I am looking for a nice brimmed hat, and have settled on either a Stetson Seneca Stetson Link or an Akubra Snowy River Akubra Link.

This is going to be used as an outdoor hat and it is going to get rained on, and actually used. It's not a going out to dinner hat.

For this reason, both of these hats are fur felt, not wool felt. Wool felt looks good, but won't hold its shape as well when wet.

Both of these hats have street pricing that is roughly similiar, and both represent a fairly top end for what I am willing to spend. I'm not dropping $250+ on a hat that is going to get used this hard.

I am leaning toward the Stetson, as it looks to be a slightly smoother and finer felt, but I am well aware of Akubra quality and reputation.

Either hat will protected with a waterproofing compound, probably "The Protector".

I have several Stetsons, and an Akubra Campdraft. They are all terrific hats. The only reason I might suggest the Stetson is that it can take a while to get an Akubra from Australia. But the finish on the Akubra is exquisite. For me, it was worth the weight.

In my humble opinion, Artie, neither hat has enough fur in it to give you the service you’re describing (“it’s going to get rained on”). Your comment on an upper price limit for a hat that’s going to be “used hard” sounds (to me) like a person searching for a tourist quality hat and expecting it to maintain its shape and appearance after several seasons in the field. Look at the best you can afford, then add a few more bucks. A 4x hat will look like shit in short order.

Artie, I have a 10x Stetson straw hat. While I see little rain here in AZ, I feel it would probably do well in the rain. It’s varnished pretty heavily and would repel a lot of the water.

As far as a felt or fur hat, if it’s going to get wet, as Tmats said, look at a 10x or better. A 4x doesn’t have enough fur to repel the water well, hold shape, overall be a good hat.

Have you worn a felt hat in Florida? Seems like it would be uncomfortable in a hot, humid climate.

My 6x Stetson is approaching 30 years old. While it is more of a hat rack decoration today as I sold all my horses and left the Sheriffs Posse long ago. I would buy the same hat today as it looks like the day I bought it. I think I paid the outrageous sum of $75 then. That was before the Montana Silversmith initial and the horse hair band.

I bought a used Stetson 40 years ago at the Wisdom Gun Show..... still in service through PNW rain & snowflake seasons. Its in the 'permanent work hat' fleet now, & used casually, most often to the range. Unsure what the x-rating is.

Never treated with any waterproofing, it's been thru numerous day long rain at many cowboy matches. No sag.

Have you looked into a Minnetonka Outback hat? I wish I would have discovered them 15 years ago. I’ve been wearing it daily for the past 3 years, about 8hrs outside, when temps are above 30 degrees. They are leather, and “foldable”. You can waterproof them to your liking, many options for leather. I’ve been using a wax based option, and it’s pretty water proof. They have two options, one is with a perforated crown, which is what I use. I shave my head, and wear a bandana underneath the hat, but even in 100 degree temps, there is enough airflow to keep your head from boiling. It is actually very cool if you keep moving.

You can get them for $50. I’m actually considering buying the non-perforated crown for winter use. I usually wear a baseball hat with a hoodie pulled over top in freezing temps.

They have other hat models, but I like the “crushable”. Roll it up and throw it in my bag for tomorrow.

https://www.minnetonkamoccasin.../styles/hats/outback

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
Have you worn a felt hat in Florida? Seems like it would be uncomfortable in a hot, humid climate.

Yes, I understand, it would be seasonal. I have Resistol straw hats for summer.

quote:

Originally posted by TMATS:
In my humble opinion, Artie, neither hat has enough fur in it to give you the service you’re describing (“it’s going to get rained on”). Your comment on an upper price limit for a hat that’s going to be “used hard” sounds (to me) like a person searching for a tourist quality hat and expecting it to maintain its shape and appearance after several seasons in the field. Look at the best you can afford, then add a few more bucks. A 4x hat will look like shit in short order.

That's good information. If they won't do the job, I don't really want either of them. I am looking for a pinch front, rather than a cattleman crown, as they are smaller, a bit less showy, and a little less "cowboy" here in Florida than the full cattleman style. For safety, I wear a helmet when I ride, so hats are for working, not riding or showing.

Right now, I'm using an old stiff canvas expedition hat from Henschel Hats that I've had for 30 years, but it's hitting EOL and needs replacing.

Maybe I should look for it's direct replacement.

I've had both over the years and have become a died-in-the-wool (pun intended) Akubra fan. Have worn mine in snow storms and heavy downpours. No special waterproofing protection given. Just follow the advice from Akubra on maintaining things. (As an aside I do have an adjustable wooden hat block for use when drying out a hat to prevent any shrinking of hat size.)

They have dealers stateside too so comments about waiting on shipments from Australia are incorrect. Options exist.

Wearing an Akubra Riverine (original 2007 model) in my avatar. Bought a spare in early 2008 just in case but it remains stored as the first one still is in excellent shape. Good to go!



ASKSmith mentions the Minnetonka Outback hat. FWIW I also have a BC Hats (Bill Connor - Australia http://bchats.com/ ) oily leather Bush & City #6807. It will handle any weather thrown at it! And would be a great choice for use in severe conditions. BC Hats are also available from stateside dealers.



