Stampede ring / Chin strap

[frussell]

Couldn't see Tom's photos from my work computer, but his last horsehair string photo is exactly what I prefer. They usually come with two loops that you feed up through the hole in the brim, widen them out, and they go around the hat like a hatband. I don't think I'd be comfortable punching holes in a non-western hat though, especially since they come at a premium in my size. Frank

 

[Neophyte]

Couldn't see Tom's photos from my work computer, but his last horsehair string photo is exactly what I prefer. They usually come with two loops that you feed up through the hole in the brim, widen them out, and they go around the hat like a hatband. I don't think I'd be comfortable punching holes in a non-western hat though, especially since they come at a premium in my size. Frank

That's something I'd be wary of as well!

On a side note, there's one thing I'd like to ask you gentlemen: how easy are stampede strings to install and uninstall?

Ideally, I could look out my window in the morning and judge whether or not stampede strings will be necessary that morning. If not, that's alright, but modularity is something I can admire !

 

[Pat_H]

I use one with a replica M1911 campaign hat I have, that was made to the very first pattern of that hat.

I wear cowboy hats a lot, and even here in the highly windy region, I don't find them necessary. But on this hat, I originally affixed it as I needed a hat for my son who had outgrown his cowboy hat, and we didn't have time to buy one before we headed out to gather cattle. Since then, I've left it on and as I use it for a fishing/hunting hat, I do find it useful if I need to push the hat off my head and onto my back for one reason or another.

 

[MarkD]

I agree, I rarely use mine also even when windy. I just put it to the back most of the time. It is invaluable when in the boat or on the ATV however.

 

[NivlemRulz]

Removable chinstrap on a Akubra Federation IV?

Has anyone done something like this? 85-90% of the time, I would not want a chinstrap, but since this is my outdoor hat, there have definitely been some situations where a chinstrap would have been very useful (hiking near cliffs, horseback riding, etc...). I was wondering if anyone has done this and how I could go about attaching one that could be easily taken on and off. Thanks!

 

[hatophile]

http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=1148

Don't know why this wouldn't work.

 

[hatophile]

http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=467

Or this

 

[NivlemRulz]

Thanks, I didn't see that strap on their website. It kind of scares me to sew buttons onto my hat. I'm wondering if somehow attaching it to the sweat band would be better?

 

[NivlemRulz]

Ya, I saw the stampede string, wasn't sure it was easily removable and attachable hmmmmmm

 

[hatophile]

I don't know what the David Morgan stampede straps are like. You can purchase them from Western Supply
Websites with small cotter pins that can be pushed up under the sweat and expanded to hold the straps on.
I have some on my Western hats.

 

[NivlemRulz]

Thanks for the replies! Does anyone know if the cotter pins and hat would hold up to remove and reinstallation of the strap over time?

 

[hatophile]

I usually leave mine in a particular hat, although I have removed and reinstalled them on a few occasions. The biggest issue is the stability of the sweat band in my experience.

 

[gtdean48]

The DM versions require a specific grommet to mount too as they have in their Squatters that other versions don't.
The cotter pin versions slip between the stitches of the sweat & flare out to hold in place like Perry stated.
Eventuall the pins will wear down from repeated pinching & flaring but look easy enough to replace when worn.
I have some on horse hair stampede strings but don't like the braids snugged against my face.
The cheaper ones are coarsely woven, so beware.

 

[hatophile]

Tom knows of what he speaks, he uses his when riding horses. I don't do that anymore.

 

[BR Gordon]

Just another solution to consider: The western hat used in Chile has a permanent stampede string attached. When not wanted it's behind the head and out of the way.






When the stampede string is needed it's just placed under the chin.



During the times that you don't need the string, it's not even noticeable from the front.



The real advantage is that if your working, you have the string attached and with you, ready to use.

 

[Hoyt Clagwell]

I have a cotter pin chinstrap.It works ok.

 

[Woodfluter]

I've used a different method of attaching a chinstrap with some westerns, or Aussie hats (most recently an Akubra Banjo Paterson). It is similar in a way to the cotter pin business, but much better IMO. I've never seen it anywhere - my own concoction.

Here's how it works:

(1) Carefully cut a short slit into the sweatband, not so close to the stitches that it could pull through, but pretty near the line of sweatband attachment. The slits are parallel to the brim of course. You need to be careful to get these in exactly the right places, for me just in front of the ear.

(2) Make a flat loop in the string ends. Don't knot anything - it has to be stitched down. I use nylon cord, so I remove a portion of the inner core to make the ends flatter, fuse with flame, then stitch the loop.

(3) Get a couple of flat (not fat!) cable ties and cut off about 3 inches of the pointy end. These hold the string in place. You slip the loops through the slits in the sweatband, and pass the flat, flexible plastic pieces through the loops, between crown and sweatband.

The length of the plastic distributes the stress along a good length of the sweatband, not all in one place. It lies flat and stays put until you remove the plastic tie. It doesn't wear out from bending like cotter pins. When not in use, I stuff the string and ties into a plastic push-top container and stash it.

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

I have two of the double loop stampede strings, one braided leather, and one braided horsehair. I love the braided leather, but the braided horsehair doesn't stay down at all. If I decide to put it on a hat, I might just sew it down. I also have two leather shoelaces on the hats I currently use the most. I'll trad that out for Deer antler when I get a chance.

Later

 

[NivlemRulz]

I've used a different method of attaching a chinstrap with some westerns, or Aussie hats (most recently an Akubra Banjo Paterson). It is similar in a way to the cotter pin business, but much better IMO. I've never seen it anywhere - my own concoction.

Here's how it works:

(1) Carefully cut a short slit into the sweatband, not so close to the stitches that it could pull through, but pretty near the line of sweatband attachment. The slits are parallel to the brim of course. You need to be careful to get these in exactly the right places, for me just in front of the ear.

(2) Make a flat loop in the string ends. Don't knot anything - it has to be stitched down. I use nylon cord, so I remove a portion of the inner core to make the ends flatter, fuse with flame, then stitch the loop.

(3) Get a couple of flat (not fat!) cable ties and cut off about 3 inches of the pointy end. These hold the string in place. You slip the loops through the slits in the sweatband, and pass the flat, flexible plastic pieces through the loops, between crown and sweatband.

The length of the plastic distributes the stress along a good length of the sweatband, not all in one place. It lies flat and stays put until you remove the plastic tie. It doesn't wear out from bending like cotter pins. When not in use, I stuff the string and ties into a plastic push-top container and stash it.

Woodfluter, do you have any pictures of this concoction to share? I had an idea similar to this, but yours sounds much fancier and well thought out. Thanks!

 

[Woodfluter]

Woodfluter, do you have any pictures of this concoction to share? I had an idea similar to this, but yours sounds much fancier and well thought out. Thanks!

No pictures at the moment, but if there's an interest, I can do some.
I'll put that on my list!