Safari Hats

LeftySixgun said:

How does beaver fur and rabbit fur brimmed hats act with a warm environment? It get pretty damn warm in Alabama. I like a full brim hat too, but it has to be light weight. Maybe Im a little sensitive to heat because of my job also.

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The "felt" hat market has seen a paradigm shift, a few decades ago felt ratings/grading followed a uniform rating 0% = 0% & 100% = 100% Beaver belly fur/felt. The percentages were denoted by " X " = 10% , the minimum was typically XXXXX-(5X) which denoted 50% , now manufacturers have begun to capitalize on Consumer "naivete". In current marketing 0% still equals 0% , but 5X or 6X doesn't equal 50% or 60% , instead " X " = $$ = 1% , so in the past 10X = 100% Beaver belly fur/felt. When grading was uniformed 6X (60%) cost a little over $140, now felt grading is all over the place. Manufacturers set their own ratings for instance 10X = 10% , 20X = 20% , 50X = 50% , etc.... 1000X = 100%

Again, it used to be a beaver blend of 60% Beaver felt, the other 40% filler felt - rabbit , hare , chinchilla (historically), but now nutria, and wool for " budget" hats.

So, a 50X felt has a price tag of $500+ for a Brooks or Bennett, but a Resistol 50X costs over $1K . Icons like Resistol a 500X costs $1500 - $1800, 1000X = $3K & Stetson a 500X costs $2500 , a 1000X = $5500

In the '90s a 10X = 100% Beaver belly Felt cost $800 - $900, although truth be told, there is a shortage of Beaver fur

For what it's worth, a pure Beaver felt hat "acts" similar to a Cotton canvas/duct - 10oz ( unwaxed) hat in regards to comfort in "warm" / hot weather, however a Beaver felt is not cooler than a straw/palm - bangoqra (washi straw) - shantung. Although climate does affect comfort, nothing can negate humidity.

RSL said:

Thank you very much. I need to check my slides to see if they will accommodate a 1.75 belt.

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Most “safari” slides will accommodate up to a 2” belt. However, if yours are a bit smaller, Kore makes the same belt in a 1.5” width. I have one of these as well for pants with smaller loops.

PS - Apologies for the belt detour. We can now resume discussion on covering your head while on safari.

Xpraetor said:

The "felt" hat market has seen a paradigm shift, a few decades ago felt ratings/grading followed a uniform rating 0% = 0% & 100% = 100% Beaver belly fur/felt. The percentages were denoted by " X " = 10% , the minimum was typically XXXXX-(5X) which denoted 50% , now manufacturers have begun to capitalize on Consumer "naivete". In current marketing 0% still equals 0% , but 5X or 6X doesn't equal 50% or 60% , instead " X " = $$ = 1% , so in the past 10X = 100% Beaver belly fur/felt. When grading was uniformed 6X (60%) cost a little over $140, now felt grading is all over the place. Manufacturers set their own ratings for instance 10X = 10% , 20X = 20% , 50X = 50% , etc.... 1000X = 100%

Again, it used to be a beaver blend of 60% Beaver felt, the other 40% filler felt - rabbit , hare , chinchilla (historically), but now nutria, and wool for " budget" hats.

So, a 50X felt has a price tag of $500+ for a Brooks or Bennett, but a Resistol 50X costs over $1K . Icons like Resistol a 500X costs $1500 - $1800, 1000X = $3K & Stetson a 500X costs $2500 , a 1000X = $5500

In the '90s a 10X = 100% Beaver belly Felt cost $800 - $900, although truth be told, there is a shortage of Beaver fur

For what it's worth, a pure Beaver felt hat "acts" similar to a Cotton canvas/duct - 10oz ( unwaxed) hat in regards to comfort in "warm" / hot weather, however a Beaver felt is not cooler than a straw/palm - bangoqra (washi straw) - shantung. Although climate does affect comfort, nothing can negate humidity.

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There never was a real measurement of beaver content percentage. It has always been “honor” system by each manufacturer.

We all believed the more familiar brand names were honest in their rating.

Very few actually were. Mixing rabbit and nutria and or simply wool.

The last time the number of X’s denoted beaver content was the 60s and 1970s. Even then many brands fudged the numbers.

Unfortunately the only way to know is to only buy from known custom makers. Stetson, Resistol and others still fudge on the Xs

Another way to tell unfortunately isn’t the Xs it’s $s

I wouldn’t trust any X on a modern hat.

