The first hat factory I toured when I was researching the hat business was Pantropic, up in Sebastapol, California.  And the first Panama I owned was a Montichristi from Pantropic.  Believe it or not, after two years of beating it up as much as I could (I test my stuff) a customer bought it off my head - he was relentless until I gave in and wore it for years after that according to his friend who stopped by the shop one day.. He liked the worn, faded, stained patina!  Well, The Classic is that exact hat, but in a more coarse grade that is about $300.00 cheaper!  No, it won't take the same amount of abuse for the price, but it's tough, durable, packable (though not a crusher) and the reality is, it breathes better.  The finer the weave, the less air circulating is what I've found.  I have many customers who have bought both shades or two of the same just because they know Panama's keep going up in price and once you find something that works you don't want to run out.  Please, please, please READ the page on how to care for your hat(s), at least the section on Panama's.