Hats

[quicksandfarmer]

Well, it's summer and time to buy a new hat. I'm so pale and hairless that I can't be uncovered in the sun. What's your favorite hat for working outdoors? I'm looking for something that is broad enough to keep the sun off my face and neck, comfortable enough to wear all day, stays on my head when working, not too hot, can be washed, and tough enough to last more than a few months of outdoor work. Is that too much to ask?

I had a Tilley hat for about 20 years, it was very durable and a good sun hat, but it was hot in the summer. Since then I have struggled through a series of hats, most don't last very long in everyday use.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[sseelhoff]

Well, it's summer and time to buy a new hat. I'm so pale and hairless that I can't be uncovered in the sun. What's your favorite hat for working outdoors? I'm looking for something that is broad enough to keep the sun off my face and neck, comfortable enough to wear all day, stays on my head when working, not too hot, can be washed, and tough enough to last more than a few months of outdoor work. Is that too much to ask?

I had a Tilley hat for about 20 years, it was very durable and a good sun hat, but it was hot in the summer. Since then I have struggled through a series of hats, most don't last very long in everyday use.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

I like a summer straw by Bailey or Stetson. But those are not washable.

 

[Western]

I'm almost always in a ball cap any more. I have a stetson or 2, I used to wear, great for going out, not so much for farm work IMO. For working I used to wear a straw type cowboy hat. Cool, washable to a degree and not heavy.

Ball cap has been the easiest for me though, bandana helps the neck and great for wiping your brow.

 

[murphy1244]

A large brim straw hat for mowing.

 

[phiferpharm]

Go Bold...

 

[wyeguy]

Large brim light colored cloth with mesh on top to stay cool. Bass Pro or Cabelas have some that are washable & won't break the bank.

 

[/pine]

Whatever style you prefer...I think I read that humans emit the most heat form their heads so anything that inhibits air flow will make you feel hotter....staying cool is being cool...

 

[lakngulf]

I go with the Tilleys. They are washable but I have two that will not come clean. I can fill one with sweat in a hurry.

 

[/pine]

They are washable but I have two that will not come clean...

try soaking in a sudsy ammonia solution with hot water...

 

[Stimw]

I work outside all summer and have found that a "Dew Rag" (Bandana) works best for me.
I used to think they were a fashion statement for crackheads but after trying one they keep me a lot cooler than a ballcap.
I can also take it wring it out with cold water and be ready to go again.
I fold it in half, tie it oppisite corners then tuck the loose flaps in over my BALD head.
They are not expensive and I can still put on my welding helmet over it when I need to.