I’ve never been a hat-wearer partly because I have a big head and most ball caps don’t fit well and partly because I get hot and don’t like a sweaty, itch head, but due to some skin concerns (thankfully not yet skin cancer), it’s in my best interest to cover my noggin more. Any suggestions for something comfortable and cool? Big bonus if it doesn’t look goofy, too!
I have had a melanoma removed from my arm. I am supposed to stay out of the sun or stay covered. That means spf pants, LS shirts, hats, gloves, and sunscreen. I wear a Cabelas hat that has the shade that covers my neck and ears. Still seems warm at times but it is the best thing I have found. I hate sunscreen so the only place I use it is on my face.
It’ll seem pricey, but I believe the Tilley is the best hat for guys who are concerned about sun on face, ears, neck. The fellow who invented wrote a fun story about the hat. Also there’s a buy a guy a drink tradition you should read about.
Big @ss sombrero.
I had a Huck Finn straw hat for a year awhile back. Tried it fishing one time and ended up using it that whole summer. Worked real slick. Wife threw it away I’m suspecting bc I never saw it after that year. I thought it was sexy as ell.
I just bought a straw hat for the same reason. You also have bucket hat, cowboy hat, Indiana Jones hat, mullet hat (ball cap in the front, party cape in the back), or since you went to SJU the Fedora. Regardless of what you choose remember it’s not necessarily the hat that makes you look goofy… 
Whatever you do, get used to wearing something. It may get uncomfortable at times, but not nearly as painful as having skin cancer removed.
I have always worn ball caps and now hardly notice I have them on. I too hate wearing sunscreen and when out in a boat fishing have resorted to using one of these.
Looks ridiculous I know, but I’m old enough now…I don’t care. 
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Is there even a doubt?
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They have a good selection of Breezer hats at Fleet Farm. Just picked up this one for under $30.
-J.
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Looks ridiculous I know, but I’m old enough now…I don’t care.
I always laughed at the guys wearing the face shields…until I tried one. They work very well and a quick dunk in the river and back on feels great on a hot day. Only downside, it makes you look like you’re in the bassmasters…
For regular ball caps I like the Flexfit 6277 hats: https://www.thehatpros.com/6277-flexfit-wooly-combed-twill-cap/
They are fitted so there is no hole or strap in the back, are relatively tall so they aren’t tight on the top of your head (better for a big head), and are cheap. These are more comfortable than any of the previous 20 random hats I’d acquired.
So much of this “sun” gear is made of nylon materials and is so hot I cannot stand to wear it. It’s like putting a plastic bag on my head.
Cabelas has a Guidewear boonie hat that has side vents and I like this hat really well for fishing. Tilly also makes a vented hat that is supposed to be pretty good.
For summer work at the hunting property, I have a straw cowboy hat that is fantastic. Straw vents heat out like nothing else, it’s cool and stays in place. It wouldn’t work for fishing as it would be hard to keep on in a wind, but for keeping the sun off your head, face, and neck there’s nothing like it.
BTW, the best long sleeve “sun protection” shirt on earth is CC Filson’s feather cloth shirt. Ahhhhhhhhh. So light and soft. None of this nylon “quick dry” plastic bag feel. Breeze blows right through it. I have 2.
Grouse
X2 on Tilley hats. Durable, washable, plus the strap system keeps your hat on while running down the lake. Hard to beat; have had mine for 20 years and it still looks good.
Pete
They have a good selection of Breezer hats at Fleet Farm. Just picked up this one for under $30.
-J.
Unfortunately for me I do not have enough hair to roll with something that is mesh on the top. The few hairs left up there do not offer much for protection. I like the hat though.
If you see a middle aged guy wakesurfing in a straw hat, it might be me.
…but not nearly as painful as having skin cancer removed.
I’m having a abnormal spot removed, but it’s luckily not cancerous. I actually don’t mind sunscreen and wear it quite religiously, but I have thick but short hair, so I can’t put sunscreen up top.
I like a breeze that. Just remember to apply sunscreen on your forehead etc. Sun shines through the mesh.
I like a breeze that. Just remember to apply sunscreen on your forehead etc. Sun shines through the mesh.
Yep…kind of defeats the purpose of wearing the hat in the first place.
Keep in mind also…even wearing a hat like this is not good enough in itself when out on the water.
It is the reflection off the water that can cook the sides of your face too. So the face shield or sunscreen?
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I used to think buffs and performance shirts were goody until I started using them. Of course, they won’t exactly help you because they don’t block the sun 100%. But for me it means I just need sunscreen for the nose, ears and face.
Whatever you do, get used to wearing something. It may get uncomfortable at times, but not nearly as painful as having skin cancer removed.
I have always worn ball caps and now hardly notice I have them on. I too hate wearing sunscreen and when out in a boat fishing have resorted to using one of these.
Looks ridiculous I know, but I’m old enough now…I don’t care.
Same thing here…. Had a supposedly pre cancerous mole removed from my ear. I am 36 now and it happened a year ago. I wear long sleeves, gloves, and especially the neck gator. I didn’t like it at first, but I have gotten used to it. If I get hot I throw it in the water and put it back on. You’ll cool off quick.
My buddies make fun of me but I could care less. I am not trying to impress anyone on the water. I would rather be safe than sorry. The first mole removed was small but still sucked! I would rather not go through it again. Heck I even wear a neck gator ice fishing now. Keeps the cold wind off the face.
Move to Florida. You guys would be ridiculed for NOT wearing them.
Get a Tilly. https://www.tilley.com/us_en/
If this ain’t sexy, I don’t know what is.
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Yea baby… 
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Love it! I’m afraid to wear mine. Did it a few times with verbal negative reactions. That’s why I don’t put bumper stickers on my truck during political seasons. I don’t want to get key’d.
If you’re considering one of the face masks take a look at HUK’s. They make one with a strip of mesh on the front. I hated my hot breathe being trapped against my face on hot days and my sun glasses fogging up with the first one I bought. I have found this new one to be a lot more comfortable and less annoying to wear all day.
Unless your boat is moving, remove the buff from your face, especially if you are taking a picture!
If this ain’t sexy, I don’t know what is.
Yep. I’ll never understand those who fish in shorts and a tank top. I’m this covered and still wearing sunscreen. Light colors help from getting too hot, but maybe a straw hat would be cooler than a regular ballcap.
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I’m this covered and still wearing sunscreen.
You’ve got that tender, ginger skin. 
I get hot in shorts and a tank top!
I get hot in shorts and a tank top!
Ah that sucks. I’m miserable if I can feel the sun on my skin, so I’ll take the warmth of clothing over sun exposure any day. In my next life I’d love to be invisible to the sun, but alas I was born a ginger in this life.
#sunscreenforlife
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