I've been looking around pretty hard for a good Indy hat, and while I've posted my finds all over the place, I've now started a new thread so that everybody can give me their ideas as to what I should buy .
Of the several I've liked, below are two links. The first is to a hat very much like Indy's but with a leather band that I prefer over the ribbon. The second is to the Indiana Miller, with a similar leather band as the first. Both a fur felt, and close to the same price. Let me know what you wise Indyfans have to say.
Note when giving advice that I want this hat to work in, not to look 110% screen accurate, so I don't want Adventurebilt, HJ or something really expensive. I've got about 150 bucks to put on a hat, lighter and possibly a few Magnoli props, so keep that in mind if you have any advice.
Kodiak wrote:
Note when giving advice that I want this hat to work in, not to look 110% screen accurate, so I don't want Adventurebilt, HJ or something really expensive.
Ah, I notice you've been paying attention. Good looking out.
My personal opinion is to get the Miller. Why? I like the shape of that hat more than I like the other one. Besides, I'm not that big of a fan of the teardrop (or C-Crown) bash. Just doesn't look good to me. On some vintage felt hats, maybe. Not for an Indy-style lid. I like the center dent of the Miller more. That's my opinion.
The Millers are made by Biltmore, and are a fairly decent hat. Don't get them to wet, though, as they will taper something fierce, BUT, with that said, they made a fine fedora.
The Miller was one of our first fedoras in our post Stetson era, and served us well until the Akubra Federation series was created. You'll enjoy the Miller. I've owned them, and they were very nice hats right out of the box.
Michaelson wrote:Don't get them to wet, though, as they will taper something fierce, BUT, with that said, they made a fine fedora.
Don't get it wet, huh? So basically, get it wet and I've got a bashing job to redo, or do I have to simply reshape the brim the way I want it? A little bit of rain isn't going to destroy the felt as it would on a cheaper hat, is it?
Kodiak wrote:Don't get it wet, huh? So basically, get it wet and I've got a bashing job to redo, or do I have to simply reshape the brim the way I want it?
No, it means your hat is going to taper into the shape of a Pilgrim hat.
Maybe not that bad, but it'll taper up and not look like you want it. The only way to get bad taper out is a reblock with steam or a full on reblock. So I understand, anyways.
The Akubras have a reputation for being well made and for putting up with a lot of abuse. They come open crowned (think of a bowler or derby hat) which means you have to style them yourself, but it's easy and fun to do. I think they're a better choice than the two you posted, especially since the price is about the same, if not cheaper. They're also MUCH more Indy because several peole here at COW had direct involvement with the creation of these hats!
The Akubras are made from rabbit fur felt, and it's been discussed around here that they've got some of the best rabbit felt around. The only "down" side is that they have a ribbon instead of a leather band. But if that bothers you, just go to a thrift store, buy a thin leather belt you like, and use that to replace the ribbon.
I'll second bink, the federation is a much better more durable hat for the same price; better felt, better block shape, and way more durable.
Basically Akubra made a dress hat that will hold up to outback working conditions, which makes for a great Indy hat if you plan to wear it outdoors and put it to rough use.
If you read my post, Strider, you'll see I suggested getting a cheap, thin belt from goodwill and making your own custom band. Heck, it'd probably still be cheaper (or the same price) and the hat itself would be of better quality. Shoot, you could probably find a better leather "band" than what comes with the above offerings. But the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Personally, I'd much rather have a better quality overall hat than to choose a hat based soley on the ribbon or band. The trim can easily be replaced or customized. Just my two pennies worth.
Get a leather hat band and put it right over the ribbon, like a military campaign hat, or old cowboy hats. I'd vote for the Akubra for maximum durability. It comes unbashed, so you can shape it Indy-like or any way you want.
Strider wrote:...No, it means your hat is going to taper into the shape of a Pilgrim hat.
Maybe not that bad, but it'll taper up and not look like you want it. The only way to get bad taper out is a reblock with steam or a full on reblock. So I understand, anyways.
IndianaJones wrote:As hard as holding it over a pot of boiling water and using your hands to shape it to whatever shape you wanted. :junior: -IJ
It's pretty easy to bash, though I'd try using a spray bottle of cold water and allowing the hat to dry after shapping it. You can use steam, but remember, ANY felt hat will taper to some degree if too much direct steam is used. This is true of the Dorfman, as it is the AdventureBilt. It's in a hat's nature. However, the higher quality the hat, the more resistant to taper it will be. My Akubra served me well and was easy to shape and even more a joy to wear!
