Two Months in Africa

M6Classic · Dec 27, 2009

...just mind the signals that you send with all elements of your appearance. Don't go native, you'll be ridiculous. Nor, however, should you present as a pukkah b'wana.

Buzz

BinkieBaumont · Dec 27, 2009

AlterEgo said:
Don't laugh. They work. Well.

This form of headgear is a throwback to the past, but I have a pith helmet and will tell you from first hand experience, it will protect you from whatever tropical regions can throw at you: blazing sun, drenching rain, torrential wind (they all come with a chin strap that folds up over the front brim when you're not using it), and even the occasional spear--ha!

Perhaps the best feature is the way the helmet's inner construction enables it to stay away from your head: There's an adjustable harness inside that only touches your head in a few places so that air can circulate all around to keep you cool. Soaking the whole helmet in water beforehand enhances the cooling effect. The hat is very light in weight, as well.

Village Hat Shop carries several different styles and colors of these classic helmets that are made from real pith--a type of cork. Made in Vietnam, they are very inexpensive, too, less than $50.00 last time I checked.

Warning: Once you get a pith helmet, you will want a bush jacket, a machete, and may begin to speak with a British accent.

Jolly good travels, old chap!

"What Ho"

A solar Tope is perfect, I find my scalp sweats hideously in the summer months in a felt or straw hat, one stays as cool as an after dinner mint in my Solar Tope, in fact I have spotted two other coves wearing them around SRC in the last few days, one did indeed have the Full "Kit" (not me) I'm rather concerned that you seem to be travelling alone, Africa, even Cape town is rather dangerous, dont ya know!"

P.S you can get a net that can sit over the top to keep flies of your face

Pip Pip

Binkie B B.S.C

carldelo · Dec 28, 2009

Consider polypro

I recommend the Joe Fedora: http://www.noggintops.com/page.cfm?p=247

It's a pretty soft polypro faux milan weave hat. It is unaffected by water, floats, can be rolled, has an adjustable webbing band and a beefy chin strap that hooks up out of the way. It has an open weave so is fairly cool - definitely cooler than regular straw or felt. I wear mine for hiking and kayaking and it has held up well; to clean it, you dunk it in soapy water, rinse and shake out. I removed some road tar from mine with a toothbrush and dish soap, and I have accidently left it under a suitcase in the boot of my car for a day with no ill effects. It has a Coolmax sweatband which makes a big difference. Also, I think it has a understated classic look which may be a good idea --- I love pith helmets, but wouldn't wear one to Africa on a bet...

Noggintops often has coupon sales (I've posted the current crop here: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?p=929034#post929034)

PS Akubra makes a nice poly hat as well - the Capricorn, among others. It's much stiffer, not as cool and the leather sweat wouldn't be as comfortable in hot weather, and might shrink it soaked with too much rain or sweat. I would take the Joe Fedora without a second thought.

Panamabob · Dec 28, 2009

I'm not sure if you've read my PM. PM your address and I'll send you a beater panama gratis.

Mike K. · Dec 28, 2009

"Today, if you want to stand out as a "dude," the best way to do it is to show up in Africa with a leopard-skin hat band. I know. Years ago I did it and I can still hear the chuckles. If you want to be a super dude, arrive with a fake leopard-skin band. Of course, that's only my personal viewpoint. Suit yourself.

As with all safari clothing, keep your headgear toned down in color and weight."

-- Peter Capstick (Safari: The Last Adventure)

indycop · Dec 28, 2009

Panamabob said:
I'm not sure if you've read my PM. PM your address and I'll send you a beater panama gratis.

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

RBH · Dec 28, 2009

Panamabob said:
I'm not sure if you've read my PM. PM your address and I'll send you a beater panama gratis.

indycop said:
:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Blackthorn · Dec 28, 2009

Panamabob said:
I'm not sure if you've read my PM. PM your address and I'll send you a beater panama gratis.

the best choice by far!

Fedora · Dec 28, 2009

If I were taking a trip such as this, I would only opt for a good, sturdy felt hat. Personally, I hate these new hats made out of fabric and other new materials. They may have their place, but they are also god awful ugly contraptions that give hats a bad name. lol Ok, I hyperbolize.

Seriously though, you can't beat fur felt. It has that long tradition behind it, and not only will keep the head dry, but also in cool weather will keep the head warm. Plus, what old adventurer ever wore a cotton hat anyways? lol Cotton is for shirts, preferably poplin if durability is an issue. Fedora

M6Classic · Dec 28, 2009

Fedora said:
If I were taking a trip such as this, I would only opt for a good, sturdy felt hat. Personally, I hate these new hats made out of fabric and other new materials. They may have their place, but they are also god awful ugly contraptions that give hats a bad name. lol Ok, I hyperbolize.

Seriously though, you can't beat fur felt. It has that long tradition behind it, and not only will keep the head dry, but also in cool weather will keep the head warm. Plus, what old adventurer ever wore a cotton hat anyways? lol Cotton is for shirts, preferably poplin if durability is an issue. Fedora

I must demur. While Mississippi is indeed warm and moist, until I had the experience of sitting by the side of the road for two days when the temperature hovered in the mid-nineties and so did the humidity I had absolutely no concept of discomfort. Also, you will lose your hat. You will lose more than one hat in a transcontinental trip across Africa. I will be happy to provide details to anyone in a private message. Just wear something cheap, light, well ventilated and non-military looking and you will be okay. Style points will only count against you.