My Rand shows pure beaver no X and the price is commensurate with pure beaver

The Kuiu hats are currently on sale.

Altitude sickness said:

There never was a real measurement of beaver content percentage. It has always been “honor” system by each manufacturer.

We all believed the more familiar brand names were honest in their rating.

Very few actually were. Mixing rabbit and nutria and or simply wool.

The last time the number of X’s denoted beaver content was the 60s and 1970s. Even then many brands fudged the numbers.

Unfortunately the only way to know is to only buy from known custom makers. Stetson, Resistol and others still fudge on the Xs

Another way to tell unfortunately isn’t the Xs it’s $s

I wouldn’t trust any X on a modern hat.

My Rand shows pure beaver no X and the price is commensurate with pure beaver
View attachment 802208

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I didn't pull what I typed out of thin air. I have relayed what I lived, observed & was told by legacy "Hattiers" like Meyer of New Orleans, look 'em up, been in continuous operation since 1894.

True there is no & has not been a national standard for hat felt grading, that is why I used the word "uniformity" .... what there was, was "uniformity" amongst hat manufacturers.

Yes, as companies became controlled by "board of directors" integrity went away. However, even into the '90s a 5X meant 50% Beaver belly fur/felt & a 6X still meant 60% Beaver belly fur/felt, which I have 1 of each. The 5X was bought in the mid '80s & the 6X was bought in the '90s.

Resistol 5X


Resistol 6X
(which was refurb'd w/ new sweat band)

And the good condition after decades of hard use in the elements proves the 60% was/is legit.

I also have
2 - 3 decades ago the majority of manufacturers made their fur/felt blanks or "rounds" in house - stetson, resistol, Bollman, Dobbs, Knox, Borsalino .... to your point of "filler" furs/felt, that primarily was affected by spply on hand, and the fillrrs were predominantly high quality rabbit and/or chinchilla.

Also, during that era or time, there was true competition, now conglomeration is the sign of the times, and HatCo is a prime example, it is the parent company now for Stetson & Resistol. The biggest marketing theater was when HatCo launched the "american hat" line & sold it as a legacy brand.... Ha! Then there is Serratelli - that makes a decent hat - originated in New Jersey and was not known for Western style (Stetson designed cowboy) Hats, but now has entered the post yellowstone series induced hipster market frenzy.

In present day the only Manufacturer I know of that makes fur/felt rounds in the USA is Winchester Hat Corp. , with exception to HatCo that makes felt rounds. So, buying from a "custom maker" in todays market means buying from a custom hat *shaper , I don't know of any "custom makers" that make felt rounds.

I don't disagree with your view, boutique, craft or in today's term "bespoke" are the best way to get the best bang for yhe buck.

Stetson with a leather brim, love it! Been to Africa, elk hunting, deer hunting any chilly day.

I think Winchester makes the blanks for the better hatters

agree to disagree on % of beaver vs rabbit or nutria. It has always been up to the maker. Never any standards

The real test is how much heavier and thick the imposters are. It’s an easy tell if they are 1/8” thick and heavy
And if they don’t hold up to weather.

Xpraetor said:

The "felt" hat market has seen a paradigm shift, a few decades ago felt ratings/grading followed a uniform rating 0% = 0% & 100% = 100% Beaver belly fur/felt. The percentages were denoted by " X " = 10% , the minimum was typically XXXXX-(5X) which denoted 50% , now manufacturers have begun to capitalize on Consumer "naivete". In current marketing 0% still equals 0% , but 5X or 6X doesn't equal 50% or 60% , instead " X " = $$ = 1% , so in the past 10X = 100% Beaver belly fur/felt. When grading was uniformed 6X (60%) cost a little over $140, now felt grading is all over the place. Manufacturers set their own ratings for instance 10X = 10% , 20X = 20% , 50X = 50% , etc.... 1000X = 100%

Again, it used to be a beaver blend of 60% Beaver felt, the other 40% filler felt - rabbit , hare , chinchilla (historically), but now nutria, and wool for " budget" hats.