My first hat was one of the Miller types. They're OK, but they do shrink and taper too easily. Mine has shrunk to the point that it was too small for me to wear. Now it sits in display only mode next to my other gear.
From others I've seen I'd have to give a nod to the Akubra as well. They seem to be well made and the price is hard to beat.
If you're not in a rush to get a hat, the Keppler offering is very good too. They take a while to get though. Mine has taken a few soakings and no shrinkage or taper yet.
That's exactly the hat I pictured in my head when I typed that!
Bink, sorry I missed that section of your post. That's what I get for skimming. Doesn't Akubra sew the ribbon on, though? I guess it's not THAT difficult to take the stitches out, so you can do what you want with it .....
Strider wrote:Bink, sorry I missed that section of your post. That's what I get for skimming. Doesn't Akubra sew the ribbon on, though? I guess it's not THAT difficult to take the stitches out, so you can do what you want with it .....
No problem. I figured you probably missed it.
The ribbons are usually stitched on in several places around the hat. Only the sweatband is solidly stitched in around the whole hat. If you look closely, you'll see tiny, unbtrusive stitches at the edge of the ribbon width. With a seam ripper, or a very sharp xacto knife, you can carefully remove the stitches without harming the ribbon. If you don't care to salvage the ribbon, then just have at it! You'll find more tiny stitches around the bow.
If I go for the Akubra, should I buy Deluxe or regular for my work/adventure/travel related uses? And please don't tell me to do a search, I greatly dislike using this site's search engine.
Other than the c-shape/teardrop bash of the 1st link I posted is there anything really wrong with it? It is fur felt, mind you, and I don't really mind the non-purist bash.
i was jsut in your same position, and i chose the Fed Deluxe in the end. Color seems a bit more raiders, and its better materail, but both are aparently a great hat, i just went with the more expensive model, im not persoanlly sure how much different they are. Can anyone tell me if the Fed Deluxe has a white linner in the hat?
Kodiak wrote:
Other than the c-shape/teardrop bash of the 1st link I posted is there anything really wrong with it? It is fur felt, mind you, and I don't really mind the non-purist bash.
Thanks again.
It's a nice looking hat. The pure felt statement really doesn't tell you anything, though. More likely than not, it's a rabbit blend, and with other than that guess, you're really not told what it's made of.
As to which Fed to order, it's definitely an 'either/or' decision. The Deluxe is softer to the feel, and the higher end felt...but not by much. You'll be as well served with either choice in field application.
MorgonKenbur wrote:Can anyone tell me if the Fed Deluxe has a white linner in the hat?
I bought a Fed Deluxe recently and yes, it has a white liner.
The Deluxe felt is softer, more pliable. Also the leather sweatband in the Deluxe is better quality.
I already have two Fed Regulars (a brown and a grey) and they are great hats. They've stood up to the soggy mists of Devon, England, the searing heat of Majorca and Grand Canaria, and the freezing winter of Canada.
If I go with any hat that has a snapped brim (one turned up at the back, most importantly) can I flip the brim down as in some Indy scenes, or am I stuck with it snapped up? I do like the look of the Akubra, but I still don't really like the idea of bashing my own. If I go for one, I'll probably go cheap because I'm likely to have the @#$% beat out of it after two months. Can I do a rebash if I don't like the way it turned out?
It just came to me, but I've discovered that I have a few more dollars in my funds than I had thought. Is there anything decent that I could buy around $150 other than those discussed?
go for the deluxe federation. Rebashing shouldnt be that hard, there are a few pages people ahve made that show step by step instuctions with pictures. Hats direct even has a tutorial for how to bash, and yes from what ive been told ou can rebash your hat if it doesnt turn out great. If you really want the Indy look go with federation or Deluxe fed. I think if you jsut settel for something cheaper cause your afraid to ruin it, youll be wanting to by a new hat soon after, jsut get a good one now. Its a good hat it can take the beating.
Oh and don't forget the Camptown from our own JerseyJones. I believe he sells his unbashed pure beaver hats for about $140.00. Very good deal, ask Michaelson, he really likes his.
I don't own one but have read good things here about it.
G-MANN
I e-mailed Lee about that hat, because I don't want to wait nine months for a brim. I was told that is the wait here, but I haven't got anything back yet.
