Traveler - Akubra vs. Borsalino??

[Mike K.]

Greetings all,
In my hunt to find a vintage safari hat I've been skunked. I'd like to have a light olive to khaki colored fedora-style hat, 2.5-3 inch brim, with a pleated puggaree band. I spend a lot of time outdoors so the hat needs to be able to withstand the elements and some punishment. I've been looking at two hats recently, both by the name 'Traveler." One is an Akubra, the other a Borsalino. Both are touted as being a packable/crushable type hat. Both are fur felt. I can add my own hat band to either. Does anyone out there own either (or both) of these hats that can provide a little qualitative feedback of any kind?
Thank you kindly,
Mike

 

[MattC]

I have the Borso

And I think it is a very decent travel hat. It is soft and a tad floppy. But rain doesn't bother it, and it gets its shape back after being rolled up (faster if you wear it).

 

[Mike K.]

Thanks MattC. I placed an order for the wide-brim version of the Borso this morning. Since nobody else responded to this thread, I decided to go ahead and take my chances without any review of the Akubra.

 

[MattC]

Who is your vendor

Even with the Traveler, which is one of the remaining good Borsalinos, quality can vary. I got mine from Noggintops, and they are a pleasure to deal with.

 

[Acidshort]

Matt, in your opinion, what are the other remaining good borsalinos?

 

[ledsled]

Biltmore Yukon

Good luck with your Borsalino choice Mike! I wanted to throw in my favorable impression with the Biltmore Yukon that Noggintops has on sale now. While it is not advertised as a roll-up, indestructible stomp-around hat, it deserves a solid 4 star rating on looks. I've been wearing it for a month now and still think it's a lot of hat for the money. I'd attach a picture of it here, but have not been successful at doing that yet. Noggintops is the only place I've seen it.

 

[jimmy the lid]

I have a wide brim (dimensional, 3 1/4" front, 3" sides) version of the Borso Traveler that I picked up at Batsakes Hat Shop in Cincinnati a few years back. Fawn color, fully lined, leather sweat -- soft as butter. It has held up wonderfully, and I do not hesitate to wear it in all kinds of weather, including rain. Is incredibly soft, but continues to hold its shape. I love this hat...