Hats are completely unnecessary: simply remove your head and carry it in your rucksack ;)
Me? I always carry an umbrella: useful in rain and for shade and great for "shooshing" at over attentive dogs
I think for some of us, skin health is a much higher priority.
Particularly if fair skinned.
Melanoma! (skin cancer is a serious issue)
In Australia I'll burn within 15-20 mins in Summer!
It's a big health thing here with lots of reminders'...
Not difficult at all.
You fix the Umbrella to the pack straps.
I also carry a soft hat with a brim for the times when an umbrella is not required.
I never walk without one or the other.
A broad-brimmed hat of the "bucket style" is useful for shade. However, if you experience heat stroke or sun stroke symptoms, or if it is just HOT, consider the evaporative cooling aspects of soaking your bucket hat in a fuente (fountain) or...
As I have said before I appreciate your thorough evaluations of equipment which makes one’s decision of what to purchase so much easier! Especially in this case considering the careful treatment one’s head requires!
As to the handsfree umbrella...
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