Buzz

CRH · Dec 28, 2009

M6Classic said:
... Just wear something cheap, light, well ventilated and non-military looking and you will be okay. Style points will only count against you.

Looks like we're lowering ourselves to a non-woolen NY Yankees baseball cap over an extra large bandana hanging out for shade.

One would probably need several of these caps for trade and the occasional payola for roadblocks and such...

Probably should keep a few Cubs hats handy for Yankees haters! lol

My vote so far is for the beater Panama.

Better take a few from the looks of it!

M6Classic · Dec 28, 2009

CRH said:
Looks like we're lowering ourselves to a non-woolen NY Yankees baseball cap over an extra large bandana hanging out for shade.

One would probably need several of these caps for trade and the occasional payola for roadblocks and such...

Probably should keep a few Cubs hats handy for Yankees haters! lol

My vote so far is for the beater Panama.

Better take a few from the looks of it!

...any of which would fit my criteria! :eusa_clap

fedoralover · Dec 29, 2009

M6Classic said:
I must demur. While Mississippi is indeed warm and moist, until I had the experience of sitting by the side of the road for two days when the temperature hovered in the mid-nineties and so did the humidity I had absolutely no concept of discomfort. Also, you will lose your hat. You will lose more than one hat in a transcontinental trip across Africa. I will be happy to provide details to anyone in a private message. Just wear something cheap, light, well ventilated and non-military looking and you will be okay. Style points will only count against you.

Buzz

I always figure it's a good idea to listen to someone who's been there and done that. Especially if it's recently. Things are changing rapidly in this old world. Losing one's hat is one thing, losing one's head could make for a very bad day. Thanks for your sound advice M6.

M6Classic · Dec 29, 2009

fedoralover said:
I always figure it's a good idea to listen to someone who's been there and done that. Especially if it's recently. Things are changing rapidly in this old world. Losing one's hat is one thing, losing one's head could make for a very bad day. Thanks for your sound advice M6.

I appreciate your kind comments and the acknowledgment of others here. Thank you!

Traversing Africa overland continues to be one of the greatest adventures in the world and I wish everyone had the opportunity to try it. I never had so much fun nor reaped such enormous personal rewards until I had children. However, it is not an endeavour to be undertaken lightly and I think we must all hail Gary for his desire to tackle such a journey and to kit out properly.

Yes, but Cairo to the Cape in two months...

Buzz

CRH · Dec 29, 2009

M6Classic said:
...

Yes, but Cairo to the Cape in two months...

elvisroe · Dec 29, 2009

What sort of travel?

CRH said:
Looks like we're lowering ourselves to a non-woolen NY Yankees baseball cap over an extra large bandana hanging out for shade.

One would probably need several of these caps for trade and the occasional payola for roadblocks and such...

Hey, whatever works!

That's exactly what I ended up doing while filming in a remote corner of Indonesia last year - except it was a cap/tea-towel combination!

Not very Indy but it did the trick in some steamy country!

I think the type of travel you are doing makes a difference. In most cases if you do bring a felt you better be prepared to wear it 24/7 because few of them pack well!

Same goes if you're hiking or backpacking. When it's all about space and weight something you can screw up and stuff in a pocket is the best option.

I agree with M6Classic too that you'd better be prepared to part with your lid!

I know in remote parts of Indonesia the "topi koboi" (cowboy hat) is a novelty and will be regularly snatched off your head...provided the locals can reach of course!

Havana · Dec 29, 2009

I'm fascinated by this hat snatching phenomenon. I've travelled to 11 separate nations in Africa including Egypt 9 times and Morocco 8. In all these travels, I've never had anyone try to steal or even grab my hat. Maybe they don't like my style? Frankly, I'm starting to feel a little self conscious about my headgear now.

M6Classic · Dec 29, 2009

Havana said:
I'm fascinated by this hat snatching phenomenon. I've travelled to 11 separate nations in Africa including Egypt 9 times and Morocco 8. In all these travels, I've never had anyone try to steal or even grab my hat. Maybe they don't like my style? Frankly, I'm starting to feel a little self conscious about my headgear now.

I found that I lost more stuff...including hats...while going through overland border checkpoints in West Africa and the Balkans, and at various Eastern European customs stations. I generally considered this to be a small part of the reasonable and customary cost of getting to my destination.

If nobody has ever tried to snatch your hat, you're right, it is probably your style and you should consider wearing something different.

Buzz

Scary Mc · Dec 29, 2009

I've been away fro a few days, sorry. I am well aware that 2-months Cairo to Cape Town is unrealistically ambitious, but that is the time that I have. We'll see how far I make it.
I was in Mongolia for a month last summer and in the name of saving space and reducing hassle I just took a ball cap. Stupid move! By the end of the month on horseback my ears and lips were not a pretty sight to behold. I vowed after that trip to always travel with a wide brimmed hat. Always.
I appreciate everyones thoughts and opinions and will be taking a felt I'm fond of with the knowledge it might be lost along the way. A ball cap and a crushable Tilley will also be in my pack.
I leave Jan. 5th and Need to be in Cape Town no later that March 5th. Wish me luck.

gtdean48 · Dec 29, 2009

Safe travels!

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