Kodiak, it's referred to as a snap brim because you can "snap" it up or down. If you're after a hat that can take a good beating, then I'd recommend going for the Akubra. It's meant to take a beating. Akubras were initially designed with cattle workers in mind. Besides, if you go for a total cheapy hat, you may find it won't hold up to your abuse and you'll only end up having to buy another. You'll save a little bit of money in the long haul with the Akubra.
IJ also mentioned the Camptown. If you have a couple extra bucks as you stated, that may be a very good option for you. It's a beaver/rabbit blend, so the felt should be a notch up from just plain rabbit. I have not seen one of these in person, but I've heard some pretty good things from those who have. You can either get them open crowned or styled, I believe. I've seen ITG's Keppler in person and it's a nice hat. The only drawback is the possible wait time.
As for bashing your own hat, it's really not as difficult as it looks. Even though I've worn hats as long as I can remember, I never styled an open crowned fedora until I got an Akubra. (I did mess around with some older pre-styled hats, now that I think of it.) I was terrified I'd ruin it. Boy, it didn't take me long into it before I found out how easy it was. Don't be afraid to bash it yourself. It's a lot easier than you think. And you can reshape the Akubra. I did this often after wearing mine in the rain.
IndianaJones wrote:Oh and don't forget the Camptown from our own JerseyJones. I believe he sells his unbashed pure beaver hats for about $140.00. Very good deal, ask Michaelson, he really likes his.
Absolutely! It's a FINE hat if you're wanting to pay just a bit more. Wearing in well too!
I will add my .02 cents based on limited experience. I own the Akubra Federation Deluxe. Had it over a year now and worn it in all weather. No apparent taper or color loss. It is a very stong and stylish hat. It arrived open crowned and really stiff. Bashing it seemed intimidating but incredibly easy! Some steam from a kettle and shape as desired. I imagine you can replace the band with leather if desired. Bink's idea is perfect.
Here are some pics to entice you..
Here's some pics of my Keppler right after I received it. Mine took about a year to receive (a very agonizing year I might add) but I'm very happy with it. It's broken in very nicely and after many soakings still no taper or shrinkage. I've only treated it with Scout Rain and Stain about every 3 months during the rainy season and an occasional brushing to remove any dirt and dust.
You can go to my page on photobucket if you want to see them bigger.
i never thought about getting the kepler, i kinda forgot about it since it doesnt get talked about as much in the forums. Man a year would be insaine to wait for that hat. This month for mine is long enough.
[quote: Lee Keppler]Hi Kodiak.
Uh...no, not nine months! If your size shell is in stock, you will have it in a week. If I have to order a shell add around six weeks to that. Give me a call at 619-647-6744 and we'll talk about it. I'll be on the road today and would welcome the chat.
Most kind regards, Lee[/quote]
I just got this. I'm considering this hat or the Camptown. Does the camptown come bashed?
Kodiak wrote:Okay, I know I said it at the beginning "I don't want an AB." But tell me, how good would one be for my purposes?
If you plan to wear the hat, and wear it often, the AB will suit you well. Yes, it is more expensive than the above options, but the quality vs. price ratio is outstanding. Heck, if the leather band is still important to you, talk to Steve and I'm sure he'll be able to figure something out for you.
Keep in mind, though, that if money is a tight issue, don't feel pressured into buying an AdventureBilt just because many of us own one. The Akubras, Camptowns, and Kepplers are still excellent choices that fall within your original stated budget. On the flip side, I think Steve may even offer a layaway plan. The choice in hats is yours, though! Good luck!
Kodiak wrote:It seems that the Keppler is the best deal for me. I'm about 99% sure I'm going with this brim, but can anybody tell me some downsides to this hat?
Well, there's that wait time (for me it was 9 months, which, as has been said, Lee cannot help). It is also a little thicker than I would like a hat to be. More like a Federation. But if that is no matter to you, then it's not a problem.
Other than that, the color is beautiful, the ribbon is nice, and it is a heck of a deal.
Peace,
Cliffhanger
P.S. By the way Kodiak...I am selling my Keppler. What size hat are you?
The wait will be the time that it takes a check to get from Kentucky to California and the hat to get back for me. Size 7 1/8 is in stock. Thanks for the help. :junior:
MorgonKenbur wrote:wow you got really ### lucky then buddy! Can't wait to see some pictures.
You ain't kiddin' at all . I'm sure this hat will meet my expectations for a good Indy-style fedora. Thanks for all the help. I've just about completed my 'close enough' gear, so I'll post some pics as soon as I can compile all my stuff together.
Kodiak :junior:
.
It's a FINE hat if you're wanting to pay just a bit more. Wearing in well too!
