorite is a “panama” that can be rolled up. Again, not cheap but a good value in the long run.
 
windy said:
My family grew up making hats. Been around all sorts most all my life. Personally I believe a quality “cowboy” hat is the best overall option. Good ones are not cheap but the best value in the long run. I have a 100% beaver that I wear as a work and recreation hat all winter and even well into the summer. Great for shedding sun, water, snow, etc. water will not hurt it and is so comfortable I forget it is there until I take it off. It would cost me close to $800-$1000 to replace it and I certainly will when (if) the time comes. I have it for 20+ years, had it refurbished twice with new hatband and lining and it still probably has another 29 years left in it. When the weather gets really warm I have a couple of straw hats but my favorite is a “panama” that can be rolled up. Again, not cheap but a good value in the long run.
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My grandfather and his brothers (all cowboys in every sense and meaning of the word) always wore a hat similar to Stetson's El Presidente felt hat. Kind like the hat Olyphant mad popular on Justified, but, with the regular Stetson brim, not steamed and bent out of shape.

Just not as easy to stow as a boonie. Plus, I don't want to look like a Raylan Givens wanna be. Even though I thought he wore a very cool (no pun intended) hat.
 
Impressive Groovy!!!

I've made many things from scratch...but never thought about a hat!

Edited to add: Groovy you have a very nice web site and a wide range of interests. Good for you!!!
 
I don't even like head coverings. I'll make exceptions for warmth and keeping the sun out of my eyes. I'm also not so stubborn that I'll risk my skin (anymore). I'm sure I'll get used to wearing one. Ordered a couple to see what I like.
 
craig333 said:
I don't even like head coverings. I'll make exceptions for warmth and keeping the sun out of my eyes. I'm also not so stubborn that I'll risk my skin (anymore). I'm sure I'll get used to wearing one. Ordered a couple to see what I like.
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A Marine might as well be considered naked if outside without a cover (hat)!

Some things are so ingrained (brain-washed) as to never leave one after 40+ years!

My hat is the last thing I grab off the hook heading out the door.
 
Advmoto18 said:
A Marine might as well be considered naked if outside without a cover (hat)!

Some things are so ingrained (brain-washed) as to never leave one after 40+ years!

My hat is the last thing I grab off the hook heading out the door.
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Don’t forget...

“He who enters covered here
Buys the house a round of cheer”
 
+2 on cowboy hats. I like mine shaped (lonesome dove); sheds wind and rain better.
 
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