US Parks Service ("Ranger") style hat band?

[DougC]

I was poking around for hat bands last night and saw a picture of a US Parks Services Smokey Bear/Campaign hat band. Does anyone know where to buy or get instructions to make this style of hat band out of leather?

 

[gtdean48]

I have a BSA one that is very similar. You'd probably find them easier than Park Service one.

 

[DougC]

I think I'd have to become a boy scout to wear part of the uniform. But, I could buy one and head to the leather store....

 

[gtdean48]

I think I'd have to become a boy scout to wear part of the uniform. But, I could buy one and head to the leather store....

Probably easier than joining the Park Service!!! I was a ViP = Volunteer In the Park at Andersonville National Park for a few years. You had to be a Park ranger to get the uniform stuff. Even the maintenance crew was not allowed those uniform items.

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/workman1b/voll.htm

It also states that you can't wear it unless you really are a park ranger. PERSONALLY, I might try and copy the whole leather band and knot with other decoration. I'm pretty sure that wouldn't get me in much trouble. I did actually see a 12 year old kid get arrested at the Wichita minor league baseball stadium because he was wearing a Wichita Police Department jacket with the embroidered badge.

Later

 

[DougC]

I would give it a shot IF I could get a pattern. I did find a picture of a non-NPS band on page 73 of Snyder's Stetson Hats book. Leather, rings, rivots....

 

[johnnycanuck]

You can have a look here
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/home/home.aspx
Hope this helps.
Johnny

 

[DougC]

hmmmmm....could be. Thanks. Best part is that I know where the Tandy place is in town...

 

[DougC]

Took a shot and sent a note to Buckaroo Hatters...they might have what I'm looking for!!!!!

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

You are wanting a Campaign hat.

 

[DougC]

Nope--got one. Just want the leather hat band...without the USNPS initials. But, I'm putting it on a cowboy hat. I haven't worn the campaign hat snce I was 13.

 

[Rick Blaine]

Bottom of the page.

 

[UTAHLOGIST]

I've always loved the National Park service ranger hat. I do a lot of camping and hiking in national parks, and if I ever purchased one I would never feel comfortable wearing it while camping.
So I decided to fashion my own kind of look alike hat. It started with a very nice black leather belt with beautiful scroll work on it, I cut it to the right length and stitch it back together to fit my old felt hat, I carved some recesses in the belt and fitted some nice looking religious medallions on either side, added some braided leather cord to the belt buckle holes, then added some Golden Oak acorns, to finish it off. I like it I think it looks rather smart and I'm looking for opinions here. I would like to wear it when I go camping but does anyone here think it looks too much like a ranger hat. The ranger hat of course has a similar leather band with scroll work and leather cording and they have golden Sequoia pine cones. Does anyone think I would get any flack for wearing it in a National Park campground or visitor center. Thank you very much for your opinions

 

[shopkin]

Very nice, but you'd still look like Smokey from a distance.

 

[DougC]

That’s a great hat band!