Akubra Adventurer hat - HELP

In-depth discussion of the Fedora of Indiana Jones and all other hats appearing in the Indiana Jones movies

Moderators: Indiana Jeff, Dalexs

Post Reply
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Akubra Adventurer hat - HELP

Post by alphared6 »

I recently bought Akubra's Adventurer hat. Really nice hat, but it's hard as a rock! Any advice on how to soften it up without damaging it?
User avatar
kiltie
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 405
Joined: Thu Apr 17, 2008 11:14 am
Location: Lone Star State

Post by kiltie »

I have one of these as well and I'm a big fan of it. You just have to mess around with it. I worked a little curl into the back of the brim of mine and generally just handled it and wear it a lot. It was my front line Indy for a while, and really just a solid hat for anything. Moderate dress, working in the yard, puttering around, tourist-ing, etc, etc... A very comfortable hat.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj29 ... IM2039.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj29 ... IM2165.jpg

You may simply want to try pushing out the creases and the squashing it a few times. Then brush it out - maybe use a sponge...
Sadly, for as great a hat as this is, it doesn't get a lot of respect from some people around here. I like it, but the detractors tend to be a bit vocal ( if you can be vocal on an internet forum ).[/url]
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44532
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Post by Michaelson »

I like it, but the detractors tend to be a bit vocal ( if you can be vocal on an internet forum )
No more vocal than the fans of the hat. :lol:

It's not the hat that folks get vocal about, as it's a fine Akubra. It's the way it came about that upset folks. Nothing more.

You have a great hat, and though they got a bit more stiffner than usual, it can be worked out as suggested above.

Regard! Michaelson
User avatar
kiltie
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 405
Joined: Thu Apr 17, 2008 11:14 am
Location: Lone Star State

Post by kiltie »

No more vocal than the fans of the hat.
True enough, and with some of the more recent shenanigans, I suppose almost any comment would seem tame.
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44532
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Post by Michaelson »

:lol:

Ain't THAT the truth!!! :D

:wink:

Regard! Michaelson
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

Well ... thanks all. But you have me wondering what is meant by "how it came about" and "shenanigans?"
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44532
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Post by Michaelson »

Best to let sleeping dogs lie.

Do a search. It's all posted in past threads.

Regards! Michaelson
User avatar
binkmeisterRick
Stealer of Wallets
Posts: 16926
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:22 pm
Location: Chattering with these old bones

Post by binkmeisterRick »

WOOF! :lol: :wink:
User avatar
Piker
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:48 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Post by Piker »

What's all the Rumpus?
User avatar
kiltie
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 405
Joined: Thu Apr 17, 2008 11:14 am
Location: Lone Star State

Post by kiltie »

"Take yer flunky and dangle."
darthbish
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 417
Joined: Fri May 30, 2008 9:28 am
Location: The Land Down Under

Post by darthbish »

what's the diff between the Adventurer and a Fed IV??..
Anyone??
User avatar
Piker
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:48 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Post by Piker »

darthbish wrote:what's the diff between the Adventurer and a Fed IV??..
Anyone??
Broader brim, dimensional, but it is 3" front and back and 2 7/8 on the sides.

Fed 3 was 2 7/8 front to back and 2.75

Fed 4? 2.75 and 2.5

Adventurer has a slightly different ribbon color and a slightly tapered crown

But, it is an Akubra, so it is a very nice hat.

IMHO opinion Akubra laid an egg with the 4, the 3 was superior in every way, save the ribbon. 4 felt is thinner, and rougher, the crown is to low, and the block is too domed. My 4 can't hold a candle to my two Fed 3's.

There, I said it.

:tdown:
User avatar
Jones Boy
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 112
Joined: Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:46 pm
Location: Wilds of Western Australia

Post by Jones Boy »

darthbish wrote:what's the diff between the Adventurer and a Fed IV??..
Anyone??
Here is a Fed Iv Standard and AKAd side by side for comparisons.

Image

Some of the Feds are low crowned, however my recent Fed Iv Deluxe is not one of those. :wink:

Image

Cheers
Jonesy
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

I've read a lot here about "Federation" III, IV and V's. I did a web search and can find no vendor selling them. What's the G-2 here?
User avatar
DR Ulloa
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 3257
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:28 pm
Location: Miami, FL
Contact:

Post by DR Ulloa »

www.hatsdirect.com .

I hope you haven't read anything about a Federation V, that would mean you are seeing into the future.

Dave
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

Thanks. Why do I not see any prices?
User avatar
eazybox
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1038
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 5:04 am
Location: Brody's Barber Shop

Post by eazybox »

alphared6 wrote:Thanks. Why do I not see any prices?
http://www.hatsdirect.com/federation/index.html

Prices are under "Order Federation IV" in left index column.

Jack
darthbish
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 417
Joined: Fri May 30, 2008 9:28 am
Location: The Land Down Under

Post by darthbish »

"Piker"

Broader brim, dimensional, but it is 3" front and back and 2 7/8 on the sides.

