I think all Veteran's when discharged...

Have acquired a hat addiction.... or rather a cap addiction.

I had already acquired my 'cap' addiction before entering the service.

Your hat is little like a Top Hat... I have yet to get a Top Hat... but it's on my bucket list.

Let's see.... your hat is... unusual? Out there? I say that with respect because I like the unusual, Pretty sure I have a couple of those... not quite at your level but unusual none-the-less.

For backpacking, or actually any outdoor activity... like hunting, I wear Bucket Hats... which, IMHO, are the most comfortable hat you can wear. Also... you can reach up and bend and shape to nearly any configuration as need be..... when very hot you can soak them with water. After a hot day hiking I can head to the creek and scrub it on a rock to clean the sweat then wring it out... don't have to worry about 'shape'. - JamesJM