QUOTE: "...a medium brim Aussie style hat where one side or the other can snap up. I'm hoping someone can tell me the logic behind wearing a hat in this manner. Ideas?"

Ors,

With one side snapped up it is a "Daktari" sort of thing. It just looks cool. The classic Brit on safari motif. It is a symbol of adventure and swagger. The idea that one side flipped up gives clearance to my trusty rifle just adds to the alure. I freely admit to purchasing my own "one side up" classic safari hat at MGM/Disney in Orlando. I'm still breaking it in to fit my head for an upcoming Cub Scout resident camp with a safari theme. I found pith helmets fit poorly and are too hot in their modern incarnations (styrofoam inside with bogus outer shell). Just the same, I am curious as to the genesis of the pith helmet.

LIke Ironraven, I have worn hats like this in the past with both sides snapped up. It keeps the sun off my face, noggin, and neck, but still provides good peripheral vision (along with sunburned ears).

TR ( I must have watched too many jungle adventure movies as a kid.)