Club Obi Wan

I'm planning on a trip to southern Mexico in June to visit some Mayan temples; Palenque, Bonampak and Yachitlan. It should be very hot and maybe rainy.

I'll be wearing my Adventurebilt and was wondering how it does in a hot, humid environment. Didn't someone say that they took the lining out and it helped with the heat? If so, how do you get the lining back in, I see that it is sewn into the hat.

Thanks, KC

It's sewn in, but not so much that you can't disconnect it and then tuck it back under the sweat again when you want it back in. A felt hat is probably not your best choice in hot, humid weather. I'd wear a straw or a panama hat so that your head can breathe better.

I wore mine in Mexico and to Chichen Itza a couple years ago. Taking the lining out does help, but be prepared to sweat in your hat under the sun. Actually, regardless of WHAT hat you wear, be prepared to sweat under the sun! Still, I'd take my AB again because it protected me from the elements and withstood everything it got. If you want to break in an AdventureBilt, that'll do the trick! Sure, a straw hat will breathe better, but I still fared ok in my AB. I got a lot of compliments, too, including one guy who tried to buy the hat off my head!

If you don't want to remove the liner, one thing you can do (which is permanent, so think it over) is to cut the plastic liner cap out with a razor. This actually accounts for a lot of the heat build-up in a hat.

The other thing you should ask yourself is, how easily do you get overheated? I could never handle my AB where you're going, but some people can. I can't wear Felt in weather over 75 degrees, even without humidity. If you're like me, go straw / Panama.

Um, isn't cutting out the cap pretty much the same thing as removing the liner? It's more along the lines of destroying the liner! Seriously, it isn't that difficult to remove the liner. Actually, it's probably more difficult cutting the liner cap out than it is to just remove the entire liner. And yes, the plastic cap does trap a lot of heat, but even the silk liner (no plastic cap) keeps in a certain amount of heat. In the summer, I tend to wear hats with no liners, plastic or otherwise.

Hey. That trip sounds cool. Was wondering though - and this might seem like a weird question from left field, but - do you worry about mosquito born illness down there? Repllent and all that?

Curious.

I didn't have any problems where I went, though you're always safest drinking bottled water, unless you're in a resort town like Cancun. For me, the biggest problem was keeping protected from the sun.

I just get the hats sent to me WITHOUT the sweat cap.

What is the liner cap as opposed to just the liner?

I normally would wear a Panama, but it will be the start of the rainy season, so that would destroy a straw hat. Yes, it will be hot and I'm probably crazy taking my AB, but what the heck. It will be a great way to get the AB into a more Indy look, nice and worn. And it's better than a baseball cap!

As to any kind of illnesses, my wife is a physician, so she'll have all the malaria pills and whatever else we'll need, so I'm not worried. And the safest thing to drink in Mexico so you don't get sick is cerveza.

Thanks for all the advice, guys, I guess it's off with the liner!...KC

The sweatcap is that plastic doo hikey thinga ma bobber that covers the headpiece graphic on the liner of your hat. I usually ask that that be left off of my liners.

Kaleponi Craig wrote:Yes, it will be hot and I'm probably crazy taking my AB, but what the heck. It will be a great way to get the AB into a more Indy look, nice and worn.

I don't think you're crazy. It's hot all the time here and I wear my AB year-round.

Now, it ain't HUMID here, so yeah, it's still a different kettle of worms.

But the hat is made to be used, right? And it's a hat that's made for adventure - in spirit, at the very least? I'd take it. If for no other reason than so you aren't standing there at some point saying to yourself, "I wish I was wearing my AB in this picture in front of the pyramid."

Indiana Jerry wrote:But the hat is made to be used, right? And it's a hat that's made for adventure - in spirit, at the very least? I'd take it. If for no other reason than so you aren't standing there at some point saying to yourself, "I wish I was wearing my AB in this picture in front of the pyramid."

Savvy?

I'd say this hat is not made for hot, hot weather. Mix in high humidity and you have even more problems. Why bother with all that? Just go get a nice summer fedora. Why sweat your arse off when you can just get a proper hat for the weather?
I used to sweat buckets in my PB in October here in Chicago. Now, my Optimo is far less thicker than the PB but I couldn't even imagine wearing it in temps over 80 with 100% humidity. It just seems highly illogical.

Indy = movie.

Us = real life.

Indiana Jerry wrote: But the hat is made to be used, right? And it's a hat that's made for adventure - in spirit, at the very least? I'd take it. If for no other reason than so you aren't standing there at some point saying to yourself, "I wish I was wearing my AB in this picture in front of the pyramid."

