A beret is OK for some purposes, and bad for others. Its warmer in cold weather than an Akubra and stays put in the wind. Doesn't snag as you push through scrub. In hot weather it keeps the sun off the bald spot, unfortunately it gives no protection to the ears, neck or face nor does it keep the sun, or rain, out of the eyes.

Note, the common baseball hat doesn't do any better except for keeping the sun off the eyes, the semi-circular cut out at the back becomes a major risk factor for skin cancer (as I found out after having a large one cut off) and the lack of side protection is leading to skin cancers on the ears.

I personally prefer a wide brim hat and one day may even experiment with a pith helmet. But I don't belittle others who make different choices.