Stetson Roundabaout vs Akubra Traveller

[Trent]

Hello. I am torn between purchasing a Stetson Roundabout or an Akubra Traveller. Both are crushable. I prefer the narrower snap brim of the Stetson, but am unsure if it is as weather-proof as the Traveller. The Traveller has a wide brim and it does not snap. My other good hat is a Stetson Moose River, but it is not crushable and I do not have confidence that it can withstand the elements (so I avoid wearing it in rain). Any advice? Thanks in advance!

 

[Rick Blaine]

Look too at Lagomarsino hats they make an entire line of FF flexal travel hats. Christy's make a nice FF folder, 2 3/8" brim, I think. Olney in the UK makes a nice traveler and Barbisio hats makes a fine folder. The felt feels like my tissue thin, light vintage felts. Borsalino makes at least one traveler, I see often for quite cheap on eBay "borsalino rainproof line." Sounds like you favor the Stetson, but there are other options out there. I have many travel hats but the Barbisio is my go to.

 

[Duper]

Welcome to the lounge Trent! I own a Traveller and it has done well by me. I was a little overwhelmed by the wide brim but I used a sharp knife and took about a 1/4 off all around and was very pleased with the result. I also did not like the brim having the wire sewn in all around so that solved two problems with one slice.

I think the thread I posted a few years back is called "Trimmed the Traveller" if you want to search it out here.

I also own a Christys Foldable but it hangs sadly on the wall and gets no love from me. Not sure why. Very very foldable.

I still get a strong western feel from my Traveller so if you wanted something more on the fashion side of the fence Akubra does offer a hat called the International in their Lifestyle collection.

On Matt Deckards Instagram yesterday I saw the Stetson Runabout in Sage stacked in the company racks. I think that would be a really nice lid. Sage is a terrific colour.

Ahh, the thrill of the hunt.

,,,Mike in Canada

 

[Trent]

Thanks very much.
I'm tending toward the Stetson Roundabout. Does anyone have one? How does it do in rain and harsh weather?

 

[Rogera]

I picked up a Runabout in the Hatco Outlet and I love how soft the felt is. It is very soft and floppy. I have not had it out in the weather though so I cannot attest to any weather durability. Akubras will hold up well as long as you're not bathing in them daily. I have the foldable Christy's. What size do you wear?

 

[moontheloon]

I own a Runabout

I loved it at first but it really started to break down over time

the color faded and the felt started to become a bit blotchy

after being in the rain a couple times it tapered quite a bit ... and no I did not have it near a heat source

it doesn't have much crown to begin with so that was upsetting to me

overall not a huge fan and I have recently given it away

I have actually yet to find a crushable travel hat that is even halfway decent

even those expensive Borsalino crushables are not fantastic but they are definitely better than anything out there.

 

[RJR]

Glad to have the info about the Runabout.I have a couple of crushable Borsos that I like and a Christys that sort of sounds like Moon's Runabout.

 

[Rick Blaine]

My Barbi'



The Olney



Both quite simple plain fedoras.

One of several in Lagos' flexile line, with I think are all foldable fur felts.




The easy to find & often cheap Borso 'rain proof line', below. My least favorite.

 

[Trent]

That Olney is sharp!

Well, if the Runabout isn't sturdy in harsh weather, I am not going to shell out $170 bucks for one. Maybe a cheaper Stetson Sturgis for rainy days, though I know it is more western and less fedora.

Actually, I love my Stetson Moose River, but it just doesn't look hardy enough for harsh weather, which is strange, considering that it is made for Llbean...

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[moontheloon]

That Olney is sharp!

Well, if the Runabout isn't sturdy in harsh weather, I am not going to shell out $170 bucks for one. Maybe a cheaper Stetson Sturgis for rainy days, though I know it is more western and less fedora.

Actually, I love my Stetson Moose River, but it just doesn't look hardy enough for harsh weather, which is strange, considering that it is made for Llbean...

Thanks for all the replies.

why not just get a Campdraft or anything you like from Akubras line of hats ?

probably your best bet for harsh weather

 

[RJR]

Good thought from Moon.Akubras love crappy weather.

 

[Duper]

The Traveller will definitely take a beating. You could trim the brim down to 2 5/8 if you wanted too. Mine has been to Scotland, Mexico and a Caribbean cruise and it packed well for all journeys. Even in the car on long rides you do not have to treat it with kid gloves. I would however definitely not call it a floppy hat. It is a more robust felt and retains its original shape. My Akubra Sydney (aka Fedora) is by far a more flexible felt hat than the Traveller.

,,,Mike in Canada

 

[Trent]

Can the brim of the Akubra be adjusted? I mean, set bent at an angle or so to give it a more personal touch? That's one great thing about the Stetson Moose River: you can shape the brim to the angle you like best. Gives it flair!

Lately I've also looked at the Stetson Explorer. It is very reasonably priced. Does anyone have experience with it? I know that it probably can't touch an Akubra, but...

 

[RJR]

Most all felt can be adjusted with steam or light application of spray mist.

 

[moontheloon]

Can the brim of the Akubra be adjusted? I mean, set bent at an angle or so to give it a more personal touch? That's one great thing about the Stetson Moose River: you can shape the brim to the angle you like best. Gives it flair!

Lately I've also looked at the Stetson Explorer. It is very reasonably priced. Does anyone have experience with it? I know that it probably can't touch an Akubra, but...

if I were to give advice it would be to never buy anything but open crown hats ... this way everything about the hat has a "personal touch" ... both crown and brim

... and yes you can manipulate an Akubra brim most any way you like

 

[Trent]

Thanks everyone. Here's what I've done. I found a super deal on an Akubra Traveller---it should arrive next week from Australia. I ordered it in Regency Fawn. I would have preferred a darker brown, but the price was too good to pass up (including very reasonable shipping). Then, I also ordered a Stetson Expedition hat from L.L. Bean, using a gift card I still had. I figured I could return hat easily if it proved disappointing. Well, the Stetson Explorer arrived today, in just one day with free shipping. My expectations were very low. Folks, let me tell you, this is a beauty, in a dark olive green and a colorful but to my eyes not gaudy hat band. It is Western but not extreme cowboy. It fits just a tad more snugly than my Moose River, and I think I'll have to use a stretcher if it ever gets wet. In terms of style and appearance, I love it. I shall test in the great outdoors and report back. I know already it won't be as invincible as the Akubra, but it is modestly priced, and if it does a decent job I'll be happy.

While looking for the Akubra Travelelr, I saw the Sydney fedorA...Yikes! What a beauty! But that will have to wait a while...

 

[Duper]

Glad you found something you like Trent. Now remember, post pictures!

,,,,Mike in Canada

 

[Bob Roberts]

if I were to give advice it would be to never buy anything but open crown hats ... this way everything about the hat has a "personal touch" ... both crown and brim

... and yes you can manipulate an Akubra brim most any way you like

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