Fed 3 was 2 7/8 front to back and 2.75

Fed 4? 2.75 and 2.5

Adventurer has a slightly different ribbon color and a slightly tapered crown

But, it is an Akubra, so it is a very nice hat.

IMHO opinion Akubra laid an egg with the 4, the 3 was superior in every way, save the ribbon. 4 felt is thinner, and rougher, the crown is to low, and the block is too domed. My 4 can't hold a candle to my two Fed 3's.

There, I said it.

:tdown:

The felt is thinner???
Heck, how thick is the Fed III then?? coz my IV is pretty darn thick..
User avatar
Piker
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:48 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Post by Piker »

The felt is thinner???
Heck, how thick is the Fed III then?? coz my IV is pretty darn thick..
The III is a nice thickness, not like a cowboy hat, but a stout feel to it that says, this is a nice hat, that can take what you dish out.
The IV? almost paper thin.
The III is soft to the touch, smooth rich felt.
The IV? rough, hairy: individual hairs actually stick up. Like to get a splinter if you run your fingers over it.

I'm over it too.
User avatar
Jones Boy
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 112
Joined: Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:46 pm
Location: Wilds of Western Australia

Post by Jones Boy »

Piker wrote:
The felt is thinner???
Heck, how thick is the Fed III then?? coz my IV is pretty darn thick..
The III is a nice thickness, not like a cowboy hat, but a stout feel to it that says, this is a nice hat, that can take what you dish out.
The IV? almost paper thin.
The III is soft to the touch, smooth rich felt.
The IV? rough, hairy: individual hairs actually stick up. Like to get a splinter if you run your fingers over it.

I'm over it too.
You need to get yourself a Deluxe then my good man! :wink:

Cheers
Jonesy
User avatar
Piker
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:48 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Post by Piker »

Makes me think that maybe my III actually might be a DLX that was miss-tagged.
darthbish
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 417
Joined: Fri May 30, 2008 9:28 am
Location: The Land Down Under

Post by darthbish »

the brim on my Fed IV is about 2.5mm thick...

Mannnnnnn.....How thick do you want it??
User avatar
Piker
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:48 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Post by Piker »

darthbish wrote:Mannnnnnn.....How thick do you want it??
Dude! :shock:

I will measure it and get back atcha
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

eazybox wrote:
alphared6 wrote:Thanks. Why do I not see any prices?
http://www.hatsdirect.com/federation/index.html

Prices are under "Order Federation IV" in left index column.

Jack
That does not appear on the page when I go to it. What's up?
User avatar
Tennessee Smith
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 10584
Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
Location: Everything we need is right here.

Post by Tennessee Smith »

User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

OK ... The colors seem to be limited, for an Indy fedora to dark brown. Is this gonna end up a chocolate brown? Almost black?
User avatar
Tennessee Smith
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 10584
Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
Location: Everything we need is right here.

Post by Tennessee Smith »

alphared6 wrote:OK ... The colors seem to be limited, for an Indy fedora to dark brown. Is this gonna end up a chocolate brown? Almost black?
That only depends if you use a flash or not...sorry that's an inside joke. :lol:

Actually, the color for the Fed to be an Indy style is the dark brown unless you want the Indy's gray travel hat and that would be the Moonstone.
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

Many thanks. With shipping it looks like a total of about 140.00 bucks.
I sent them an Email to inquire if they have a size 60 in stock.
User avatar
Tennessee Smith
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 10584
Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
Location: Everything we need is right here.

Post by Tennessee Smith »

No problem, good luck and post the pics when you get it!!!
User avatar
eazybox
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1038
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 5:04 am
Location: Brody's Barber Shop

Post by eazybox »

alphared6 wrote:
eazybox wrote:
alphared6 wrote:Thanks. Why do I not see any prices?
http://www.hatsdirect.com/federation/index.html

Prices are under "Order Federation IV" in left index column.

Jack
That does not appear on the page when I go to it. What's up?
You needed to actually press the "Order Federation IV" button in the left column to get to the correct page. I was just too lazy to copy the longer url for that page. Sorry to have confused you, and I'm glad you finally got where you wanted to go. :wink:

Jack
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

Thanks Jack, just waiting for a response to my inquirer about the availability of a size 60.
I've been all over COW looking at pix of Fed IV's. The colors seem to vary from dark dark brown to a lighter brown with a slight rust hint.
What the heck color are these hats anyway?????
User avatar
Texan Scott
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 5838
Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:55 am
Location: A felt body at rest tends to stay at rest. Sieze the day!
Contact:

Post by Texan Scott »

60!......just kidding! I recently received a HJ, and personally, I don't think it is half the hat as the Fed IV. Sable/dark brown is standard issue.
Last edited by Texan Scott on Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
eazybox
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1038
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 5:04 am
Location: Brody's Barber Shop

Post by eazybox »

alphared6 wrote:Thanks Jack, just waiting for a response to my inquirer about the availability of a size 60.
I've been all over COW looking at pix of Fed IV's. The colors seem to vary from dark dark brown to a lighter brown with a slight rust hint.
What the heck color are these hats anyway?????
I don't own a Fed IV, but from photos the color looks like a fairly dark shade of brown to me.

