Club Obi Wan

Hi everyone. I am interested in getting a Fed IV deluxe, but I live in Florida where it is hot and humid and I am concerned that it may be too hot to wear. I keep reading that its a cold weather hat, and that some people even take out the lining.

Does anyone have any experience with the Fed IV in hot climates?

I know that many people wear felt in the heat, but I find it tough to take. Especially if it's humid. Lining or not, Akubra or otherwise, felt isn't really a great choice for Florida for everyday wear. On the other hand, if you are just looking for a hat for occasional use with Indy Gear (or want to brave felt in the heat), the Fed without liner might be your best option, without going custom. Don't go with wool felt... it doesn't breath as well.

I respectfully disagree with Chewie. I live in Florida. Been wearing a beaver felt hat everyday now for over 2 years. As a result I no longer need sunglasses. I work and just lounge around in them. I honestly can say the small gap in the top actually can cool better than a fitted ball cap.

So, I say wear it. That's what they are for. At least my beaver hats are able to hold up well in the humidity. I do take care they don't get soaked to the core though if it's raining.

I, too, wore a fur felt fedora the 3 years I lived and worked in Florida.

Granted, if I had owned a nice straw, I would have switched it out as the seasons progressed, but that said, an Akubra will suffice just fine in Florida weather.

Beaver is better, but you asked about a Fed IV, and they are very well made as well. I wore mine in driving rains with no problems, so it's a fine hat.

That said, I also practice the removal the lining in a felt hat I wear in hot weather as it just adds one more layer of material between you and the outside air, but that's just me and MY practice. You may not want to do that yourself.

Regard! Michaelson

Where at in FL? I'm Boynton Beach.

Orlando here.

Jeremiah wrote:Orlando here.

Nice! Going up to Disney this weekend, prob see the Indy show Sat.

That is nice Chenricy. Enjoy your time. I need to get out to see that sometime myself and go to Jocks hangar bar.

Tampa here and I wear my Penman beaver felt all the time. It holds up really well in the humidity and even the rain as discussed above. its nice to not have to wear sunglasses when I'm outside too.

Central Florida here. I've picked up a couple of Akubras this summer and I wear them more than my Penmans. They are a much lighter hat, especially without the liner. I've worn while doing yard work and in downpours. No issue with taper so far. If it gets wet I just pop out the bash and start over when it dries. I find that it looks much better after a good rain. It just gets wet, not soaked through. Hope it helps.

I'm here in Tampa and wear my Fed IV almost every day. Even through our latest brush with the edge of a hurricane. About the only time I don't is when doing yard work. Then I find it is a bit too warm.

Regards,
-Ryan