Safari hats blend military heritage with wide-brim shade for hiking, travel, and outdoor adventures. Originally worn by British troops in tropical climates during the 1840s Anglo-Sikh wars, the classic pith helmet featured ventilation holes, wide brims, and lightweight construction designed for all-day wear in intense heat.
| Material | Weight | Best For | Water Resistance | Packability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemp | Lightweight | Hiking, backpacking, dry heat | Low | Excellent |
| Wool | Medium | Travel, variable weather | High | Crushable |
| Raffia | Very light | Beach, gardening, warm weather | Low | Flexible |
| Waxed Cotton | Medium-heavy | Rain, fishing, rugged use | High | Fair |
Safari hats are generally distinguished by a pinched-front crown and often have ventilation features such as mesh panels or eyelets. Many Conner hats are UPF rated; check each product page for its rating. Hats with open mesh or open vents, or brims under 2.5 inches, are not UPF rated.
Choose based on your primary activity and climate. Hemp safari hats (like our Black Creek Safari Hemp Hat) are lightweight and breathable, ideal for hiking, backpacking, and dry heat. Wool safari hats (Jackeroo Crushable Wool Hat) are water-resistant, crushable for travel, and work in any temperature. Raffia safari hats (Brays Beach Sun Hat) work well in the heat. Waxed cotton safari hats (Mountain Trail Waxed Cotton Hat) are water-resistant and durable, suited for rain, fishing, and rugged outdoor use.
UPF ratings vary by style. Many of our hats are UPF rated; check each product page for its specific rating. Hats with open mesh or vents, and hats with brims under 2.5 inches, are not UPF rated.
Yes. Some Conner safari hats have extra ventilation. Many styles include mesh crown panels (Nathan Hemp Mesh Hiker Hat), ventilation eyelets, or open-weave construction that promotes airflow and reduces head temperature. Traditional pith helmets featured ventilation holes for this exact reason—British troops wore them in tropical regions where temperatures regularly exceeded 95°F. Our hemp and raffia materials are naturally breathable.
Some Conner safari hats are packable, but packability varies by style. Many wool hats are crushable, while some hats are stiff on purpose. Check the product page for the specific style before packing it, and avoid compressing stiff or heavily structured hats. For a packable style, stuff the crown with soft items like socks or shirts to help maintain its shape during travel.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a minimum 3-inch brim for sun protection. A wider brim can cast more shade over your face, ears, and neck, but brim width alone does not determine a hat's UPF rating. Many of our hats are UPF rated; check each product page.
Care depends on the material. Wool safari hats: Spot clean with a damp cloth; reshape while damp if crushed; let dry naturally, away from direct heat. Hemp safari hats: Spot clean with a damp cloth and let dry naturally. Raffia safari hats: Spot clean only; avoid soaking; store in a cool, dry place. Waxed cotton safari hats: Wipe clean with a damp cloth; avoid machine washing; use Nikwax to re-proof as needed. For all styles, avoid fully soaking the hat and store it out of direct sunlight to help prevent fading. Use a hat form or stuff the crown with tissue paper to help maintain its shape.
Yes. This collection includes hats made from Australian wool, premium cotton, hemp, weathered cotton, waxed cotton, organic raffia, paper straw, and Toyo paper straw. Our original St. Augustine warehouse runs on 100% solar power, and orders ship from American Fork, Utah. We use biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials, with hats shipped on cardboard and biodegradable string instead of plastic connectors. We still maintain our company food forest at the site and have created a hub there for other small businesses to use the location. Will Conner, who founded the brand, says we weigh environmental impact in our business decisions. Across our wider range, some styles incorporate recycled plastic bottles transformed into durable fabric. All hats are handmade in small batches.
