Hats are an indispensable accessory for many travellers. They add a dash of style to any outfit and serve a practical purpose by providing protection from the sun. Moreover, they can be a lifesaver on those inevitable bad hair days of travelling.
However, despite their utility, hats can be tricky to travel with. Their unique shapes and often delicate materials make them susceptible to damage during transit. This article aims to address these challenges and provide practical solutions to ensure your hat arrives at your destination in perfect condition.
We’ll explore different types of hats, provide tips for travelling with hats, and guide you through packing a hat in a carry-on suitcase.
By the end of this blog post, you’ll be well-equipped to travel with your hat with ease and confidence.
Understanding Different Types of Hats
Before we delve into travelling with hats, we must understand that not all hats are equal. Each type of hat, from the sturdy cowboy hat to the flexible straw hat, has its own set of considerations for travel. For instance, while lightweight and perfect for a beach vacation, a straw hat might be more susceptible to damage if not properly packed.
On the other hand, a woollen beanie is more forgiving and easier to pack but may not provide the sun protection you need in a sunny locale.
Understanding the characteristics of different types of hats will help you make informed decisions about which hats to bring on your trip and how to pack them.
This table provides a quick reference for readers to understand the specific considerations they need to keep in mind when packing different types of hats.
| Hat Type | Material | Travel Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboy Hat | Leather, Felt | Sturdy but bulky, consider wearing during travel or packing in a hat box |
| Straw Hat | Straw | Delicate, requires careful packing; consider a hat box or case |
| Beanie | Wool, Cotton | Easy to pack, can be folded or rolled without damage |
| Baseball Cap | Cotton, Polyester | It can be easily damaged, and requires careful packing; consider a packable version |
| Fedora | Felt, Straw | It can be easily damaged and requires careful packing; consider a packable version |
| Panama Hat | Straw | Requires careful packing to maintain shape; consider a travel case |
Tips for Traveling with Hats
Travelling with hats doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With simple tips and tricks, you can ensure that your hats arrive at your destination in the same condition they left home. Here are some strategies to help you navigate the process:
- Wearing the Hat: The simplest way to travel with your hat is to wear it. This is especially practical if you’re heading to a sunny destination and the hat is part of your travel outfit. Wearing your hat also eliminates the risk of getting crushed in your luggage. However, remember to take it off during the flight to avoid crumpling the back of the hat.
- Clipping the Hat to Luggage: If wearing the hat isn’t an option, consider clipping it to your luggage. This can be a good solution if you’re travelling with multiple hats. Just ensure it’s securely fastened and check it regularly to ensure it hasn’t been dislodged.
- Using a Secure Clip: A sturdy clip is essential to attach your hat to your luggage. The last thing you want is for your hat to fall off during transit. Look for clips that have a strong grip and are designed to withstand the rigours of travel.
- Tucking and Clipping Multiple Hats: If you’re travelling with more than one hat, you can tuck them inside each other and then clip them to your luggage. This method saves space and helps maintain the shape of the hats. Ensure the hats are similar in size and shape to avoid distorting their form.
- Prioritizing Hat Space in Overhead Compartments: If you’re flying, ensure you find a safe spot for your hat in the overhead compartment. Try to place it where it won’t be squashed by other luggage. If possible, place your hat in the compartment after everyone else has stowed their luggage to avoid it being crushed.
- Bringing One Hat and Several Bands: If you want variety but don’t want to pack multiple hats, consider bringing one hat and several interchangeable bands. This way, you can change the look of your hat without taking up extra space in your luggage. This is a particularly good strategy for longer trips where you might want to change your look.
- Using a Travel Case for Hats: Consider investing in a travel case designed specifically for extra protection. These cases are typically hard-shelled and provide excellent protection for your headwear. They’re also designed to fit most standard carry-on luggage, making them a convenient option for air travel.
- Shipping the Hat Ahead: If you’re particularly concerned about your hat getting damaged during travel, consider shipping it ahead to your destination. This way, you can ensure it’s packed securely and arrives safely. This can be a good option for more expensive or sentimental hats you wouldn’t want to risk damaging.
How to Pack a Hat in a Carry-on
Packing a hat in a carry-on requires a bit of finesse. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preparing the Suitcase: Start by placing any heavy items on the wheeled end of your suitcase opposite the side where you’ll place the hat. Cushion this area with soft clothes. This will help protect the hat from any hard items that could damage it.
- Positioning the Hat: Place the hat upside down in the centre of the suitcase, on top of a thin layer of soft clothes. If you’re packing multiple hats, sandwich them into each other first, then pack them as one unit. This gives extra stability to the crown and helps prevent crushing.
- Layering Clothes: Lift the hat’s brim and begin layering clothes under it, snugging them up to the crown and all the way to the edge of the suitcase. This will support the hat’s brim and help maintain its shape.
- Filling the Crown: Once the brim is fully supported with clothes, stuff the hat’s crown with your softest clothes. This prevents the crown from collapsing and helps maintain the hat’s shape.
- Covering the Hat: Finally, cover the entire hat with more soft clothes, all the way to the edge of the suitcase. This ensures the hat is fully protected and helps maintain its shape during transit.
Caring for Your Hat During Travel
Even with the best packing techniques, your hat might get squashed during travel. Here’s how to handle it:
- Dealing with a Slightly Crushed Hat: If your hat gets slightly crushed, don’t panic. You can steam it over a tea kettle at home or take it into the bathroom after a hot shower and try smoothing it back into shape. Be gentle and patient – the hat may take some time to regain its original shape.
- Using Steam to Reshape a Hat: Steam is a hat’s best friend when it comes to reshaping. Hold the hat over a steaming kettle or pot (be careful not to burn yourself) and gently reshape the hat as the steam softens the material. This can be particularly useful for hats like wool or felt.
Additional Tips for Hat Fit
A well-fitting hat is more comfortable and less likely to get blown off by the wind or fall off during travel. Here are some tips to ensure a perfect fit:
- Using Hat-Size Reducer Strips: Consider using hat-size reducer strips if your hat is too large. These strips attach to the inside of the hat’s crown and can be layered to achieve the perfect fit. They’re easy to use and can make a big difference in the comfort and security of your hat.
Wrapping Up: Travel with Your Hat with Confidence
Travelling with a hat doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right packing techniques and a little care, you can ensure your hat arrives at your destination in perfect condition.
So go ahead, pack that hat and add an extra touch of style to your travel outfits. Remember, a well-travelled hat is a sign of great adventures. So, whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or planning your first big trip, don’t leave your favourite hat behind.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-equipped to travel with your hat with ease and confidence. Safe travels!
FAQs
Can I wear my hat during travel instead of packing it?
Yes, wearing your hat during travel is one of the simplest transport methods. This is especially practical if you’re heading to a sunny destination and the hat is part of your travel outfit.
How can I pack multiple hats for travel?
If you’re travelling with more than one hat, you can tuck them inside each other and then clip them to your luggage. This method saves space and helps maintain the shape of the hats.
What should I do if my hat gets crushed during travel?
If your hat gets slightly crushed, steam it over a tea kettle at home or take it into the bathroom after a hot shower and try smoothing it back into shape.
How can I ensure a perfect fit for my hat during travel?
If your hat is slightly too large, consider using hat-size reducer strips. These strips attach to the inside of the hat’s crown and can be layered to achieve the perfect fit.
Is it worth investing in a travel case for hats?
Consider investing in a travel case designed specifically for hats for extra protection. These cases are typically hard-shelled and provide excellent protection for your headwear.