So, a 50X felt has a price tag of $500+ for a Brooks or Bennett, but a Resistol 50X costs over $1K . Icons like Resistol a 500X costs $1500 - $1800, 1000X = $3K & Stetson a 500X costs $2500 , a 1000X = $5500

In the '90s a 10X = 100% Beaver belly Felt cost $800 - $900, although truth be told, there is a shortage of Beaver fur

For what it's worth, a pure Beaver felt hat "acts" similar to a Cotton canvas/duct - 10oz ( unwaxed) hat in regards to comfort in "warm" / hot weather, however a Beaver felt is not cooler than a straw/palm - bangoqra (washi straw) - shantung. Although climate does affect comfort, nothing can negate humidity.

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So I’m not the only one to have noticed that there is not much fur on beavers nowadays.

Sika98k said:

So I’m not the only one to have noticed that there is not much fur on beavers nowadays.

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You are so going to get into trouble with that one if there are any delicate ones on here.
Gumpy

Fatback said:

Gila PRO Airmesh Boonie | Olive

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

www.kuiu.com

The Kuiu hats are currently on sale.

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I have one and plan to take it. They are super light weight and very comfortable

Altitude sickness said:

I think Winchester makes the blanks for the better hatters

agree to disagree on % of beaver vs rabbit or nutria. It has always been up to the maker. Never any standards

The real test is how much heavier and thick the imposters are. It’s an easy tell if they are 1/8” thick and heavy
And if they don’t hold up to weather.

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No disagreement, I think we are just explaining in different terms or perspective.

The succinct version is * Quality & Value * isn't as good in today's market as it was in the past because pure felt has been excessivly "watered down" & the marketing is deceptive .....

No matter, I still think $5K for a 100% pure Beaver belly felt hat is a scandal!

Fatback said:

Gila PRO Airmesh Boonie | Olive

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

www.kuiu.com

The Kuiu hats are currently on sale.

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Thank you for this, I just ordered myself a couple of them!

Andrew62 said:

Thank you for this, I just ordered myself a couple of them!

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Plus 1 more....! TY

Xpraetor said:

No disagreement, I think we are just explaining in different terms or perspective.

The succinct version is * Quality & Value * isn't as good in today's market as it was in the past because pure felt has been excessivly "watered down" & the marketing is deceptive .....

No matter, I still think $5K for a 100% pure Beaver belly felt hat is a scandal!

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I completely agree. I have Bailey, Larry Mahan, Stetson, Resistol and some lessor names. From the 50s, 70s, (my dads). and mine from the 90s on. The 50s and 70s hats marked 4X and 6X are clearly better material than mine from the 90s.

My WW1 military campaign(drill instructor) hat made by Stetson and sold in Levy bros store in Douglas Az.

Is a high quality hat and holds Its shape well. Apparently they were made from rabbit and nutria. And no shame there. It’s a nice hat.

Mizzou100 said:

Stetson with a leather brim, love it! Been to Africa, elk hunting, deer hunting any chilly day.

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Any idea on what Stetson model that hat is?

rookhawk said:

I have no idea what any of that means, but I support it wholeheartedly.

I did have a 300 Sherwood which is a suped up 300 Rook. They advertised them originally for Kangaroo, small antelope, roe deer, etc. Plenty enough for the task given, just like your Wallaby weapon!

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RSL said:

Plus 1 more....! TY

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Me too. Kuiu should give you a gift card for getting them so many sales!

One more vote for the surplus boonie hat. Melanoma is no joke. I can speak from personal experience. You need to take precautions. Skin cancer can kill you and can lead to missing out on an entire hunting season. Don’t leave it to chance.

These military boonie hats are available on Amazon for as little as $10. I wear a ball cap the rest of the time, I kept this one clipped to the handle of my soft rifle case and only wore it in the field. It recovered well from being squished in my luggage. I also recommend a sun gaiter. They are very inexpensive and give you the instant ability to pull it up and have coverage when needed. While in Africa, I didn’t leave the lodge without one around my neck. I have a camouflage one, I wouldn’t use the blue where Tsetse flies are an issue.

Although, I would not be opposed to that beautiful World War I campaign hat. I think that would cut a nice profile!

Happy hunting!

rookhawk said:

This guy was in my feed this morning. I think he’s right about the shape:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EtCFFV5yk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I personally like the Stetson Gun Club line, specifically to Catera that is no longer made. (You can find new old stock for way less than msrp if you dig)

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thanks for the tip i just found one for $150

Grumpy gumpy said:

You are so going to get into trouble with that one if there are any delicate ones on here.
Gumpy

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I’ll chance it.