Cheap hat for expedition

[jfk36]

Hi, newbie here. I've read most of the previous threads on the subject but haven't quite found what I'm looking for. In a few months I'm off on an expedition to Madagascar and have been looking for a cheap-ish, preferably collapsible hat that bears at least a passing resemblance to Indy's hat. I'm not looking to spend too much simply because with the sort of work I'm doing out there, there is a good chance it could get completely ruined, there is even a small possibility it could end up in a crocodile infested swamp. I should also mention I have quite a large head at 60cm.

This is probably the closest I've found so far
https://www.cotswoldcountryhats.com/men" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... 9369-p.asp

[bearbeast]

If you don't mind a leather hat I highly recommend the "Bac Pac Traveller Hat" from BChats.


It is.collapsible, water proof, comfortable.


Cheers,
Bear

[Howard Weinstein]

Hi, newbie here. I've read most of the previous threads on the subject but haven't quite found what I'm looking for. In a few months I'm off on an expedition to Madagascar and have been looking for a cheap-ish, preferably collapsible hat that bears at least a passing resemblance to Indy's hat. I'm not looking to spend too much simply because with the sort of work I'm doing out there, there is a good chance it could get completely ruined, there is even a small possibility it could end up in a crocodile infested swamp. I should also mention I have quite a large head at 60cm.

This is probably the closest I've found so far
https://www.cotswoldcountryhats.com/men" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... 9369-p.asp

Couldn't get the link to work. A few things to consider, which may help you decide:
What will the weather be like, how hot and humid? Is it likely to rain a lot?
Is the primary purpose to shade your face and head from the sun?

Depending on those answers, you might want to stay away from leather, which may be both heavy and hot, and may not hold up well in the rain. Same goes for wool felt.

If you're looking for maximum sun-shade, you may want to look at hats with wider brims than an Indy hat -- preferably at least 3 inches. And if it's going to be hot, you may do better forgetting the Indy look and going for something more practical like a breathable cotton (maybe with mesh) or straw hat. Hats made of those materials come in lots of different styles. (Cotswold appears to have a wide variety. Did you choose them because you live in the UK?)

The cotton hats tend to be collapsible/packable. Straw hats not so much. Some wool and fur felt hats are packable. Akubra makes at least one called the Traveller, but it's fur felt and not cheap.

Then there's color: in hot weather, a dark color hat will absorb heat and sorta bake your head, whereas a light color will reflect and keep your head cooler.

You may have thought of all these factors already. If not, I hope this helps a little.

[Mulceber]

All good advice. I’d only add that head sizes have grown in the last few decades, and 60 cm, while still above average isn’t huge. you should have no trouble finding a hat in your size.

Also, if you decide to go for straw, be sure to get a loose weave. Some of those Panamas can be nearly as warm as felt.

[Wotalark]

I've worn these Columbia bonehead fishing hats in hot climates, very cool and tough. You'd need to check the sizes, I am a 58cm and wear small, but this link is for a large.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Columbia-Bon ... Sw30JbEh5f" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sounds a great expedition !

[jfk36]

Thaks for the help guys I appreciate it.

Weather wise it varies massively, Antananarivo is currently looking like it is going to be slightly cooler than it currently is in my garden here in the UK, whereas Mariarano has a tropical savannah climate. Rain isn't really an issue as I'm travelling in the dry season. Most of the time I will be in fairly shaded forests though I do have a few days planned out in the wetlands so that will be a little more exposed.

[Canyon]

Welcome jfk36. Which part of the UK are you from?

[jfk36]

West Yorkshire's home, but I'm currently studying Zoology in Nottingham and from September I'll be on a work placement in Cambridge as a zookeeper.