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<p>I've been trying to find a good hat for warm weather outdoor photography. It has to have a visor that provides some sun protection, but not be so big that it interferes with the camera when I shoot in a vertical format. Being waterproof is a plus, as is the ability to stay on in a brisk wind. <br>

I'm sure this is a common problem for outdoor photographers. I'm hoping someone can save me some time and a few unnecessary hat purchases. Please respond with your opinions.</p>

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<p>I've had a Tilley hat since 1996. I don't even know what they cost now, but it's one of those products that is so good you just buy it once and it lasts a lifetime.</p>

<p>There was a time that they were unique enough that if you saw another person wearing one, you could easily strike up a conversation with someone else "in the know". They're much more widely available now.</p>

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<p>Keith, had brain freeze and read this as a request for a "warm hat". Bean also makes a cheaper Tilley style hat, but like DB I like the "bucket" style. Golf shops sell this as a "club style" hat, and tennis shops have a similar. Would of course be cheaper to buy at a large sporting goods store (sort of like vests and "photo vest$")</p>

<p>Simon, for warm weather look for a high crown, at least a two inch brim, chin strap a good idea , and mesh or vent holes in the crown....like the Tilley. Cotton is a good material for high temps, as it can be soaked and worn, as DB pointed out</p>

<p>Company called Outdoor Research makes several styles of wide brims in gore tex. One thing to consider: if the brim is stiff, it can cause the hat to "pop" off when leaning down to a tripod, or quickly pulling the camera up to eyelevel. This happened to me with a ball cap in Santa Cruz, it flew nicely though</p>

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<p>I used to wear a weather resistant knockoff of the Tilley. It disappeared in a haunted house in October 2006. Apparently there is now a dapper ghoul in the bowels of the Earth.</p>

<p>Since then I've worn a knockoff of the cliched Aussie slouch. Very handy. Broad but flexible brim, so it easily pushed out of the way for vertical shots or when I have a flash mounted, but provides better coverage than the Tilley. I don't use the side snaps, they seem a bit pretentious, but I do appreciate the metal mesh vents and the neck strap. Actually gets windy enough here in Texas to blow any hat into the next county. It's not quite waterproof but a spritz of Scotchguard now and then does the trick.</p>

<p>I also have a similar but much lighter fabric roll up cap with broad flexible brim for those unbearable hot and humid days when it'd be tempting but inadvisable to go without a hat. That one is usually stuffed into a my truck's glove box or in a back pocket.</p>

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<p>I use a basic cotton boony style hat when shooting in the rain or if I forget my sunglasses. The brim flips up so I can shoot vertical or with a flash gun. It keeps the rain out of my eyes and viewfinder and you can dip it into the water if it really gets hot. And it has no problem staying on my head in a good wind. </p>
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<p>I'll second the cotton booney hat. Mine is treated to be water resistant. I've yet to have it soak through, but I have never worn it in a down pour. It kept the water off my head and out of my eyes in England for 5 days of drizzle and misting a few years ago. On mine the sides snap up if you don't need as much shading and the front is flexible so it doesn't get in the way of the camera. Since there is a chin strap I can attach it better if it is windy, though I normally tuck it up in the hat to be out of the way.</p>

<p>Goofy smile not included</p><div>00TKgB-133919584.jpg.9175e2cd31c4ee3cb26c7d3f9cc3eaed.jpg</div>

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<p>I have two Tilley Airflo hats with neck wind loop chin lanyard tie things. The construction is superb. Remember, the hat is to keep those rays off your gorgeous comlexion. You want to take off the hat, and let it hang on the back of the head when using the camera. REI has them on sale from time to time. They are not cheap. They are terrific and comfy and look decent too...sign of the upscale hiker. Try one, Keith. Size is hard to guess, expect to maybe have to try it and return the first as I did. Sixty plus bucks and best money ever spent. gs</p>
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<p>I'd second the nomination for a boonie style hat. The Canadian "CADPAT" (licensed to the USMC) boonie hat has a pocket inside of the top of the hat, a flap to protect the back of the neck from sun, and is waterproof. However, don't wash it as you'll negate the anti-infrared capabilities.</p>

Ian Shalapata
ipsfoto.com | info@ipsfoto.com
Freelance Multimedia Journalist

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