Passionate hat enthusiasts helping Australians find their perfect western hat since 2024
CowboyHat.au was born from a simple frustration: the difficulty of finding reliable, unbiased information about cowboy hats in Australia. When our founder, Jack Morrison, set out to buy his first proper Akubra for working on his family's cattle station near Longreach, he discovered that most online resources were either American-focused or thinly-veiled sales pitches that didn't address the unique needs of Australian hat wearers.
Growing up in outback Queensland, Jack understood that a good hat isn't just a fashion accessory—it's an essential piece of equipment. Whether you're mustering cattle under the blazing summer sun, attending a country race day, or simply want that classic stockman look for weekend adventures, choosing the right hat matters. The crown height affects ventilation, the brim width determines sun protection, and the material choice—whether it's genuine rabbit fur felt, breathable palm leaf straw, or rugged kangaroo leather—impacts durability and comfort in ways that only experience can teach.
What started as a personal blog documenting Jack's journey through the world of Australian headwear has grown into a comprehensive resource used by thousands of Australians each month. We've tested hats in conditions ranging from the dusty red earth of the Northern Territory to the cool, wet winters of Tasmania. We've spoken with master hatters, visited Akubra's factory in Kempsey, and consulted with stockmen, drovers, and ringers who wear their hats every single day.
Today, CowboyHat.au is more than just one person's passion project. Our small team of contributors brings together decades of combined experience in agriculture, outdoor recreation, and yes—an unhealthy obsession with headwear. We're committed to providing honest, thoroughly researched content that helps you make informed decisions. We test products ourselves, explain the differences between a Cattleman and a Squatter crown, and share the care techniques that keep our own hat collections in pristine condition.
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality information about cowboy hats, whether you're buying your first budget-friendly straw hat for a music festival or investing in a premium fur felt that will last decades. Our goal is to be the trusted friend who can guide you through the sometimes overwhelming world of western headwear—no pretense, no hidden agendas, just genuine expertise shared with fellow hat enthusiasts.
We're a small but dedicated group of writers, researchers, and certified hat addicts based across regional Australia.
Born and raised on a cattle station near Longreach, Queensland. Jack owns over 15 hats and has been wearing Akubras since he could walk. He specialises in felt hat care and outback styles.
A former equestrian competitor from Victoria's high country, Sarah brings expertise in riding hats, helmet-compatible styles, and practical headwear for active outdoor pursuits.
Tom handles the technical side of our reviews, from measuring UPF ratings to testing water resistance. His background in materials science helps us evaluate hat construction quality.
Every article on CowboyHat.au is written by our team or verified contributors with genuine expertise in western headwear. We never publish content we haven't thoroughly researched, and we're always transparent about our affiliate relationships. When you click a product link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—but this never influences our recommendations. Our reputation depends on your trust, and we take that responsibility seriously.
If you have questions, feedback, or want to share your own hat stories, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch through our contact page and join our community of Australian hat enthusiasts.