it's a hat day

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 11:39 am

40 degrees, fog and light rain, just in from 80 miles of errands, bank, property taxes, groceries.
Saw a few people out in ball caps, but most just getting wet, and a good brim makes so much sense.
My grandfathers were never outside without a hat - and both had heads full of hair.
So, anyway, getting out this morning, grabbed my vintage Stetson Open Road
Everybody called me sir...

Shasta · Post by **Shasta** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 12:29 pm

Now that is my idea of a hat!

Very dignified, no wonder they call you "Sir"!

I usually wear brimmed hats as I have fair skin and sunburn easily. A few years back I was given a couple Stetsons from the late 40's, both still brand new in the box! They look very much like your hat and I like to wear them, but they are rather soft and don't hold their shape well. I really need to find a hatter who could shape them and maybe resize slightly larger.

SHASTA

M. M. Wright · Post by **M. M. Wright** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 12:38 pm

Love the hat and the fact you are comfortable wearing it tells me you are getting "up there" in age which is why they call you "sir".
I've worn brimmed hats off and on all my life but try to put them on whenever I'm out to avoid the sun as suggested by my dermatologist.

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 12:39 pm

57, and I can look lean and racy on a bicycle.
I was at the parking lot for Russian River NFS access wearing this hat, a 40% beaver Milano - it took a lot grief on one trip to Alaska.

(this was accessing the ferry side from Sterling hwy - my buddy had to combat fish for sockeye one afternoon, so I let him get is fill)
But as I was rigging to head down to the river (a day just like today) a mouthy girl parking with her dad a few spots over said, "What are you, some kind of a cowboy." I told her I was. Her dad said, "now, this isn't a fashion show." His hat proved that.
And again, waiting for the return flight at the Anchorage airport - one of few places you stumble across trout wizard friends - 3 of my buddies from Texas were coincidentally there.
When you fly with a hat, you wear it, because it doesn't pack well. There was an NCO waiting for the same flight, who had to make an editorial, "Ah, best beaver I've seen all day." Didn't shave me a bit.

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 1:10 pm

M. M. Wright wrote:Love the hat and the fact you are comfortable wearing it tells me you are getting "up there" in age which is why they call you "sir".
I've worn brimmed hats off and on all my life but try to put them on whenever I'm out to avoid the sun as suggested by my dermatologist.

I guess I'm getting old and grumpy....if one more gas station clerk calls me "Buddy"!

I keep telling the wife I'm going to start wearing a bowler hat or a derby

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 3:24 pm

vancelw wrote:
M. M. Wright wrote:Love the hat and the fact you are comfortable wearing it tells me you are getting "up there" in age which is why they call you "sir".
I've worn brimmed hats off and on all my life but try to put them on whenever I'm out to avoid the sun as suggested by my dermatologist.
I guess I'm getting old and grumpy....if one more gas station clerk calls me "Buddy"!

I keep telling the wife I'm going to start wearing a bowler hat or a derby

When a stranger calls me Buddy, I generally look around and ask who he was talking to 'cause my name is Mr. Garver.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 5:27 pm

Yep!
At the end of the day, it's all about a good hat

Dusty Texian · Post by **Dusty Texian** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 6:01 pm

casastahle wrote:Yep!
At the end of the day, it's all about a good hat

Yep them are some fine looking hats.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 6:19 pm

I love livin' near the Resistol factory! I need to stop in again... I stretch the "allowable" season on wearin' straw!!! And my current felt is 24 years old... and bein' a silver-belly, shows its age!

Been rode hard, landed on similarly, and pawed with grimy hands... It needs a cleanin' and reblocked! Maybe a replacement would be in order!

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 7:39 pm

ok, now we're having fun - I was hoping to get some more contributions.
One more winter hat to show, and this is my go-to - it's 100% beaver, and I expect it to last me forever

This is the Journeyman made by Art Fawcett

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 8:02 pm

I only got one nice one....the rest are fishing, or boonie hats....It's a Pendleton, so I guess It'll be around longer than I will...I guess I've had it fifteen years so far. It's nice in the rain, or cold weather.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 8:27 pm

My authentic Indiana Jones Hat.

7.62 Precision · Post by **7.62 Precision** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 8:34 pm

bulldog1935 wrote: I was at the parking lot for Russian River NFS access wearing this hat, a 40% beaver Milano - it took a lot grief on one trip to Alaska.

Where all did you fish on that trip?

I need to get a good hat - my las one disappeared when I was in Iraq and I have not been able to afford one since. I don't have any hat right now.