Like this?

Everybody's different agent5. I've had no problems with felt hats (provided the liner was removed or silk only) with heat as high as 110 degrees F....but factor in humidity, I've perspired like a water fountain with even a straw hat on....all the straw did was keep the sun off my heat. It didn't nothing to keep me cooler than wearing a felt.

For others, just thinking of hot weather makes them perspire without even BEING in it.

So, in this case, would it be better to be comfortable, or look back at photos in the future and say 'if I had only.....'

Why not wear the AB there, then pick UP a cheap straw when you get there if it's unbearable, as has been suggested above? That way you have the best of both worlds, and you can just leave the old cheap hat behind if you don't want to pack it back from your trip.

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:Why not wear the AB there, then pick UP a cheap straw when you get there if it's unbearable, as has been suggested above? That way you have the best of both worlds, and you can just leave the old cheap hat behind if you don't want to pack it back from your trip. Regards! Michaelson

A couple of years ago, I wore the AB on the Inca Trail (see avatar) and it got quite hot at times and I had no problem. But you're right, Michaelson, I can always leave the AB in the hotel on the hottest days. We'll also be in the highlands, in San Cristobal de las Casas, where it is much cooler. So that may be the perfect place for the AB...KC

I'd still recommend the liner removal trick. Works for me, and it's easy to put right back in after you're done. Makes the hat MUCH cooler in the heat.

Regards! Michaelson

I wear mine 360 days a year. In the warm months, I take out the liners. Is the hat hot in the summer? Yep. But, it is hot without the hat!! And, if you are really wearing the hat for sun protection, and you are out on a backpacking trip, fishing, etc, I have been known to wet the inside of my hat and put it back on my head.

Remember, back in the old days, the cowpokes wore their felt hats year round. Not many could afford a nice Montecristi!! Or would have worn one, if they could afford it.


If I were in Death Valley, in the summer, you can bet I would have a hat on my head. Would it be hot? You bet it would. But, being hatless in that environment is certain death. The old guys knew it too. Fedora

Watch the original 1930's movie 'The Four Feathers' if you want to know how the one guy went sun blind. He lost HIS hat in the desert!

I'll be wearing mine when I'm out in the Arizona desert looking at abandoned mines....just haven't decided if it's going to be the standard 'Abner' or my lightweight 'Abner' AB yet.

Regards! Michaelson

I will be definitely be taking a hat, no question about that. I have very light skin very easily sunburn. But I also have a Keppler and an Akubra Fed. Would either one of these be better in the heat and humidity? The Keppler feels the lightest of the three.

For sure I won't be taking my leather jacket...KC

The Keppler is a beaver/rabbit blend. The Akubra is an Australian rabbit and made for field use.

Personally I'd take the Federation, if you're not going to take the AB...and yes, I've owned all three, but only because even though the Keppler feels lighter, it's a tighter woven felt than the Federation, and would therefore hold heat like the AB. If you remove the liner from the Akubra, you'll have a fine hat for the trip as well.

Of the 3, though, you mentioned 'rainy', and the order would be AB, Keppler, THEN the Akubra in terms of holding the rain out. That said, though, I've had personal experience with wearing a black Akubra Federation in a steady rain for 2 days while helping move my eldest daughter, D.Jones in Knoxville. My head never got wet, though the liner got a bit damp at the sides by the second day. When it dried, no taper at all. Something else to consider.

Regards! Michaelson

Peter Bros. sells a straw Indy hat don't they.. think it's called the Michaelson and is named after our friend here. That's seems like a good compromise to me. Anyone have one with pics?

Doug C

Well, actually the 'Michaelson' is the Borsalino felt fedora they sell, but they do have the straw (I have one of them too), and though a great sun hat, it leaks like seive if it even sprinkles.

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:The Keppler is a beaver/rabbit blend.Of the 3, though, you mentioned 'rainy', and the order would be AB, Keppler, THEN the Akubra in terms of holding the rain out. That said, though, I've had personal experience with wearing a black Akubra Federation in a steady rain for 2 days while helping move my eldest daughter, D.Jones in Knoxville. My head never got wet, though the liner got a bit damp at the sides by the second day. When it dried, no taper at all. Something else to consider.

Regards! Michaelson

I've also worn my Akubra in a full day downpour and it didn't leak in the slightest or taper at all. Oh, too many choices!!!...KC

Yep....but ain't it grand you DO have so many choices now?! It's the old 'feast or famine' thing!

