Belt buckles reflect the neon lights of the Strip as cowboy hats flood the sidewalks. It is a rare occurrence only observed during the first week of December as cowboys take over Sin City for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. It is a sight for any sore eyes in a city that typically does not sport cattlemen or rodeo athletes.
The airport is no different. Airport metal detectors warn of spurs and buckles as cowboys and cowgirls travel to the Thomas & Mack. Airport security stops multiple cowboys for a black plastic can in their hands.
Are they carrying an instrument? No. Is it a newly designed rope can? Also, no. Rodeo enthusiasts battle their way through security, juggling a hat can from one hand to the next.
If it is not the hat can, they stack hats on their heads, like the peddler from “Caps for Sale.”
Sitting at the airport in 2014, after watching each cowboy travel their own way with hats, Brent Walker looked down at his backpack. A lightbulb clicked. The idea for HatPac was born.
He could combine a backpack and a hat can to create an effective, comfortable, and safe way to travel with cowboy hats.