Need hat advice

[facade]

Thanks!

T Jones and All: What are some really good hat makers I should check out for hats a little over $200?

Falcon Park Hattery is another option.

 

[Natekirk]

Hello everyone, first I just want to say my name's Nathan, I'm new to the forum. I've wound up here many times while researching various things on google so I figured I should join.
Anyway I need some advice.

I work as a landscaper here in Michigan, and I've found that a wide brimmed hat is an essential piece of equipment. My Stetson airway died last season so I'm now in the market for a new hat. I'd like to get something more durable than straw, and have been looking into the more quality cowboy hats made of beaver felt, but I don't want to invest in one if it's just going to meet the same fate as my airway. I need a real hat that can handle the work of a real cowboy.

So what I'm really asking is this:
-Will a quality beaver felt hat hold up to the sun, rain, dirt and dust for 7-9 months of the year? If so, then for how many years can it be expected to do so?

-Are there any hatmakers that I should lean to or avoid? I was looking into Knudsen Hat co. but I've seen postings from others that say their customer service is terrible.


I suppose I could do some testing on the 8x Stetson centennial that I wore in my teens, but I'm hesitant to potentially destroy a perfectly good hat. I'm also aware that I could just keep buying more cheap hats, but I hate disposable items. I'm willing to pay for quality so long as the hat can do it's job for several years.

For those that help, thank you so much, and sorry about the long post!

 

[tommyK]

I'll say what many will say; Akubra. They're fur felt, durable, can take the elements and they're affordable, too if you get them from Everythingaustalian and can wait 3 months.

 

[Frunobulax]

Came in here to say what Tommy said. Get an Akubra.

 

[Natekirk]

Akubra uses rabbit felt correct? Is there any advantages or disadvantages to rabbit over beaver?

 

[belfastboy]

Yep, I think they represent the best value in hats right now. And they have a great selection of styles that would suit as a working man's hat. Even if you pay a little extra from Hats Direct (they have stock and ship quickly) it is still great value.

 

[JackieMatra]

Make it a foursome.
I'm outside a good portion of the time and Akubras have been my "everyday" hats for some years now.
I like their hemp hats during warmer weather, as well.

 

[tommyK]

Is there any advantages or disadvantages to rabbit over beaver?

In theory the Beaver would take the elements better, however they are also much more expensive. Usually more than you'd want to spend on a hat that you will sweat in and beat up. For $83 you could get a new Akubra every year

 

[JackieMatra]

AustralianGear is another good place to buy Akubras with fast shipment and no waiting period.

 

[belfastboy]

Beaver makes a "superior" felt to rabbit but they are both excellent. If you are into Western hats and willing to shop The Ebay look for a hat made of Nutria felt (a rodent!). They are not readily available but at one time they were the go to felt for working man's western hats. Highly impervious to the elements. If you buy an Akubra rabbit you will get many years of use and certainly get value for your money.

 

[Natekirk]

Well, you've all sold me on the Akubra; thank you! Any models I should stay away from?

 

[Bob Roberts]

Well, you've all sold me on the Akubra; thank you! Any models I should stay away from?

No. Lol. But if you want a "working" type hat you'll know what to look for.

 

[belfastboy]

pretty sure you won't be disappointed in your Akubra.

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

I would not only recommend, but have purchased Campdrafts in almost every color available. It has an open (unformed) crown so you get to crease it as pleases your styling. The BlueGrass Green is by far my favorite and the best choice for outdoors. Sam at Everything Australian is the guy to contact.
http://everythingaustralian.com.au/campdraft-hat.html

 

[Duper]

Well broad brimmed and outside work. I am wondering if something with grommets would help with the summer heat. How about their most famous Akubra Cattleman. Just about every colour under the Sun. No pun intended. If you wanted a slightly different crown shape again with grommets you could look at the Tablelands. Both of these hats offer over a 3 inch downturned brim to maximize your Sun protection.

,,,Mike In Canada

 

[moontheloon]

get yourself an Akubra Bushman and a Campdraft and alternate every few days and you will be set for years

great work hats that will take a beating and look better for it

 

[Duper]

get yourself an Akubra Bushman and a Campdraft and alternate every few days and you will be set for years

great work hats that will take a beating and look better for it

The idea of combining shipping for multiple hats is very wise if ordering from Australia! With the current strength of your dollar you are sitting in a nice spot.

,,,Mike in Canada

 

[Natekirk]

Just ordered an Akubra Territory in Khaki!

 

[JackieMatra]

There are a few Akubra hat models, such as the Bushman, that are only sold by U.S.A. retailers.
They can be purchased from David Morgan, Kakadu Trader, and The Cultured Cowboy.

Everything Australian will throw in a free chin strap if you buy an Akubra hat from them with vents, but you have to ask them for it.

 

[Motorcyclist]

Just ordered an Akubra Territory in Khaki!

Seems I can't get enough hats and I'm getting them with bigger and bigger brims. Like you I also just ordered a Territory in khaki. Now for the three month wait.