Regards! Michaelson

binkmeisterRick wrote:

Indiana Jerry wrote: But the hat is made to be used, right? And it's a hat that's made for adventure - in spirit, at the very least? I'd take it. If for no other reason than so you aren't standing there at some point saying to yourself, "I wish I was wearing my AB in this picture in front of the pyramid."

Like this?

Ding! I had you in mind.

If you have a Federation, bring it! I find my Feds breath better than any of my beaver felts, so it's a great compromise. But I'd also bring the AB for the cooler days and destinations. Of course, I can't travel light to save my life!

The Federation seems A LOT heavier than the AB. Wouldn't that make it hotter underneath?...KC

Not too many days have gone by that I have not worn my AB since I received it! CT weather has been all over the map for quite some time now. Right after I got it I brought it along for a trip down to Tennessee where it happened to be cold and rainy most of the time. Perfect!

The biggest test in the heat was the following week when I was down in the Caribbean where it 85-95 every day. Even with the breeze if you were out in the sun it was HOT with the AB but it was REALLY HOT without it so it never really came off. I don't think I can bring myself to take out the liner since the hat is virtually brand new.

Removing the liner is a simple procedure. The temperature difference is noteworthy. Your local craft store has a variety of fabric glues for re-attaching the liner. You will not have to face the needle and thread.

Sincerely

I've found good old Elmers glue to work just fine. Just a single drop at strategic points holds the liner just fine.

When the hat is sent in for a reblock and the hat is cleaned, it's water soluable and dissolves in the process.

Regards! Michaelson

Did the Raiders hat have a liner? Probably, but maybe not. Here's the inside of an old short brimmed HJ. Fedora called this a "summer hat". Akubras that don't have liners, have a smaller oval badge made of satin.

3thoubucks wrote:Did the Raiders hat have a liner? Probably, but maybe not. Here's the inside of an old short brimmed HJ. Akubras that don't have liners, have a smaller oval badge made of satin.

The oval badge really spruces up the interior. Wonder if any are available for retro fitting, as I tend to remove the liners. While a simple piece of glued in satin is essentially the same, the crest is a nice touch.

Sincerely,

I bet Ford took that liner out!!! Well, at least when they filmed in Tunisia.

I cannot over emphasize just how much cooler a hat is with the liner removed. Felt, even dense beaver felt will breath much better without the liner. Of course, rabbit breathes much better, but there is a trade off in durability over the long haul. Fedora

Consider a Tilley hat as an alternative.

http://www.tilley.com/hat_category.asp?catId=1

I own 3 Tilley hats and I swear by each of them! I'd say the TH5 Hemp Hat is your closest match. I've worn my Tilley's in the Tunesian and Egyptian deserts and they've saved my brain from frying quite a few times.

I think they would be a good bet for looks, protection and keeping your brain cool.

It's an Indy fedora or nothing, as far as I'm concerned. I'm just not a Tilley kind of guy. I think I'll be taking the AB with the liner out. Thanks for all the great advice!...KC

It's an Indy fedora or nothing, as far as I'm concerned.

I admire your dedication and tenacity!

3thoubucks, I´ve found exactly this Fedora on ebay

I won it. If it gets here, you'll be seeing more of it. Unless it has more taper than I hope it has .

I dunno. I hear alot of people saying to just remove the liner and that the felt will breath but doesn't it just make more sense that a straw hat would have ALOT more room to breath than any felt hat you may wear? I just don't get it? The straw just seems to make alot more sense that the felt hat for a climate of probable temps above 85 with 100% humidity.
To me, wearing the felt hat in that climate is akin to cutting a steak with a spoon and eating it with a straw. It just doesn't seem smart. Just because others have done it too doesn't mean it makes sense or is the best option. That Tilley is just what I was talking about. What's wrong with that? Do you see the air holes to let out the heat and persperation to keep from melting your brain?

I hope we don't see a thread soon like...

"Kaleponi Craig found dead from heat exaustion, but his AB looked terrific"

Heat, humidity, and RAIN, I believe was mentioned.

Ever wear a straw hat in the rain, agent5? Its pretty much as waste of time, I'm afraid.

His question was which felt hat should he wear. The Tilley was thrown into the mix by others. If a Tilley was part of his list, then that would have been considered, I'm sure.

I've worn linerless AB'S in 90 degree 100% humidity, and am still living and breathing. I've also worn Tilley's type hats in the same situation, and do so when cutting grass. Personally I can tell no difference. Hot and humid is hot and humid, no matter what you're wearing.

Regards! Michaelson

There are other options besides having to look like Indiana Jones in the jungle. So...what. there are absolutely NO quality straw hats that can stand up to rain?

Read my edited/added information.

