In the market for a new hunting hat.

What's the best in your opinion, felt or leather for the warmer weather?
Those Akubra rabbit felt jobs are nicely made but seem too bloody hot to me and seem to shrink tight around your head after a while.
How about straw or fabric?

What's eveyone wearing out there? What's the go?

Straw is going to be your best bet for hot weather. A ventilated straw would work even better, as you would have a bit more air circalating.

Hog Killer

The straw hats suggested by Hog Killer unfortunately aren't available in Australia...straw hats available in Texas are normally made with a much more open weave than any straw hat you will find in Australia.

Based on what you can easily get in South Australia, I would suggest an Akubra "Territory" model which is made of felt with a wide brim and huge air holes on the sides. I've had three Territories and worn them in summer and winter in both Australia and the United States. They are generally pretty comfortable and I've even worn that model while mowing a lawn (with a push mower) in 40 C heat without discomfort. The downside of an Akubra "Territory" is that in Australia you will hear comments about the oversized hat on your head...in the USA you will be asked if you are a hillbilly married to your sister. If hunting in extremely brushy areas, the Territory's brim is too wide and will be difficult to go through those areas without catching on brush.

One other option if you can find them would be the canvas hats made by Tilley in Canada.

No comment on the Barmahs and Jacarus, because I've never worn a leather one in my life.

Richard

Always get one size bigger with Akubra as they shrink slightly

These are good! if you run out of ammo you can root em up the ass with the spike!

Wallace,

Is that a Picklehaube or what?

Richard

Akubra "Sombrero", the only way to go. Unless you count my old slouch hat (also made by Akubra), that my daughter wears on ANZAC day.

RLI is right on the mark, even the booklet you get with the hat recommends that you purchase the next size up.

Merry Christmas.

Cheers, Dave.

I use a old green army giggle hat. Bought from the air training corp's for $5. If you no longer have to wear it you can stuff it in your pocket.

Bakesy, you obviously mean the "Hat Rediculous Mk1" which I second BTW. Also work good as a sweat mop.

Thats the one

The most usful piece of gear the military provided me was the can opener provided with the rat packs, I think they are called a "fred"
I could damn near open my gun safe with one of them!

DM, did you hear that the FRED is no more? The powers that be have decided that with the new rat packs in the system, no-one needs a FRED anymore. Hell, opening tins is only one of the things that they are good for.

Merry Christmas.

Cheers, Dave,

Bad Ass - the spike on the top of that helmet looks like something for treating piles!

quote:

Originally posted by Sambar 9.3:
DM, did you hear that the FRED is no more? The powers that be have decided that with the new rat packs in the system, no-one needs a FRED anymore. Hell, opening tins is only one of the things that they are good for.

Merry Christmas.

Cheers, Dave,

Good thing i've got a life time supply.

$5 straw hat is the best,they fall apart after a while tho.I keep a large brimmed cloth hat in the car-$4 from K-Mart good for soaking up the sweat.
I own six Akubras,too bloody hot in the Summer.

Keep giving cheak Bad Ass,I've got plenty of photos...LOL
Notice the Cow Fanny bash.

quote:

DM, did you hear that the FRED is no more?

Not true. The main meal is now cook in the bag, but you still have cheese and fruit in a tin so the freddy is still in there. I carry one on my key ring!

Good to hear Bakes,I have'nt seen a rat pack for about 3 years,I've still got some cans of fruit and baked beans in the cupboard though.

quote:

I use a old green army giggle hat. Bought from the air training corp's for $5. If you no longer have to wear it you can stuff it in your pocket.

Yes, I am with Bakes on this one. The only complaint I have about the giggle hat is that the brim is not very wide.

One of my hunting partners has a soft fabric hat, a little bit similar to a giggle hat, but it has a wider brim and mesh sides. He bought this hat in RSA on one of his hunts there and I am going to get myself one as I think that it is ideal.

As to the famous Akubra? I can't stand them as they make my head sweat terribly, they seem to have a mind of their own and fall off/blow off easily and they are too difficult to look after. If you want them to keep their original shape then you end up spending all of your time babysitting your hat!

I want a hat that does the job of keeping my head, face and neck sheltered from the sun but which leaves me free to hunt (or fish or whatever I am doing), can be shoved in a pocket, thrown in the back of the truck/boat, stomped on, drenched in a sudden rain shower and with a quick wash is ready to go again.

You could go to a disposal store and get a wide brim "boonie" hat. Like a giggle hat but with a wider brim. They do look a little goofy, but the is a shorter brim bonnie that is still wider than the giggle.

quote:

Originally posted by MLG:
Bad Ass - the spike on the top of that helmet looks like something for treating piles!

Do you need to sit on it????

BwanaBob,

I have been using a Burke & Willis oilskin fabric hat for the past three years and it does everything you have stated above.

Rustam

Edit: It's called a Flinders Hat.

Ok.
Got myself an Akubra Territory (huge brim and vent holes) from the local place Allingtons here.
Also got an ex-army giggle from disposals for genral use.
I already have a Filson #11 double mackinaw for the cold days/nights. Looks a bit like an Elmer Fudd special with the fold down ear flaps that tie up with a bow on top when not in use..... . Damn warm though, get one if you can find it.

Off to Kangaroo Is this afternoon for a week.
Pigs, goats and wobblies. Will post pics and story next weekend.

Badass Wallace- you must be able to shoot pretty accurately with that rest you are using

The Elmer Fudd specials are ok when it's cold, but the real cold weather hat is the Mad Bomber.



Mad Bomber hats

These things will make you sweat when it is 20 below zero.

Richard