Akubra Hats

W

wrenrutt

Joined
Nov 21, 2004
Messages
14
I have a Tilley and love it, but I am trying to find an alternate change. Is Akubra worth the money? Is the Akubra Banjo Paterson a good "sun hat"? Is it too hot during the summer? Recommended colors, etc.? Also have a Filson tin packer....great hat...but hot, hot, hot in the summer. I need recommendations.
 
Akubra have made hats in Australia for generations. Back in the days when all men wore a hat whenever they went outdoors, Akubras were the hat of choice. They made many styles and shapes from snappy city versions to the wide brimmed outback hats.
Today there are many knock off hat makers, but the original fur felt Akubra is still the hat that most country men (and women) wear daily.
Styles still vary from the dressy straw or "city" hats on the East coast to the ultra wide brimmed versions worn in the far North West cattle country.
Probably the most popular is the "Snowy River" style.
A good Akubra is worth every cent you pay for it, winter and summer, and only gains in character as it gets older, dirtier, and more battered.
You will only ever buy one Akubra in your life (unless it gets stolen from the pub hat rack) :D
 
I really like my Tilley T2. It's a great hat. I don't know how the Akubra could be a better hat for hard use in the hot sun.
 
The Tilley is, perhaps, a travel or sailing hat whereas the Akubra is a working hat. Thus the Akubra doesn't have some of the extra details the Tilley has. It stays on your head for a long day Back o' Burke.
 
I work in my Tilley's all day everyday. When they are dirty and sweaty, I just toss them in the washer and they come out good as new. I know Tilley markets their hats to travelers with lots of money but, they are a good hat for hard manual labor. They seem to be cheaper then the Akubra too.

Having never seen an Akubra hat in person while owning 3 Tilley hats, I guess I am somewhat biased towards the Tilley hats. I guess I need to see an Akubra in person to fully appreciate what it has to offer.
 
Adam from Mythbusters wear an Akubra, doesn't he?
Although I prefer and will acquire in the future, Filson's packer hat, I would not hesitate to get an Akubra if given the chance.
 
I have a couple of Tilley hats and several Akubras. Both are very good hats but I find that the lack of a chin cord on the Akubra is somewhat annoying. I see people on horseback with Akubra hats on and i don't know how the hell it stays on unless it is damn tight. I have the Snowy River and the wide brim Territory and if it's windy it's not gonna be staying on my head for long. There are chin cords to add but when i see people on TV not a lot of 'em wear chin cords.

The Tilley on the other hand will stay on whatever the weather. Plus it is washable. So that's a plus.

However, there is just something about fur felt hats that are much cooler than the modern Tilley hats. A bit like wearing an automatic watch and a quartz watch. I don't know how to explain it but it's just more satisfying wearing the Akubra.

In my opinion the Akubras are worth the money. It is a hard wearing hat and is suitable from winter to summer.
 
I will have to second the nomination for Watership Trading Companie. I have a similar hat, only the waxed cotton version. I really like it, it is packable, it is wide brimmed, it has a chin strap, it is waterproof and it costs less money than an Akubra ( right about the same range as the Tilly). One good place to look for hats is www.noggintops.com a fellow forum member posted that place, and they really do have a nice selection with good pictures.

Good luck in whatever you choose though, all hats mentioned here are great users.

Billyp

edit...link didnt work
 
I bought on for me, one for my dad on my first trip to Oz (along with a Dri-za-bone coat :) When in Rome and all that, what-o)

It seems like they havent increased much in price in 10 years and still make the same models (mine is a Coolabah) good to be able to count on some things! :thumbup:
 
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