Survival hats

This is a great thread. Headgear is often an overlooked and underestimated piece of gear. I never go out without a ball cap. For special occasions I have a 25 year old Stetson that's just beginning to take on some character.
 
The Tilly sounds like a winner. I go straw for sun and oldest golf cap when carrying a pack, in cool and wet weather a Filson's Tin Packer or Shelter Bush hat. I used a hat from High Plains Sheepskin last winter, it was warm and certainly cheered up everyone in deer camp...at my expense. www.shop.hpsheepskin.com
 
The only hat that I know of that came close to the tilly, was sold by Cabelas a few years back, but I forget the name of the manufacturer.
 
The cheap version of the Tilley you're thinking of might be the "Sunday Afternoon Adventure Hat". I've personally never worn one or seen one, but have read favorable reviews.
In my quest for the perfect outdoors hat I've been through leather outback hats, baseball caps, buckets, stetsons, etc. None are completely to my satisfaction. Maybe I'll try the tilley next.
 
Oops. Just read up on the Adventure Hat again and it's actually pretty far off from the Tilley. More of a desert hat. It's still cheaper than a Tilley and well liked by many.
 
I go with a boonie a lot of time in the woods and working around the yard.

Have a widebrimmed straw hat for mowing the lawn, keeps the hot sun off mah face and neck.

In winter nothing like a good old wool watch cap.
 
pitdog said:
....however now I'm in Canada they don't seem fashion concious so I may have to invest !...
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I beg to differ. This pretty little canuck (my better half) is in full dress, tilly, whistle, PFD and her leatherman which you can't see in the photo. She ain't afraid of no pike, only high heels!

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LOL - that reminds me of this beach party I went to two years ago. This young crowd of college girls crashed it and all walked out into the sand in their heels and promptly got stuck. Sensible clothing has its advantages!
 
kgd said:
I beg to differ. This pretty little canuck (my better half) is in full dress, tilly, whistle, PFD and her leatherman which you can't see in the photo. She ain't afraid of no pike, only high heels!
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Don't take this the wrong way, but I find that kinda sexy. My better half also dresses to fit the occasion and I like it. :) (I'm not a big fan of primping lil clotheshorses... I think smart, capable, active women are way more attractive.)
 
Cabela's seems to have a few models that are about right--very much like Tilley hats, and just under $20 U.S. Check their site, and type in terms like "Riverguide" and "San Juan" and "Roaring Fork". They seem to offer them in multiple sizes, as well. One gripe: they look like they all come with sewn-in bands that say "Cabela's" in prominent letters. (Maybe find a cooperative rattlesnake to help cover up the logo?)

Googling "canvas" and "hat" and "grommets" got me that link; "ventilation" might not be a bad addition.
 
Return of the J.D. said:
Come on, now: SOMEBODY out there has to know who it is who makes that identical-twin-to-a-Tilley-hat-that-costs-half-as-much.
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REI made a knock-off at one time, right down to the pocket in the top. Columbia has a couple that are simular. There's certainly no lack of floppy-brimmed khaki hats. Tilley's are one of those "best of" products that work well and last a long time. Just buy one and get on with living :D
 
Does anyone other than Tilley (and the caps and breezer hats from Gempler's) make similar hats in size 8+?
 
Like many who post here, I have MANY hats. From baseball in the summer to the Mad Bomber in the winter. During the summer though, I love my Stetson! Heck I even look pretty cool in it. In my bass boat fly fishing wearing my Stetson.....I should maybe model for LL Bean?
I know everyone else likes it too because of all the looks I get. I'm pretty sure there not laughing at me :-)
 
kgd, I have worn the cotton tilley for years and loved it. Also being follicley challenged and shaving the little that remains I bought a hemp model because it has a slightly wider brim (and also because it is hemp and I believe it is the height of stupidity to ban such a useful plant because someone might smoke it). I like the hemp model even better than the cotton not only because of the wider(slightly) brim but the hemp feels lighter weight than the cotton and is definitely tougher.
 
rhino said:
Does anyone other than Tilley (and the caps and breezer hats from Gempler's) make similar hats in size 8+?
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Check out Filsons. I know they have some XXL sizes. Their "tin hat" is a classic. You might try Duluth Trading Company too.
 
idroptapul said:
Oops. Just read up on the Adventure Hat again and it's actually pretty far off from the Tilley. More of a desert hat. It's still cheaper than a Tilley and well liked by many.
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I got one of their Field Hats in the thrift store for a couple bucks. They are great for direct sun-- the brim is WIDE. It wouldn't last a second in any kind of breeze-- I've had sailboats with less sail area! If you want one and wear an XL, PM me.
 
+1 for the Hemp Tilley. My TH5 is spectacular and has a nice sloping brim on both the front and back to increase sun protection without increasing surface area. Another nice feature is the simple yet effective adjustable wind cord design. In addition the Hemp stiffens up like crazy as it gets more damp, so no more floppy, wet cloth in your face (try washing it you'll see what I meen!). I got mine for about 70$ canadian which might seem like alot, but when backed up by an awesome lifetime garauntee it's actually a bargain.
 
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