There is a big difference between a hat made for looks and a hat made for the trail.
If you have ever been caught in a sudden downpour miles from shelter, or spent eight hours
working under a relentless summer sun, you know exactly what that difference feels like.
Since 1983, the Outback Trading Company has built its reputation on filling that specific gap.
Rooted in the spirit of the rugged Australian outback but designed for adventurers worldwide,
these hats are built for people who actually go outsideand stay out there when the weather turns.
Outback Trading Company was founded by Wilson King. On the road to nowhere, without a dime
to his name, King camped in Tokyo airport, met Kiwis in New Zealand, swung by Korea and
Hong Kong, rode horses to bars and drank more than a few with many. Aimlessly looking for
direction, he finally found it. In the Australian outback.
Riding a beat-up motorcycle he put together himself from random parts, King kicked up dust
all over the Outback. One day his bike spluttered into a gas station in the middle of nowhere.
An old Aussie chucked him an oilskin Duster. King put it on and his journey truly began.
The trusty oilskin traveled home to Pennsylvania with him. Still not sure where life was taking
him, King was caught in a rainstorm while riding his horse. His Duster came to the rescue,
setting the course of his life’s work. He discovered the road he should ride. And that’s what
he did. He rode on. He started selling Dusters out of the back of his Jeep Wagoneer
and Outback Trading Company was born. King expanded the company to include
high-quality oilskin hats that soon became a favorite with ranchers, farmers,
and even Crocodile Dundee.Let’s take a look at what makes these hats a staple for
ranchers, hikers, and travelers alike, and how to choose the right material for your lifestyle.
The Signature Lineup: Materials Matter
Outback Trading Company doesn’t just stick to one style. They design across a
spectrum of rugged textiles, each engineered to tackle a different kind of day.
1. The Legends: Oilskin Hats
If the brand has a flagship, it’s their Oilskin collection. Made from 100% cotton canvas
that has been heavily treated with paraffin wax (often referred to as “duck back” wax),
these hats are famously water-repellent and windproof.
The Vibe: Utilitarian, rugged, and unmistakably western.
Key Models: The Grizzly, The Kodiak, and The River Guide.
Hidden Feature: Look inside the crown of classic models like the Kodiak,
and you’ll find a built-in Koala Pouch, a clever, low-profile internal
security pocket perfect for caching a couple of emergency dollar bills or a key.
The Shape: Many of their oilskin hats feature an adjustable wire brim,
letting you custom-mold the slope of the brim to perfectly block the sun or
channel rainwater away from your neck.
2. The Trail Companions: Crushable Wool Felt
If you need something warmer that can handle being stuffed into a backpack or a truck
cab without losing its shape, their Australian wool felt hats are the answer.
The Tech: These hats are treated for water resistance and feature
a “crushable” memory construction. You can literally squash them down into a luggage
compartment, shake them out, and watch them pop right back into form.
Best For: Crisp autumn hikes, shoulder-season travel, and casual everyday wear.
3. The Workhorses: Rugged Leather
Made from thick, durable leather, options like the Iron Bark offer heavy-duty protection
against scraping branches and intense UV rays (boasting a UPF 50 rating).
They often feature braided leather bands, brass accents, and ventilated eyelets in
the crown to ensure your head doesn’t overheat. Whether you are navigating a river,
mending fences, or just looking for a dependable weekend shield against the
afternoon heat, an Outback Trading Company hat is an investment in gear that works
just as hard as you do. In addition to hats, Outback Trading Company manufactures
a wide range of rugged Western and outdoor apparel.
They are famous for their signature oilskin jackets, coats, and vests.
116th Annual THA Gathering
Dallas, TX
115th Annual THA Dinner
New York, NY
2025 Ben Rosenthal Award Winner:
Wilson King, Outback Trading Company
2025 Ben Rosenthal Award Winner:
Wilson King, Outback Trading Company