Link to original video: https://youtu.be/M_TAEU-QQdQ

I recently bought an Akubra from David Morgan LLC. Shipment didn’t take long at all. Give them a call. They are very nice.
I’m sorry I don’t have their contact info in front of me. Google will get you to their website.

I have worn fur felt hats for decades. Canvas or leather hats never felt warm to me; don't have any and don't want any. No wool, either for me! Akubras can handle weather; look up David Morgans' web site; they have these hats available usually quite quickly. I have owned Stetsons and Akubras; both have held up to bad weather, but I tend to buy higher end of both makers. Don't cheap out on a hat; buy quality and it will last years with decent care, be comfortable and do what it's suppose to do; protect you from sun, rain, snow, wind etc.

I recently bought a Stetson Llano and a Roadrunner.
Happy with both. These are western Hats but certainly not Cowboy hats.
Living in the Northeast, they are not very common, but I do get lots of positive comments.

Just stumbled across this 6 month old thread, so apologies for resurrecting it. I’ve never owned a high end Stetson, but can absolutely vouch for the durability of Akubra. Bought my Cattleman 5 years ago. I’ve worn it on hikes on the AT, the jungle in Belize, the Grand Canyon and Arizona Trail, shooting, fishing, flatwater kayaking trips, and who knows how many of my kids’ soccer, football and lacrosse games. It’s been in blazing sun, pouring rain, snow, and been sweated on profusely. Still looks like new. I take care of it by storing on its crown, brushing off the dust occasionally, don’t leave it in a hot car, and reshaped it once with a little steam when it got rumpled in a suitcase, but I don’t baby it. It’s been darn near indestructible.

I know this isn’t the answer you want, but I had Texas Hatters make some for me in pure beaver.

I wear them, constantly, and they get cleaned, and look better with time.

I still have my fathers beaver hat, which he wore for... 50 years or so.

The lesser felts just won’t last like that, especially with rougher use.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
Have you worn a felt hat in Florida? Seems like it would be uncomfortable in a hot, humid climate.

Yes, I understand, it would be seasonal. I have Resistol straw hats for summer.

quote:

Originally posted by TMATS:
In my humble opinion, Artie, neither hat has enough fur in it to give you the service you’re describing (“it’s going to get rained on”). Your comment on an upper price limit for a hat that’s going to be “used hard” sounds (to me) like a person searching for a tourist quality hat and expecting it to maintain its shape and appearance after several seasons in the field. Look at the best you can afford, then add a few more bucks. A 4x hat will look like shit in short order.

That's good information. If they won't do the job, I don't really want either of them. I am looking for a pinch front, rather than a cattleman crown, as they are smaller, a bit less showy, and a little less "cowboy" here in Florida than the full cattleman style. For safety, I wear a helmet when I ride, so hats are for working, not riding or showing.

Right now, I'm using an old stiff canvas expedition hat from Henschel Hats that I've had for 30 years, but it's hitting EOL and needs replacing.

Maybe I should look for it's direct replacement.

So Artie, whadja git?

Just my 2cts I have a military issue 1971/1973 Drill Sgt. hat that I wore every day(approx 3yrs) after graduating the Drill Sgt. School/Ft. Sill, Okla..At one time was issued a Stetson and several Drill Sgts tried to buy it but I refused and later will it was in a hat block hanging on the wall behind my desk it disappeared but was replaced with generic one. The one now the maker is not marked so do not know who made it or what it is made of = wool felt or fur. To keep its shape and form used a hat block after a light finger sprinkle of water and a spray of "White Rain" hair spray and after drying it would be weather resistant and hold a flat shape on the outer brim rim.And did not discolor the hat. Last summer took it to a Cavander"s western store that offered Free felt cowboy hats. On the desk area was a "tip" can. When the cleaner saw that my wallet was open she informed me that my money was no good and to put it away. Turns out the cleaner was actually the store manager. The hat had not had a proper cleaning in over 40 yrs and looks almost new. When riding motorcycles as veteran escort with the "Patriot Guard" I would wear the Drill Sgt. hat after arrival at destination and was approached several times by active duty and veterans that I need to remove headgear. Response was that I had a DD214 to prove it and they could try and remove it but no body tried. In fact went on a funeral escort without the hat and some of the people did not recognize me till I told them I had left the hat at home. And if you have not guessed by now that this is where screen name came from.................drill sgt.

Well said BHPfan. Totally agree!

drill sgt, I earned mine in 1968 at Ft. Dix. Still have the hat I was awarded during graduation which is stored away in a Stetson hatbox. The brass had been removed to avoid potential issues. Switched services and took a naval commission.

If yall don't mind, I'll piggyback on this question instead of starting a new one.

I need to buy a hat for working outside, I'm in Oklahoma and it's getting hot here, as well as humid. I'm concerned about sun and burn protection.

I've never been a hat person, except for the occasional ball cap, so I don't know much about hats.

I'm in my 60's now, with less hair than before, well a lot less, and I need something with a wide brim to protect my ears and face.

I was thinking a straw hat with something like a Stetson look, just for the wider brims. I don't want a Panama style hat.

So, my question is, what do I look for in a hat? Materials, construction, etc etc etc?

Price is not a huge concern but I don't want to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

Thanks!

Take a look at Tilley hats. Widely available, light, weatherproof, and very comfortable. I’ve worn mine all over the world, tucked into suitcases, working outside, at the lake, you name it. Still looks new.