Jack
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

I'm start'n to think so too. Don't know if I want another Dark Brown hat. My Akubra is a very dark chocolate brown. :?
User avatar
eazybox
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1038
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 5:04 am
Location: Brody's Barber Shop

Post by eazybox »

alphared6 wrote:I'm start'n to think so too. Don't know if I want another Dark Brown hat. My Akubra is a very dark chocolate brown. :?
Well, if color is an important factor, you might want to take a look at the Christys Adventurer from Hornetshats.com. It comes in a wide variety of colors. See the thread dedicated to it in this Fedora section for all the other details you should need. :wink:

Jack
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

I did that Jack. My impression from my various reads here is that they are backed up and it's taking months to git one after you order. I sent an Email a couple of days back, no response yet.
User avatar
alphared6
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1103
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Contact:

Post by alphared6 »

Now this is more what I'm looking for. Any one ever hear about these?

http://www.millerhats.com/miller_fedora/257_fedora.html
User avatar
eazybox
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1038
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 5:04 am
Location: Brody's Barber Shop

Post by eazybox »

alphared6 wrote:I did that Jack. My impression from my various reads here is that they are backed up and it's taking months to git one after you order. I sent an Email a couple of days back, no response yet.
I knew the Christys was becoming very popular, but I didn't realize it was taking months to get them now. Any way, best of luck with the Miller! You may also want to check out Peters Bros., Penman, Camptown, Jimmy Pierce Designs, Keppler, etc. Lots of great options now!

Jack
User avatar
Kentucky Blues
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 834
Joined: Thu Oct 16, 2003 4:59 pm
Location: Kentucky
Contact:

Post by Kentucky Blues »

alphared6 wrote:I did that Jack. My impression from my various reads here is that they are backed up and it's taking months to git one after you order. I sent an Email a couple of days back, no response yet.
Where did you read this? I've not heard that yet...

-KB :)
User avatar
eazybox
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1038
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 5:04 am
Location: Brody's Barber Shop

Post by eazybox »

alphared6 wrote:I did that Jack. My impression from my various reads here is that they are backed up and it's taking months to git one after you order. I sent an Email a couple of days back, no response yet.
I just reread this post and it seems you may have the Christys mixed up with Adventurebilt? Anyway, I just went through the order process at hornetshats.com without actually ordering another Adventurer, and all seems fine! :wink:

Jack
User avatar
Chewbacca Jones
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 3878
Joined: Fri Jun 09, 2006 1:17 am
Location: Somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse
Contact:

Post by Chewbacca Jones »

alphared6 wrote:Now this is more what I'm looking for. Any one ever hear about these?

http://www.millerhats.com/miller_fedora/257_fedora.html
The Fed IV I saw in person (not a deluxe) was a dark brown. Piker might think the felt is "paper thin" but that really reveals a lack of exposure. It's very thin compared to a western hat, for sure.

The Miller in the link above has a beautiful sable color. Very rich. However, it lack the quality and durability of the Federations. So, if you want a dress hat, it's good. But if it's going to see some rough use, I'm not sure if it can take it.

If color is your issue, the Tawny Fawn or whatever by Akubra is darkish tan color. Keppler's brown is very different from the Federation dark brown as well. Ultimately, though, most Indy hats boil down to dark brown of some kind.
User avatar
eazybox
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1038
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 5:04 am
Location: Brody's Barber Shop

Post by eazybox »

Chewbacca Jones wrote:[quote=" Ultimately, though, most Indy hats boil down to dark brown of some kind.
Which has always puzzled me, because the HJ's used in the first 3 films were all a medium brown.

Jack
User avatar
Texan Scott
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 5838
Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:55 am
Location: A felt body at rest tends to stay at rest. Sieze the day!
Contact:

Post by Texan Scott »

Lighting is a factor, also. Some shots, such as the Raiders: temple, Raven bar, map room, well of souls scenes were filmed inside, and the rest, in varying exposures of sunlight. Full exposure sunlight will obviously contrast the darker, temple scene. Dirt, sand, etc., will also lighten the appearance of the felt a bit. Some, such as KT have experience with the Christi's light sable, and he has posted recently that it was too light, in his opinion. Still a matter of preference.
User avatar
eazybox
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 1038
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 5:04 am
Location: Brody's Barber Shop

Post by eazybox »

Texan Scott wrote:Lighting is a factor, also. Some shots, such as the Raiders: temple, Raven bar, map room, well of souls scenes were filmed inside, and the rest, in varying exposures of sunlight. Full exposure sunlight will obviously contrast the darker, temple scene. Dirt, sand, etc., will also lighten the appearance of the felt a bit. Some, such as KT have experience with the Christi's light sable, and he has posted recently that it was too light, in his opinion. Still a matter of preference.
That's all true, and I used to think of the color as dark brown myself, until I was in the process of ordering one over the phone from Swales. He asked me if I wanted the movie color and I said "dark brown?" He answered, "it's a medium brown-- we call it sable." I had to adjust my perception a little bit, but I realized the color actully was best described as medium brown. There is a lot of leeway for interpretation in that shade, though.

Jack
Post Reply