Hat

[pltraveler]

Visiting Israel and the Mediterrean on our cruise. I will be needing to wear a hat especially when we visit the Dead Sea and Massada. Should I be wearing a straw hat or perhaps a baseball cap? Any suggestions?

[kazzaspal]

panamas are really in for men, straw for women either floppy 70s style or trilby style.

[Hoyaheel]

I would opt for more coverage than a straw hat. I have a packable sunhat from Outdoor Research - love it.

 

I got mine on clearance at Sierra Trading Post, it's this hat: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/w_s_oasis_sombrero.html

 

They have quite a few other options on their website.

 

A ball cap doesn't help my neck at all, and straw doesn't pack well (in general - you can find paper or raffia versions that are packable, of course....)

[SadieN]

For sun protection get a hat that is packable and full-brimmed. You will see lots of Baseball caps and burnt necks.

[10splyr]

genuine panama hats are scrunchable, packable, and roll up well. Do not buy the stiff ones because that is not a genuine panama hat. I have one that I bought on a Panama Canal cruise 25 years ago that I still use. It just rolls up. It completely covers your ears and neck area when on the head. It might look a little "out of sorts" when you take it out of your suitcase/carryon bag, but in an hour or so, it is just fine.

[slidergirl]

A widebrim hat will be far better than a baseball hat. However, I wouldn't take straw - as you sweat, you will get itchy (at least, I always do). Take a lightweight wide brim, such as the one from Outdoor Research (mentioned earlier). I sometime will dunk my hat in water before I put it on to help with some evaporative cooling. You're not looking for style or fashion, you'll looking to keep yourself shaded and cool!!!

[glasgow_canuck]

I wear Tilley hats... several styles & fabrics to choose from. I've got several.

[simplelife]

Tilley's are great for men or women. There are many options such as stay-cool mesh, chinstraps for windy places, etc.

[motheroftwoboys]

Note to myself to NOT take a hat this year. I always end up carrying it with me on the journey (or wearing it) and never wearing it on holiday. I just take a cap to wear when I am reading in the sun as I always find this difficult even with sunglasses. We sail on 2nd August - can;'t wait!

[t60]

genuine panama hats are scrunchable, packable, and roll up well ..snip.. have one that I bought on a Panama Canal cruise 25 years ago that I still use. It just rolls up. It completely covers your ears and neck area when on the head. It might look a little "out of sorts" when you take it out of your suitcase/carryon bag, but in an hour or so, it is just fine.

 

That´s good to hear as I plan to buy a few panamas when we visit Equador next Feb. Interesting to know hat may look a bit¨tired´when it comes out of its box.but recovers quickly

 

Sandy in Spain