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Hats
In these parts, hats come in all shapes and sizes. Find your perfect fit.
// By Samantha Simma
Encounter Hat Co. Custom Felt Hats
What is it?
In a rainbow of colors, Encounter Hat Co. leans into the option of making a statement out of your headpiece. Their flat-brimmed felt hats are custom shaped and molded, and then Westernized with hatbands, beading, stitching, and feathers.
Strengths
Your experience with Encounter Hat Co. isn’t complete without the fitting session, which ensures your hat stays steady and secure on your head, even during planned or impromptu dance parties.
Weaknesses
The lack of versatility in terms of the functionality of these fashion pieces might limit the number of instances you’d wear it.
Best for
Attending a wedding at Snake River Ranch.
Where to get it
Men’s and women’s styles can be purchased in store
(125 N. Cache St.) or online at encounterhatco.com; hats start at $170; fitting appointments in Jackson or Denver, Colorado are $45.
Beaver Fur Cowboy Hat
What is it?
Jackson Hole Hat Company specializes in custom, handmade beaver fur cowboy hats that are designed and crafted based on techniques that are more than 100 years old. Orders start with a basic shape preference; from there you’ll choose from a menu of customizations that include brim width, color,
edging, and hatband options.
Strengths
In a sea of cowboy hats, know that your custom order will likely be the only of its kind in the crowd. From the rodeo to a Wyoming wedding, these hats are the crown jewel of any Western look.
Weaknesses
Above and beyond the initial investment, a hat of this quality requires more upkeep. Meanwhile, the tradeoff for its durability is a cowboy hat that’s heavier and less breathable than straw.
Best for
Spectating or bronco riding at the Jackson Hole Rodeo.
Where to get it
Place a custom order online at jhhat-co.com or by calling 307/733-7687; hats start at $325.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
What is it?
Combat the increased UV exposure experienced at higher elevations in and around Jackson Hole with a hat that extends the wearer’s personal sun protection to include a six-inch neck cape.
Strengths
Beyond its sun protection, the Ultra Adventure Hat has a moisture-wicking sweatband, a sunglasses lock, and is water-resistant—making it a versatile adventure partner.
Weaknesses
Even with its crown ventilation vents, the neck cape causes the hat to be less breathable when compared to brim-only sun hats.
Best for
Multiday backpacking trips in Grand Teton National Park.
Where to get it
With medium and large size options in the color gray, purchase instore or online at rei.com; $42.
Cody James Ponderosa Straw Hat
What is it?
Representing the traditional Western style of straw hats, this 100 percent straw hat has a four-inch brim, eyelet vents, and a classic cattleman crease. While this particular model has a simple black-tie hatband, a variety of styles, featuring various accents, are available at Jackson’s local Boot Barn.
Strengths
An inexpensive entry into the Western cowboy hat style, this hat provides protection from the sun’s glare while still being lightweight
and breathable.
Weaknesses
Less durable than felt, this hat’s longevity may not extend much beyond your visit to Jackson Hole. Also, it won’t protect you much
Best for
Scenic trail rides in Buffalo Valley.
Where to get it
Available at the Boot Barn (840 W. Broadway Ave.) and online at bootbarn.com; $35–$90.during the occasional mountain rainstorms we get.
Adidas Superlite Visor
What is it?
Constructed with partly recycled content, this lightweight visor is made even more so thanks to mesh side panels for optimum air flow. Its nonglare under-visor minimizes reflections off water and tennis court surfaces.
Strengths
This is one of the few headwear styles that won’t interfere with a ponytail or similar updo.
Weaknesses
While the hook-and-loop back closure increases adjustability, errant hairs may become caught in the Velcro.
Best for
Afternoon tennis matches at Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club.
Where to get it
Available in men’s and women’s in up to six different colors at adidas.com; $20.
Abby Paffrath Trucker Hat
What is it?
Show off your affinity for Jackson’s local artists and support their work by purchasing a wearable art piece like one from Abby Paffrath’s line of headwear. From flat-bill trucker hats to classic baseball fits, these caps feature local and travel-inspired landscapes and wildlife.
Strengths
Equal parts Jackson Hole souvenir and unique style statement, these hats make it easy to support local artists without breaking the bank.
Weaknesses
With over 50 styles featured on the artist’s website, it can be difficult to choose just one.
Best for
Assimilating with the dancing crowd of locals at Music on Main.
Where to get it
Unisex youth and adult hats are available direct from the artist at art4allbyabby.com or at local stores like JD High Country Outfitters
(50 E. Broadway Ave.); $30-$32.
Orvis OutSmart Sun Hat
What is it?
Lightweight and breathable, this nylon sun hat is purpose-driven and easy to pack along on your adventures. An adjustable, removable chin strap secures the hat on breezy afternoons, while an elastic cinch cord on the crown customizes its fit.
Strengths
Besides its broad brim, this hat is rated UPF 50 for sun protection. Meanwhile, its fibers have been treated with OutSmart Insect Shield—an odorless and long-lasting insect repellent.
Weaknesses
Simple in style and only available in one color—khaki; be wary of the shadows created by this hat’s brim when taking photos.
Best for
Hikes and Aerial Tram rides to the top of Rendezvous Peak.
Where to get it
Unisex and one size fits most; available in store (485 W. Broadway Ave.) or online at orvis.com; $59. JH
