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Hat for Sun exposure
Any recommendations for good lightweight, packable hats for sun exposure on the Classic Safari?
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Any recommendations for good lightweight, packable hats for sun exposure on the Classic Safari?
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You can’t go wrong with a Tilley hat. I have had mine for ten years, and it has been to Africa five times. I also wear it as a beach hat. You need a hat with a chin strap. Tilley Airflow is what you need. The strap is convertible. I only used the strap when the safari vehicles were rapidly chasing animal sightings. They can make those vehicles fly! My Tilley also came in handy at Victoria Falls. Can’t recommend it more. Pricey but a lifetime guarantee. Worth every penny.
I wore a Tilley hat. It has a large brim to shade your face and a strap. You will need a strap to keep it on during the drives
They make several models. The Airflow allows ventilation, but has good coverage, a wide brim for shade and a built in set of straps which hide inside when you don’t need them. Don’t get the bucket hat-poor coverage. If you have an REI nearby they usually carry them.
Thank you all so much for the Tilley recommendation. I live near Portland, OR so REI is quite handy.
After many trips to Africa, we finally caved and got Tilley hats last year. We got ours at REI. Beware they come in different sizes. You are talking around $100 each.
I love this and have 2 colors. Also available at REI. It's foldable and has slots for sunglasses.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunday-Afternoons-Ultra-Adventure-Hat/dp/B09H7MN9BJ/ref=asc_df_B0BRKNNDCV?mcid=2f08f88143fd33078f25014d3b3d7915&hvocijid=2489113202219679913-B0BRKNNDCV-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2489113202219679913&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031110&hvtargid=pla-2281435178098&th=1&psc=1
Got mine at Costco for under $20. Nice khaki broad brim bucket hat. Have a Tilley but felt it was too structured for Safari. I wanted something I could cram in my backpack if need be.
My husband got the Orvis Tech hat at Costco. Not sure what it costs in the store right now, but online it's $12 on sale.
My favorite travel hat is the Wallaroo Sydney sun hat that's packable. You just roll it up. Only thing I don't like is their hats don't seem to have wind straps.
Yes, got the Costco one and a similar one to yours Wan 😂😂
I purchased mine on Groupon and then people asked where I purchased it. Foldable and packable and comes in various colors. Amazon has them too. Cheap as can be.
I have so many hats its not even funny
but the one I always go to is sold on Amazon, yup. I have it in 3 colors.. It is functional, SPF 50+ has a wide brim, it doesn't flop in the wind and has an air vent, it travels well. And it is under $20.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SGG7WXC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1
My best hat is with a net that is rolled in a pocket in the back of the sun hat; comes in handy when you go in murky waters to avoid the small bugs; have used the net in our last Africa trip
Thanks so much, sudhamali! It certainly looks like it would keep the bugs out.
So many good suggestions! In my excitement, i ordered a hat online from Tilley before hearing about the others. It was $20 off, which was a slight help. If it doesn't fit and I have to return it, I'd certainly consider the other choices!
Since most mosquitoes are out at night and tsetse flies go for dark colors I’ve never seen anyone in a netted hat in any part of the African countries I have been to. Might be good for Uluru in the summer
I got my hat from REI.Bought it in 2017;Have washed it many times ; still wear it every where!They have them now as well in REI;wanted a different color!
BTW my picture is from Africa; we went in a boat in a swampy area; there were little bugs ; more of a nuisance!
Susansails, you will never regret buying a Tilley. It is a worthwhile investment and the price is “fairy dust” ( as they say ) when considering the cost of a Tauck tour. I was fortunate to find a Tilley hat store in Key West 10 years ago ( it is no longer in business ) so I could be fitted properly. Hope the one you ordered fits and serves you well. Safari njema!
Cannot go wrong with REI hat with or without the added net which is neatly tucked away in the back .