men's hat?

I have Columbia boonie sun hat. The lining is 100% polyester. The shell is 88% polyester, the rest elastane. I don't like that the brim easily blows upward in wind. By mistake, I left it at home when I went to California. In California, I wasted about $58 on a Sunday brand sun hat. I like that the brim is bent downward and doesn't easily blow up or out of the way in wind. I do not like that the hat is totally not breathable. When I have the hat on, it makes my head feel gross, like having a plastic bag on my head. I would like to experiment with a cotton bucket had, but I am reluctant to blow more money on a hat. The Columbia had doesn't make my head feel gross, but it also fits loosely, maybe too loosely. I wonder whether woven paper or straw hats are durable enough.

Based on my experience maybe consider avoiding a hat made of polyester.

I bought a couple of "Flat caps" on different trips. I like them a lot. One is linen & the other is leather. The linen one is cool in all weather. Think Peaky Blinders look. Easy to scrunch up in your pocket. I'll probably buy another one on our Ireland-Scotland trip

John,

It's unfortunate that you didn't find anything in the Tilley line. I've used a Tilley T3 for many years and I always pack it along of trips to Europe. It has excellent sun block capabilities and can be snapped-up on one side if desired.

Good luck in your search.

I purchased a safari type hat for our safari in Kenya and Tanzania in August 2022. You can pack it in a suitcase flat and not ruin it. My wife has one with a mosquito net for her face that she likes.

I was taught not to wear a hat once you go indoors. I would not want to be bothered by a panama type hat that I couldn't fold.

I prefer the broad women's hats as they block more of the sun.

Check REI. There are options that are a lot less safari-ish than Tilleys. But if you want it to be dressier, like a Panama style, just wear it onto the plane and with some care, it will be worth it. I bought one in Puerto Rico, that was kind of squishable, and it lasted for years. Just couldn't pack it.

{edit} just being curious, I did a google for "packable panama hats" and came up with many purveyors and options, including Amazon.

Another place to check would be Duluth Trading. I’ve got one of their crusher hats (women’s) and really like it. I see they have several men’s options as well. Keeps the sun off my face, ventilated fabric that can be washed, and I pack it flat in my suitcase (look for ‘crusher’ style for this option). Mine has a chin strap which is helpful for windy situations-haven’t lost my hat yet! They also come in sizes, so hopefully you can get a good fit. I see they’re having a 30% off sale today too, haha.

I was curious for myself so I checked LLBean. I filtered for "mens hats" and then for "packable" and there were several options shown. Here's the page link.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/search/2?csp=a&gnrefine=1*FTRS*Packable&sort_field=relevance&start=1&viewCount=48&freeText=hats%20men&nav=&newPla=1

I've traveled with a Dorfman Pacific Co, Men's Twill Outback Hat for many years. It folds nearly flat, and is very durable.

I prefer the broad women's hats as they block more of the sun

If you go that route, do it all the way and have a big ostrich feather as an accessory

My husband has found a flat cap to be functional and pretty packable. He doesn’t scrunch it, but it can be packed flat, or the back tucked against the back of the brim, for stashing in his pack. It needs a big, wide pocket to be put in a pocket.