Travel-ready hats solve a real problem: traditional structured hats take up precious luggage space and lose their shape when packed. Conner's packable collection features hats made from flexible materials like organic cotton, oilskin, wool felt, and paper straw that can be folded, rolled, or compressed without permanent creasing. These aren't delicate accessories—they're built for adventure.
The material matters. Soft wool felt flexes and reshapes easily. Organic cotton and canvas can be folded along the crown. Paper straw and raffia have natural resilience that lets them bounce back after compression. Our oilskin and waxed cotton styles add water resistance, protecting you in unexpected weather while remaining flexible enough to tuck into a backpack side pocket.
Many styles in this collection offer UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays—the same level recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for outdoor activities. Wide brims (3+ inches) provide coverage for face, ears, and neck, areas often missed by sunscreen alone.
Every hat in this collection is handmade or carefully sourced by a family-owned business that's been crafting hats for over 50 years. Bill Conner started making leather hats in Byron Bay, Australia in 1970. His son Will brought that craftsmanship to the U.S. and expanded the line to include sustainable materials: organic cotton, hemp, recycled plastic composites, and cruelty-free wool. When you see "BC Hats" in the product names, those are Bill's original Australian-made designs, still crafted in Byron Bay.
Packable hats are made from flexible materials that can be folded, rolled, or compressed for travel without permanent damage. Crushable hats go further—they're specifically designed to "pop" back to their original shape after being compacted. The key is material: soft wool felt, organic cotton, canvas, paper straw, and treated fabrics like oilskin all have natural resilience. Rigid materials like hard straw or stiff felt don't qualify. At Conner Hats, our packable collection includes both packable styles (fold carefully, reshape upon arrival) and crushable styles (more forgiving, bounce back quickly).
For fedoras and outback styles: turn the hat upside down (crown down, brim up) and place it in your luggage with soft items like clothing around it for cushioning. For bucket hats and soft caps: fold gently in half or roll from brim to crown, securing with a soft band. Newsboy and flat caps can be folded flat. Never store hats compressed long-term—crushability is for short-term transport (hours to a few days). When you unpack, let the hat rest on a flat surface. If creases remain, hold it over steam from a kettle or use a handheld steamer, then reshape with your hands.
Yes, if packed correctly. Materials like wool felt, organic cotton, and paper straw are chosen specifically for their shape-retention properties. They'll show minor creases immediately after unpacking, but these disappear within 30 minutes to a few hours when left on a flat surface. For faster results, apply light steam. Hats made from oilskin or waxed cotton are particularly resilient—the coating adds structure that helps them snap back into shape. If you're concerned about a specific style, check the product description for material details or contact us for packing guidance.
Many styles in this collection offer UPF 50+ protection, blocking 98% of UV rays (both UVA and UVB). This is the highest sun protection rating available for fabric and meets the Skin Cancer Foundation's recommendation for outdoor wear. Hats with wide brims (3 inches or more) provide the best coverage, shading your face, ears, neck, and shoulders—areas where sunscreen often wears off or is applied inconsistently. Look for "UPF 50+" in individual product descriptions. Even hats without a UPF rating provide meaningful sun protection through brim coverage and dense weave fabrics.
Some are. Our oilskin and waxed cotton hats (like the Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat and Kentucky Waterproof Oiled Cotton Cap) are water-resistant and designed for wet conditions—rain, fishing, boating. They shed water rather than absorbing it. Organic cotton, canvas, and paper straw hats are not waterproof but can handle light drizzle; they'll dry naturally but shouldn't be soaked. Wool felt hats have natural water resistance to an extent but will lose shape if fully saturated. If you need a hat specifically for rain or water sports, filter by "waterproof" or "oilskin" in the collection.
It depends on the material. Organic cotton and canvas hats can be hand-washed in cold water with mild detergent or spot-cleaned with a damp cloth—air dry only, never machine dry. Oilskin and waxed cotton should be wiped clean with a damp cloth; avoid submerging them, as it can strip the protective coating. Wool felt hats should be brushed with a soft brush and spot-cleaned; steam can refresh them. Paper straw and raffia hats should only be wiped gently with a slightly damp cloth—water weakens natural fibers. Always check the care label inside your specific hat. If you're unsure, contact us for material-specific guidance.
BC Hats are made by Bill Conner in Byron Bay, Australia—these are the original designs that started the family business in 1970. They're known for Australian outback styles, often made from leather, canvas, and mesh with a focus on durability and ventilation. Conner Hats styles are designed by Will Conner (Bill's son) and manufactured globally with an emphasis on sustainable materials: organic cotton, hemp, recycled plastics, and cruelty-free wool. Both lines meet the same quality standards and carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. When you see "BC Hats" in a product name, it's an Australian-made original.
Yes. Every hat from Conner Hats is covered by a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If your hat fails due to a manufacturing defect or faulty materials, we'll replace it. This doesn't cover damage from accidents, improper care, or normal wear over time (fading, material breakdown after years of use), but if you experience an issue, email photos and a description to customerservice@connerhats.com. We've been known to repair hats or offer solutions even outside strict warranty terms—we want you to love your hat for years.
