So I'm going to be spending sometime out west for the next year or so, and I'm just wondering if any advice can be given for these things
I'm getting that weird craving to buy one just because
>>12572557
https://www.buckmason.com/stetson-x-buckmason
Akubras are my go to /out/ hats, pic related is the cattleman model which is excellent but a little more Australiany than western I'll admit.
Go to a real cowboy outfitter for quality hats. Felt is for fall/winter, straw is for spring/summer. Leather is for poseurs. Look here for starters.
http://www.sheplers.com/cowboy-hats.html
>>12573603
Hats are a bit like sunglasses, though. Half the brands come out of the same factory.
>>12572557
I used to work in the desert and used a cheap (like 10$) khaki version of pic related. I loved it, but if cowboy hats are your thing have at it.