Less pricey Banjo Paterson-Indiana Jones-Akubra hat alternatives?

[Doc Glockster]

Greetings, Gents.

I posted a question similar to this in the "ask a question" thread, and after thinking about it I decided maybe I should start a full thread on this.

I'm a rancher. I love hats that are the Indiana Jones/Banjo Paterson/Akubra style, but I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on one because they get sweaty, beat up and basically destroyed over time. I'd rather have one in the $50-150 range that's easily replaceable. Plus, a lot of lower end hats like this are crushable, I've noticed. I don't want crushable. I want a rigid brim.

What I basically did to get me by was buy one of the licensed Indiana Jones hats off eBay. It arrived in all its made-in-China glory. The hat's brim was rigid, but was made to look deliberately distressed. I carefully steamed the brim into more of an Akubra shape and it's acceptable now. I also removed the fancy 1930's-style hat band and replaced it with one with a more cowboy/southwestern look.

It'll do until I find something else. A few years ago Miller Hats sold "Indiana Jones" style hats with more western-style hat bands, but I could not find any listed on their site anymore.

So, does anyone have any ideas? I'd also love to see pics if you have a favorite hat that fits my description.

Thanks.

 

[casechopper]

Watch on ebay. Lightly used Akubras go for pretty decent prices regularly on there. They're especially easy to find if you have a smaller head size.

 

[jlee562]

If you've been wearing crushable wool felt hats, you really should make the upgrade to a good fur felt. An Akubra is a tough hat, which can be reblocked down the line to give it new life. As long as the felt holds up, the other parts of the hat (ribbon/band, sweatband) can be replaced.

Hatsdirect.com has the Federation IV for $125, it's a good Indy hat.

They also have several Akubra models under $150.

 

[Doc Glockster]

If you've been wearing crushable wool felt hats, you really should make the upgrade to a good fur felt.

No, I actually don't wear crushables at all. I've never liked them. But thanks for the other suggestions.

 

[casechopper]

I think Jlee is referring to the fact that the Indiana Jones hats on ebay are wool felt hats.

 

[gtdean48]

http://www.sheplers.com/Stetson-4X-...tegoryId=533&categoryId=534&subCategoryId=889

 

[Doc Glockster]

http://www.sheplers.com/Stetson-4X-...tegoryId=533&categoryId=534&subCategoryId=889

That's actually a pretty cool one. Unfortunately they don't have my size (7 1/4).

Keep 'em coming, guys!

 

[Aerol]

I've actually been happy with my Akubra Stockman: http://everythingaustralian.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=5

AUS$90 + inbound postage. Great service.

 

[gtdean48]

Showing a 7 1/4 on size chart... http://www.callisters.com/product.asp?itemid=2490&gclid=CKGMoI6XwbcCFcmf4AodwxEAEg

Same here, different color...http://www.fortwestern.com/stetson-...+Listing+Ads&gclid=CI6h37KXwbcCFVSe4AodpmYAqA

Orvis but not in stock now... http://www.orvis.com/store/product....=91GK-02-54&catargetid=1714120217&cagpspn=pla

 

[Duper]

The Akubra Traveller comes in a few different colours and is fur felt and crushable with that outback look. If you want one a bit nicer and stiff brimmed they have the Leisure Time which runs much less the the Banjo, but is very similar in style. Sam at EA can fix you up with either.

 

[jkingrph]

I just looked at davidmorgan.com at the Banjo Patterson, $175 there. You might consider the Angler, for $160, probably a little brim difference, and a leather hatband vs the nicer looking fishskin band on the Banjo Patterson.

 

[Jedwbpm]

The Fed IV is going to run you 167.70 after shipping to the US and more if it gets caught in customs. Here is a link to our Akubra page. We have some for $137.50

Jeff
living the Dream at
DelMonico Hatter

 

[viclip]

Speaking of David Morgan, the Akubra Squatter is on close-out for $130.00 ~

http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=82

It's a tall open crown hat that can be creased/bashed to your heart's content, with a grosgrain ribbon.
I acquired one a few weeks ago in the Moonstone Grey. It's also offered in Fawn. I would note however that the selection is somewhat limited at this point, it's been discontinued so whatever's left is what's left.

 

[Doc Glockster]

I went with the Akubra Angler for now:

http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=1059

It was a toss-up between it and the Banjo Paterson, but the Banjo got one really negative review on David Morgan's site. I also like the vent holes on the Angler.

Keep the suggestions coming, guys!

I'm thinking over the summer I plan to buy 2-3 hats in this style, so just because I ordered one doesn't mean all the others are counted out.

 

[gtdean48]

I buy old Resistols off ebay, some never worn, cut down the brim, crease like an outback & put on a leather band.
Lots cheaper than a Banjo...

 

[Doc Glockster]

Just as an update I got the Akubra Angler. At first I was fairly happy with it, but of course as soon as you've worn it enough that you can't return it, Murphy's Law dictates that you'll change your mind.

When I first got the hat, I could swear that in the bright sunlight the color was sort of a medium brown, but having worn it a few times I'd swear the hat has turned to an almost marine green. I'm not sure of it's my eyes or the hat always had a green tint, but had I noticed that right out of the box I would have returned it. I would swear after wearing it in the hot southwestern sun a handful of times the hat changed color. ???

Since starting this thread I also got an el cheapo $50 Outback Featherlite from Cabela's. It's adequate although you can feel how thin the material is. IIRC I read on some website that it's marketed as a hat appropriate to cold and warm weather, so that tracks. It's good for non-abusive type wear, like for a trip into the city or something. I definitely think it will NOT hold up to outdoor use.

 

[gtdean48]

My mid-brown Campdraft looks a totally different color in the sunlight than indoors.
Inside, it looks dark brown. Outside it looks olive green.

 

[runningbare]

I buy old Resistols off ebay, some never worn, cut down the brim, crease like an outback & put on a leather band.
Lots cheaper than a Banjo...

Nice hat band..do you attach them some how or does it just sit there???

 

[gtdean48]

Nice hat band..do you attach them some how or does it just sit there???

Thanks.
Just sits there.
The buckle hole is just snug enough to keep it in place....luckily....