Can anyone recomend a hat for cold weather and possibly for normal protection from elements. I normally wear a khaki wool watch cap or fleace hat, but I have found that in a down poor they get soaked, can anyone recommend a hat that suits my specs. I was thinking of a gore-tex watch cap but have never seen one in UK shops. Im open to any suggestions.
thanks

My two favorites are an Akubra felt hat and a waxed cotton hat. Both have a broad rim. The felt hat is good for a couple of hours in heavy rain. The waxed cotton hat lasts longer. I haven´t experienced enough rain to get it soaked.
I wear both hats in any weather.

Pete, Few items of clothing are really perfect for all the elements, even in the same area. Watch caps are excellent for cold and dry conditions. Add rain and you have a wet Hedgehog sitting on your head <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. Your choices are a waterproof shell or poncho, or a dedicated hat for the rain. The waxed cotton clothing favoured by the horsey set in G.B. is excellent outdoor wear ( Balfour?). Their equal would be the Aussie Drover coats or the Filson Tin cloth . I personally don't care for Goretex. It's expensive and simply cannot perform as claimed.

barbour is the word you're looking for there chris. balfour was close enough i guess <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> anyway, whatever you want to call them i have to agree with you, they do make pretty good outdoor wear although waxed cotton does tend to be a bit heavy i think.

take it easy.
stuart.

Pete,

If you do decide to go for a GORETEX Watch Cap then they are available in the UK from Soldier of Fortune at http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk (Ref: HAT010) @ £14.99. I've never tried one myself but just thought I should let you know that they are available in the UK.

Cheers,
Rich

On the subject of hats, what is that russian hat called? you know, the one made out of fur, has ear flaps that can fold up, and also a bit of a peak in the front. I've wanted one for a long time, more for the novelty than for practical use though <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

They are commonly called Trooper's Hats in Canada and Alaska. They are all the fashion right now in NYC. Most are made of rabbit fur with a quilted lining. A good source ( for lots of stuff) is www.sirmailorder.ca While I am at it, a good site with many resources for "traditional gear" is www.jackmountainbushcraft.com/gear.htm#knives. Somehow, the vision of Jonathan crossing the Transvaal in a troopers hat conjures images of stalking lions with curious looks on their faces <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I use the watch cap and the Boonie hat which I made water resitant,both are light and fit in coat pocket.Just put the boonie on top of the watch cap <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

what about a north face or lowe alpine hat-they are have hats which are gortex and lined- www.fieldandtrek.com had recent good experience with them!1

Mark

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