Double-Lacquered Straw Pith Helmet

I bought one of these helmets 15-20 years ago. I was reluctant because it was made of straw and I needed something that would last for at least one season. I shouldn't have worried. It has been lost, found, snowed on, frozen, baked in the sun, soaked with diesel, gasoline, grease and some unknown liquids; dented, twisted, and squashed by the tractor many times. To straighten it out, I soak it in water, shape it by hand and let it dry. It survived my 3 children and seven grands where it did double-duty as a Frisbe. The strap across the bill disappeared in the first year, but you won't need it anyway. The sun has faded it to a lighter shade of tan, but I think that made it even cooler in high humidity. I bought some for friends, and I'm going to buy some more.

Got one as a gift. Fits big heads. I'm not a huge fan of getting this caught in the rain, but this Japanese straw like material is much cooler than the solid pith helmets in high humidity areas. My only complaint is I wish they were offer it in green to match our wooded area. You probably will find a chin strap useful in a breeze, pier, etc.

I bought the tan version a couple years ago and it is still fantastic at keeping my head cool. I live in an area with hot humid summers and used to wear an Amish straw hat, but the straw pith helmet works better. My granddaughter stood on the helmet and dented it. I pushed the dent out and you can't tell it ever happened.