No, no straws I've ever read about or come across. Keep in mind that if you seal a straw hat surface to make it water repellent, you also seal in the heat coming from the head....making the hat even HOTTER than a breathable felt hat in the long run.

Also go back up and read his original post again. He's not asking what we would suggest he wear in Mexico. He's asking how his AB will hold up and perform on such a trip.

Regards! Michaelson

Sorry. I hope he comes back ok and with no brain damage.

Thanks for your concern, Agent5, I hope so too! But I'll put you in my will for the AB just in case.

I might buy a cheap straw, as was mentioned above, but to wear it in the rain I might as well not have a hat at all. A fedora is good for me, as I need full protection from the sun. I really don't like the looks of those Tilley kind of hats. I also have one of those caps with a brim and the piece that comes down the back to protect your neck. I might take that for certain days.

I wore my AB on my Inca Trail trip a couple of years ago and the weather got quite hot at certain points. I wasn't uncomfortable in the slightest. If it really is too hot and I can't stand it, I can always leave the AB in the hotel room...KC

agent5 wrote:Sorry. I hope he comes back ok and with no brain damage.

Probably no more than he left with.

Then again, maybe we shouldn't go there.....

Regards! Michaelson

I really don't like the looks of those Tilley kind of hats.

I say that when you enter serious weather you're not used to it's always better to be fully prepared than to worry about how you look.

Good luck, KC, and bring us back some knock-out pictures. I wish I could afford to take a trip like that now. Jealousy has set in.

You lucky dog.

How about Josh Bernstein? He certainly goes to some hot countries wearing his fur felt. Of course, he probably has someone on staff to fan him when he gets too hot.

Like I said, I can always take the hat off if it's too bloody uncomfortable. I will certainly post pics if I make it back.

Thanks again, guys!...KC

Kaleponi Craig wrote:It's an Indy fedora or nothing, as far as I'm concerned. I'm just not a Tilley kind of guy. I think I'll be taking the AB with the liner out. Thanks for all the great advice!...KC

The Tilley is a great Travel hat and I have owned several over the years. Actually the hat I am wearing in my avatar is a Tilley. I have travelled to many hat places with it including the Amazon. This is a great hat for warmer climates but it is no AB. Different kind of hat altogether. Mine is a light brown but they do a Hemp hat (which is supposed to be very breathable and very durable) in a dark brown color.

I feel any time you wear any kind of hat your head holds in more heat so you will feel hotter. We all know the feeling at the end of a long journey where you are wearing your hat to come in and take it off. No hat will keep your from sweating if you are being very active or it is a hot climate. My Tilley has seen heavy rain as well. It does ok in the rain if I treat it with water repellent. Actually it is made of a cotton canvas which stiffens up in the rain. Mine will eventually absorb water and when it does you will feel it on the brim but it is great for keeping rain off my glasses.
Also, the washing instructions are "Give 'em H_ _ l". If the hat ever wears out they will replace it for free.

I was just at Tilley Headquarters in Toronto recently and saw that they are now selling Fedoras. The first 2 they made were Black (which sold out quickly) and Khaki (which they seemed to have lots of). They did tell me they were releasing a dark brown one this August. It is American made and I think it is rabbit. Here is the link.

http://www.tilley.com/detail.asp?catId= ... ductNo=TF1

You will see though that the brim has a ridge running around the edge of it so it is very inaccurate. Good company though and they do stand behind their stuff. One thing I love about the regular Tilley (the Tilley Fedora does NOT have this) is a hideable strap that you can use to secure your hat on your head in gale force winds. if you lose it they will replace it for half the price in the first year. I get very nervous wearing a hat in some situations (boat rides, high places like top of Eiffel Tower) where you might lose your hat.

CJ

Also, the washing instructions are "Give 'em H_ _ l". If the hat ever wears out they will replace it for free.

Canada speaks the truth here. I remember when I worked for the VHS, and we sold Tilley hats. There's a story that goes with the Tilleys, the story of why they will replace the hat if it ever wears out on you.

A zookeeper bought one of their hats and wore the crud out of it at work. One of the elephants he tended to actually picked the hat up off his head and ate it! The zookeeper thought that was the end of that story, until a day or so later, when the elephant..well.."went to the bathroom," and there was the hat! The zookeeper picked it up, thoroughly cleaned it off, and went on using it. This same elephant proceeded to pull this stunt TWICE more, and the situation remained the same - a day or so later, the zookeeper would get his hat back. He sent that story in to Tilley hats, and they made that guarantee afterwards.

Craig, I understand your dedication to the Indy lid, though. I hope you break that bad boy in just the way you like it, because lord knows the AB can handle it!