Why Our Leather Patch Hats Were Made for Western NC Living

From Colorado Peaks to Blue Ridge Trails: The Hat That Travels Well
At Outer Wings, our journey started high in the Colorado Rockies—where rugged landscapes, unpredictable weather, and endless adventure inspired every detail of our leather patch hats. But now, we've brought that same spirit east to the Blue Ridge Mountains. And honestly? We couldn’t imagine a better fit.
Western North Carolina living blends everything we love: mountain town vibes, winding hiking trails, hidden swimming holes, and bold, changing seasons. Our hats were built for this lifestyle—whether you're setting up camp off the Parkway, grabbing coffee in Hendersonville, or biking the trails of DuPont.
Why Leather Patch Hats Just Work in Western NC
If you live here—or just love visiting—you know the weather can change on a dime and your gear has to keep up. Our leather patch hats offer just the right mix of durability, style, and function to meet the moment.
Here’s why they fit right in:
- Moisture-wicking + breathable materials — ideal for hikes, float trips, or brewery patios.
- Sewn real leather patches — not glued. These last through the mud, sun, and rain.
- Mountain-inspired designs — crafted by folks who’ve lived in both the Rockies and the Blue Ridge.
- Structured styles + flexible fit — snapbacks that hold up without ever feeling stiff.
- Custom patch shapes and styles — perfect for mountain men, weekend hikers, and anyone who just loves subtle, clean design.
The Western NC Hat Line-Up
We’ve got something for every trail, town, and temperature. Below are a few top picks that feel tailor-made for Western NC living:
🧢 Mountain West Hat – Richardson 256 Rope Hat Snapback
A true mountain hat—lightweight, breathable, and made with UPF 50+ protection. Ideal for sunny days on the trail or casting lines in a mountain stream.
→ Shop Mountain West Hat
🇺🇸 American Flag Hat – Richardson 115 Low Profile Hat
A subtle nod to patriotism with mountain-town edge. It’s great for 4th of July on Lake Lure or walking Main Street in Asheville.
→ Shop American Flag Hat
🌲 Lost Pine Hat – Richardson 115 (M/L and Small)
A compass-inspired patch for explorers who love places like Pisgah, Highlands, and beyond. This one’s a bestseller.
→ Shop Lost Pine Hat
🌊 Paddle & Chill – Richardson 935 Performance Hat
Western NC is full of paddleboarding spots—and this hat was designed for them. Lightweight, water-resistant, and packable.
→ Shop Paddle & Chill Hat
🌄 West Pine Hat – Richardson 112 Trucker Hat
Classic trucker hat style meets subtle design—perfect for mountain towns with style.
→ Shop West Pine Hat
Colorado Roots, NC Attitude
We started Outer Wings in Colorado—but everything we learned out there makes sense in Western NC too:
- The elevation’s a little lower, but the vibes are just as strong.
- We still stitch every leather patch by hand, right here in the USA.
- And we still believe your hat should be the hardest-working thing you wear.
From Rocky Mountain snowcaps to Appalachian ridgelines, our gear holds up—because we don’t cut corners. Ever.
Custom Leather Patch Hats for Your NC Business or Crew
Running a small business in Asheville? Organizing a summer camp in Brevard? We offer custom leather patch hats with no minimums.
- Choose from square, circle, hex, or rectangle patches
- Send us a vector file (PDF, AI, EPS, or DXF)
- We’ll engrave, finish, and stitch it to the hat style of your choice
It’s a great way to elevate your brand with something real and long-lasting.

Where to Wear Your Outer Wings Hat in Western NC
- Hendersonville Main Street – Weekend festivals and farmer’s markets
- DuPont State Forest – Biking, hiking, and waterfall-hopping
- Asheville’s South Slope – Craft beer and outdoor patios
- Max Patch or Craggy Gardens – Sunset views with wide brims
- Lake Glenville or Nantahala – Bring your performance hat
Wherever you go, these hats go with—and they look better with a little dirt on them.
🛍️ Shop Our Favorite Western NC Hats
- Mountain Hats Collection
- Low Profile Hats
- Flat Bill Rope Hats
- Trucker Hats
- Custom Leather Patch Hats
❓ People Also Ask
What are leather patch hats?
Leather patch hats are caps that feature real or faux leather patches sewn or heat-pressed onto the front. Outer Wings uses real, hand-stitched leather patches made in the USA.
Are leather patch hats good for hiking?
Yes. Outer Wings’ mountain hats are designed for performance, with breathable fabrics, structured builds, and water-resistant options like the Richardson 935.
What’s the best type of hat for mountain towns like Asheville?
Look for low profile or trucker styles that breathe well. Our leather patch hats offer durability, UV protection, and clean design ideal for both trail and town.
👇 Ready to Find Your Go-To Western NC Hat?
Explore our full collection of handcrafted leather patch hats, built for life in the mountains.