Hats on safari

[jpr9954]

If you want a custom hat, you might try Nate’s in Georgetown, Texas. While I was not in the market for a hat when I visited, it was quite interesting to watch a craftsman at work.

https://nateshats.com/styles/

 

[Tanks]

I *need* a new hat that will be used hunting as well as shooting sporting clays.

...

I know that Rand's is popular on the site, but what about others?

Well, for hunting Rand's of course.

For sporting clays...

Rand's as well.

I also have a "dress hat" from Rand's.

 

[Hyena]

Tilley hat with the mesh vent has worked for me for the last four hunts. Easily throw a hood over it if needed and saves the neck and ears

 

[Flbt]

Well I doubt it it will ever see a elephant hunt
But probably a Stetson crushable
That’s what I been using for 10 + years for everything
Yes even summer in fl
I will just wet it down and it seems to help keep me cooler

 

[Russ16]

My favorite was a freebie waxed cotton cap I got from Blaser at the SHOT Show 20 years ago but I lost it a few years back.

I just picked up the Kuiu boonie hat which is really comfortable and will be great in warm weather as the top is very breathable. I’ll report back after some use.

Gila PRO Airmesh Boonie | Khaki

KUIU's Gila PRO Airmesh Boonie hat in Khaki features breathable fabric and a lightweight foam structure to keep you cool and protected in hot conditions.

www.kuiu.com

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I alternate between bush hats and baseball style caps

 

[Jack Stevens]

looking for some advise on what hat i should bring on my first elephant hunt in Zimbabwe in mid June? Please send pics of any hats that have worked best for you

All the Cool Kids with their 416 Rigbys are wearing Aussie-style Fedoras with the snap closure on the fold-up side.

 

[gearguywb]

Well I doubt it it will ever see a elephant hunt
But probably a Stetson crushable
That’s what I been using for 10 + years for everything
Yes even summer in fl
I will just wet it down and it seems to help keep me cooler

The Stetson crushables look good but I was concerned about them in very warm/hot weather

 

[HankBuck]

All the Cool Kids with their 416 Rigbys are wearing Aussie-style Fedoras with the snap closure on the fold-up side.

View attachment 667089

@Jack Stevens - I never got the point of the “snap up” on only one side of the Hat? Can someone explain the purpose?

 

[Russ16]

@Jack Stevens - I never got the point of the “snap up” on only one side of the Hat? Can someone explain the purpose?

Prevents the brim on that side from hitting your rifle when at shoulder arms.

 

[HankBuck]

Prevents the brim on that side from hitting your rifle when at shoulder arms.

@Russ16 - REALLY? Is that it? Makes U.S. infantry hats look absolutely “Brilliant” by comparison ——No brim on either side (ambidextrous)…. There’s got to be another reason —- something Kangaroo related maybe?

 

[Russ16]

@Russ16 - REALLY? Is that it? Makes U.S. infantry hats look absolutely “Brilliant” by comparison ——No brim on either side (ambidextrous)…. There’s got to be another reason —- something Kangaroo related maybe?

I actually think it’s way better than what the US uses. When not doing parade drills you can unsnap it and get better shade against a harsh sun.

 

[RR 314]

Not really responsive to the request, but I really like the new Field Ethos hats.

 

[meigsbucks]

I’ve worn ball caps and boonies. I prefer the boonies as it protects the neck and ears. On my first hunt, I had the “perfect” boonie. I think I got it at a store similar to Walmart. It was light weight, ventilated, but not mesh and a narrow brim. I’m wearing it in my avatar. My PH liked it too and talked me into giving it to him. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find another one like it.
I did find a boonie at Walmart that has a mesh band along the sides. The brim is a little larger than I like, but it has a neat feature: a neck cape that stores in the band. I think I paid a whopping $10 for it.
I do also take a watchcap for cold mornings on the truck and a ball cap. Three hats may seem excessive, but each has its use.

 

[Flbt]

The Stetson crushables look good but I was concerned about them in very warm/hot weather

I soak it with water it slowly drying seams to help stay cool
I am in fl and I don’t use straw hats
On a tractor in the sun I think it helps more having the crushable wet and letting it dry on your head
I got it from a guy that still did most of his cow work on a horse
And that what his dad did
Idk I think it helps keep you cool especially if you use cold bottle water to wet it down or one of the spring

 

[Jack Stevens]

Prevents the brim on that side from hitting your rifle when at shoulder arms.

Correct. And the lower your cheek-weld is on the stock, such as when shooting a forward express sight on a DR or a peep sight on a bolt/magazine rifle, the brim won’t interfere with getting a quick sight picture.

Most variants of these hats I’ve seen have a snap on both sides. So whether shooting from the right-shoulder or left, the brim on that side can be moved out of the way.

 

[Jack Stevens]

Not really responsive to the request, but I really like the new Field Ethos hats.View attachment 667119

I do too. Supposedly Patrick Hemingway Adams was wearing one when he “clapped” his buffalo in the Balule Nature Reserve, Limpopo region, SA. See FE Vol. 2/2023.

 

[Safari Dave]

Usually, I wear a baseball cap, but sometimes you need to fashionable, and wear hats that match the animal you are hunting, in order to sneak into the herd, undetected...

 

[Philip Glass]

Hats for elephant hunt? Here are a few examples.
View attachment 604922

View attachment 604923

View attachment 604924

Classic!

 

[lhook7]

I always wear a fully brimmed hat. I have finally settled on the Stetson mesh hats.