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 9:29 pm

I do life evaluation and analysis on power plants (gas turbines), for electric utilities and oil production

So I'm up there for a plant turnaround, never knowing exactly what my timing is going to be, but it's easy to drive down to Kenai on the spur when I get back to Anchorage. I try to plan one day with my guide buddy Brandon Maes out of Soldotna.
I've fished Ptarmigan Creek, Crescent, Quartz, of course floated the Kenai, Kasilof. Also flown across Cook Inlet to Crescent River/Lake in Clark Natl Park. I can guide the Russian from the falls down to the ferry.

My last trip, my buddy flew up and met me in Anchorage when the job was done and we had 4 great days on Kenai. But I've fished from early June into September, and even been on the slope in December.
I've also witnessed the subdividing of Kenai along Sterling Hwy over the last 15 years.

plowboy 45 · Post by **plowboy 45** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 9:57 pm

I been wearin hats since I was a little feller, my grandmother always told me I'd be bald, hadn't happened yet
It's been a really long time since anyone has made any kind of odd remark about it
Here's a pic of mine they are all resistol brand from 86 model thru09 model, and like most good ol lever rifles, horses, peterbilts, and ex-wifes they gotta story, but I won't tellem, just ain't enough space on the internet

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 10:02 pm

plowboy 45 wrote:I been wearin hats since I was a little feller, my grandmother always told me I'd be bald, hadn't happened yet

My great-grandfather always told me that, then would lift his hat to show his bald pate

Scared me to death

Luckily, he was step-great-grandpa so I didn't get his genetics. I'm a wreck, but have all my hair.

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 10:03 pm

Like to wear mine when its raining or snowing, not much otherwise. I wore out a couple in the past, just dont like wearing hats much now.

Stetson, with Navajo silver concho band, given to me by the guy that made it.

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 7:33 am

Summer and winter over the years.

Gobbler

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 8:24 am

Awesome idea for a canoe outrigger Gobblerforge

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 9:00 am

had to point out something cool about my Open Road

the button and string around the hat band is a wind trolley
It's a lanyard you button into your shirt button and if the wind takes your hat, it can't get away

.45colt · Post by **.45colt** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 9:35 am

Soooo, that's the answer to My question. I was wondering what that thingy was. Thanks Bulldog.

.

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 9:53 am

here's my daughter wearing my favorite Panama and shooting my favorite .22

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 10:18 am

Some great hats guys.

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 8:59 pm

bulldog1935 wrote:had to point out something cool about my Open Road

the button and string around the hat band is a wind trolley
It's a lanyard you button into your shirt button and if the wind takes your hat, it can't get away

I have a deerskin stampede string on mine. It hangs down normally, sometimes I toss the hat on my back when I dont feel like having it on, or walking through thicker stuff. I take an overhand looped knot in it to put under my chin of it gets windy. Have some graduated size silver beads on the ends for decoration. They sort of remind me of rattlesnake rattles.

junkbug · Post by **junkbug** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 9:07 am

I really like your winter hat. Is that a version of the "Rough Riders" hat, which I believe is actually 1885 US Army field hat? Or is it something else?

I have been meaning to get one of those, but without trying it on, I will not spend the money one costs.

I believe I will have to go to Gettysburg, Pa. if I want one to try on, in person.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 9:08 am

My summer hat, sporting my duel national preferences. Not good for rain though but cooler for hiking and keeps the sun off the face. Made down under of roo skin.

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 1:29 pm

this is all I got... :)

homerun-outdoor-cap-apparel-new-york-yankees-home-hat.jpg

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 2:27 pm

I have a number, but don't wear them often enough. My favorite, er favourite, is my foreign service helmet, which must be worn when handling a Martini or Snider, or fumbling with the high wheel:

Other include an original derby, badly cracked, a campaign hat like I wore in Boy Scouts, and a couple of Stetsons. I think I would wear a hat more often if I wasn't prone to instant and hilarious hat head. A sentimental favorite is a museum-quality replica of a Hudson's Bay Company clerk's short-billed cap circa 1820, as seen in the paintings by Rindisbacher, and made for me by Canadian historian Judy McPherson.

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 6:38 pm

great entry
your Ducks are making a showing today, too.

btw, my hair is a natural with a hat - I can knock it right down and it looks right, in fact, if I wash my hands and can't find a towel, I can knock my hands down in my hair and come out looking good.

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 7:07 pm

bulldog1935 wrote:btw, my hair is a natural with a hat - I can knock it right down and it looks right, in fact, if I wash my hands and can't find a towel, I can knock my hands down in my hair and come out looking good.

I get bad hat hair. If I've been wearing a hat, I pretty much dont take it off if I'm around other humans, and wouldnt go out in public without expecting funny looks. It doesnt recover well.

