Sorta gun related, hot weather hunting hat problem solved

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unrealtrip

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I like my cowboy hats, but they aren't camo or crushable.

I like my boonie hat a lot, but the small brim really doesn't give much cover.

I also like my Outdoor Research hat a lot, but the polar fleece lining makes it best really only when it is cold and raining, a summer hat it is not.

So I put on my thinking cap, lol, looked for a similar pattern and started making a hat that is a combination of my two favorite hats, my boonie and my OR hat.

I'm doing it in digital camo, it is modeled off of the OR hat, with a slightly wider brim on the sides, theirs is more oblong, mine is a tad more circular like the boonie. And it is more like the boonie in that there is no polar fleece lining so I can wear it in hot weather. I'm going to add grommets in the sides with a little mesh to help air it out, maybe a hidden compartment inside... hrm

Anyway, here it is I'm still working on it, the bottom half isn't on nor is the cord. I'm not a seamster, but I'm relatively creative I guess. :)

boonie
hat001.jpg


OR hat and mine
hat002.jpg
 
not bad. . . not bad at all. . . .

FWIW I spend a lot of time outdoors in Arizona and you definitely need at least a 3 inch brim. If it's reasonably flexible 3 1/2 inches is better. Some vent holes would be a nice touch and some sort of strap with a leather keeper is also a bonus. I've not seen the digital camo pattern in a hat before but I like the looks of it. Keep up the good work - you could probably sell a few of those around here without much trouble. Keep us posted!
 
Nice job. It looks somewhat like the Austrailian Boonie Hat (which is a much better design for the Desert than the US version, IMHO).
 
Nice work, is it waterproof?

Are you selling any?

I would like a leather retention strap like my river hat has so I can drive through the Columbia Gorge with my jeep top down and actually wear my hat all the way through rather than losing them in that gusty place.

If so, please PM me.

That big brim would be great to help conceal my head better during the coyote hunting season this fall.

Please tell me you want to make some to sell, please, please.

jeepmor
 
Thanks all, this is just a first prototype, I've already got some design changes in mind. That said, it is at present not waterproof, but only because I didn't seam seal it, my intention was for a hot dry weather hat, but I could seal it with ease.

As far as selling them, I didn't really have that in mind at all, but I suppose I could knock out a few and sell them. I had planned on making several before finalizing my design, this is just the first model.

I do have a neckstrap and pushbotton drawstring holder thing that will be going on it, and the headband itself has elastic inside which is adjustable with velcro straps, so you can make it anywhere from a loose to a tight fit.

Anyway, once I finalize the design I'll post up a completed model with more pictures, the pocket I'm making for stashing things (matches, map, hunting license, etc) and the secret zippered compartment and see if there is still interest.

btw: I also drive a Jeep and need whatever hat I wear to be secure as well when the top/doors are off. :)
 
Hunting Hat?

If it's for hunting (or even birdwatching) might I suggest losing the velcro?

For the same reason that I won't buy a holster that uses velcro retention or a fanny pack with a velcro "quick release" pouch.

The convenience of velcro is not nearly enough to make up for the tactical liability of a fastening that is guaranteed to give away your position and/or attract attention to yourself.

A grommet and lacing tie-off might work.

Of course, it's only my opinion.

Y'all's mileage may vary.
 
Great idea. Holes and a "lanyard" would be good additions.

But:
Anyway, once I finalize the design I'll post up a completed model with more pictures, the pocket I'm making for stashing things (matches, map, hunting license, etc) and the secret zippered compartment and see if there is still interest.
Click to expand...

Seems to me all that would just make the hat hotter and heavier. Leave it light, 'cept for the retention strap, and put holes in it. Hats are lost too easily, strap notwithstanding, for a seekrit compartment. :)

Besides, one of the beauties of my long-lost favorite fishing hat was I could dunk it in the stream and wring it out a little for cooling off, and I could "bucket up" water with it. I'd hate to do that if I forgot that it contained a license or matches or a map.

----------------
(Did you know that your hat size is the circumference of your head divided by pi?)
 
Hrm, those are some good points.

I could lose the velcro and use a snap or button maybe. I still like the pocket idea, maybe I'll make it one really small one, just enough for a book of matches. Though I might end up hating it and remove it, we'll see :)
 
I have a dark green "boonie hat" that has a 3.5" brim. It says Magellan Sportswear inside. Think I bought it at Sport Academy last year. The brim is solid. The very top is solid. But the vertical sides that connect the two are mesh. 360 degrees, dark green mesh. Coolest hat I've found for Oklahoma that also keeps off the sun.

Gregg
 
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