BobM · Post by **BobM** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 10:06 pm

My favorite right now is an insulated Filson packer I picked up in October. I also have their bush hat but it's been worn so much it needs to be re-waxed

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 10:22 pm

Got two Ruger ball caps for Christmas - one a 50th anniversary of the 10/22. I don't usually wear ball caps, but given my thining hair and growing bald spot, hats are going to be regular wear for me going forward!

Old No7 · Post by **Old No7** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 8:28 pm

I'm late to the party on this post...

BlaineG wrote:I only got one nice one....the rest are fishing, or boonie hats....It's a Pendleton, so I guess It'll be around longer than I will...I guess I've had it fifteen years so far. It's nice in the rain, or cold weather.

But like Blaine's, mine is also a Pendleton. Glad to hear that it will wear well!

DH - New Hat (Small).JPG

My kids have only seen me in ball caps before, but my bride bought that for me to wear on our New Years Trip to the White Mountains in NH, and she says she "likes the look". It was warm and comfortable, that's for sure.

Now I need to look for a lighter "summer" version too.

Old No7

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:27 pm

been through a few Resistol George Strait - they end up on the lawnmower

here's where my Panama came from: http://ultrafinopanamahat.com/default.aspx
This is the hat I always take to travel or grabbing a hat to wear to the track meet

I have this Akubra hemp, it's strangely not head-shaped, but it's my go-to hat for paddling the coast flats

The straw hat I keep coming back to, though, is this Bailey crushable - it has worn really well and stands up to abuse

we're christening a boat with Virgil's root beer

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 9:21 am

Waxed cotton when wet.

N.

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 9:23 am

Felt when cool.

N.

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 9:24 am

Leather when hot.

N.

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 11:38 am

Nath, great hats - thanks for contributing.

Bill in Oregon wrote:...
...

this one - I can't believe Blaine has overlooked this opportunity to make a pithy pun.

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 11:48 am

He will be along soon to extract some

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 12:03 pm

bulldog1935 wrote:Nath, great hats - thanks for contributing.

Bill in Oregon wrote:..
...
this one - I can't believe Blaine has overlooked this opportunity to make a pithy pun.

Hat jokes are over Blaine's head....

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 1:30 pm

vancelw wrote:
bulldog1935 wrote:Nath, great hats - thanks for contributing.

Bill in Oregon wrote:..
...
this one - I can't believe Blaine has overlooked this opportunity to make a pithy pun.
Hat jokes are over Blaine's head....

Just don't have one that would fill the bill.....

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 1:39 pm

BlaineG wrote:
vancelw wrote:
bulldog1935 wrote:Nath, great hats - thanks for contributing.
Bill in Oregon wrote:..
...
this one - I can't believe Blaine has overlooked this opportunity to make a pithy pun.
Hat jokes are over Blaine's head....
Just don't have one that would fill the bill.....

and after we were brimming with expectation...

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 2:17 pm

I'm reel-ly sorry. I was Eaton breakfast.

mack · Post by **mack** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 5:34 pm

Some of you guys are buyin' higher up on the hat tree than I am. I do a Stetson Sturgis when its cool and a palm leaf from Big Bend when it's hot, both with horse hair stampede strings. (My Bailey died under Ely's hoof a few years back, so now I use strings.)
More hair on my face than head now, so no worries about "hat hair/head"!
Nath, I like that waxed coat in your picture! Always wanted one.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 6:21 pm

Nath wrote:Felt when cool.

N.

Nath,

Ya nailed that cool Van Helsing look

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 7:33 pm

Enablers... the LOT of you! After looking at this thread for a couple of days, today I decided that my old Resistol "Diamond Horseshoe" needed replacing! So I did! The last one they produced according to Resistol... The old is still quite serviceable for certain uses... the new one for dressin' up!

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 8:28 am

good choice - that's a beaut

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 9:51 am

The hat that started this thread, the Open Road, is still a classic. I have always wanted one, but then I would have to have a 1964 Fleetwood to wear it in. Makes me think of Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson. Wife and I got to visit LBJ's ranch on the Pedernales a couple of years ago, and took the tour. LBJ had a lot of hats and hat boxes in his closet, but most were marked Resistol. I was a bit surprised, not that a Resistol isn't a wonderful hat.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 10:08 am

Resistol is a TEXAS company. Makes perfect sense that LBJ would have their hats. And, now that they've owned the JBStetson company for over 20 years... and still market hats under both brands... still with their separate "X" definitions... you can't tell the difference in quality, if you ever could. Each line has several levels of quality hat... from 100% wool to 100% beaver. And let me tell ya, the more beaver you get, the better life is!

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 10:31 am

my first hat was a Resistol, and I've owned more Resistols than any other single brand.
That said, my grandfather always wore Stetsons.
My Open Road didn't come from him, but it's likely more than 50-y-o