Akubra Adventurer vs. Federation IV

[kozmoedave]

I'm new to the hat thing, but due to price and high reviews, I'm leaning toward an Akubra. However, in doing a quick search, I came across the Adventurer, which appears to be an ever-so-slightly modified Fed IV, available only through David Morgan. From what I can gather, it's close to the standard Fed, not the custom. It's also offered with an optional Indy bash for an extra $20. Any thoughts/opinions? Thanks in advance!

[Indiana Jeff]

Plenty written here about both hats. Nothing wrong with the Adventurer model, but if you want an Indy hat, the FedIV is hands down the better choice. The FedIV was developed in partnership with COW members and has the proper Indy specs. The Adventurer does not.



Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Bradsburns]

I second that vote for the fed, just gets better with age and mistreatment.

[Ridgerunner58]

I have never owned or personally handled an Adventurer, however I have 10 Akubras that I can think of offhand, including 2 Fed IVs and 1 Fed IV Deluxe. I also have a number of Stetson, Adventurebilt, Penman, Garrison, Borsalino, Herbert Johnson, Lock & Co., Christies, and other hats of different vintages and styles.

The decision to buy any Akubra is one you won't regret. As factory hats go they are well made, durable, and easy to keep looking good. The Fed IV deluxe is worth the extra $30 over the regular version. (Apparently $10 more than the Adventurer from Hats Direct and nearly $30 less than an Adventurer through David Morgan) And as the members above said, if you're trying to get something close to an Indiana Jones look, the Federation is purpose built to achieve that.

[kozmoedave]

Thanks, fellas, great info. It appears to be a consensus as far as a Fed IV, and the impression of an Akubra being a great bang-for-the-buck hat in general also seems to be pretty much unanimous. When the time comes to pull the trigger, I'm thinking I'll go deluxe for the minimal up charge; this isn't the first time I've seen the claim that it's well worth it. I'd be happy to spend more on a custom Penman or similar if there weren't more pressing matters (and if there were more money ). At this point, though, what I'd like is an all-around hat that I could wear for a walk in the rain, out to the bar, to work, etc., that won't break the bank. Oh, and for the occasional gig. All the other hat-wearing musicians around here wear a $%#*&@! trilby, and I've come to hate them. (The hats, that is.)

[doppelganger]

Yep, ive recently aquired a fed iv deluxe and the fit and feel is exquisite. You wont be disappointed.

[Bradsburns]

I also wear my fed when performing. Helps me get into character. Puts those trilby wearing folk to shame.

Post pics when it arrives.

[kozmoedave]

Puts those trilby wearing folk to shame.

Still laughing at this.



Indeed, I'm sure it does!

[Michaelson]

Late to the party, but DEFINITELY a Fed, and a Deluxe is the nicer of the two , though they're both great.....but then, I'm a little biased.

Regards! Michaelson

[Howard Weinstein]

I'm new to the hat thing, but due to price and high reviews, I'm leaning toward an Akubra. However, in doing a quick search, I came across the Adventurer, which appears to be an ever-so-slightly modified Fed IV, available only through David Morgan. From what I can gather, it's close to the standard Fed, not the custom. It's also offered with an optional Indy bash for an extra $20. Any thoughts/opinions? Thanks in advance!

One more vote for the Fed IV! I bought the David Morgan Adventurer a few years ago, before I knew about the Fed IV. Not that there's anything wrong with the DM Adventurer (or any Akubra), but the Fed IV is a much nicer hat in shape, color, resemblance to an Indy hat, and even finish (and I only have the standard Fed IV, not the Deluxe).

Like others have said here, I think you'll be happier with the Fed IV. (I actually sold my DM Adventurer for cheap on eBay recently, to make room for another Fed IV/)

As far as spending extra for somebody else to do an Indy bash for you, it's pretty easy to do yourself. It's fun, and every time you wear your hat, you'll know it's something you shaped. John Penman has posted a couple of YouTube tutorials:
https://youtu.be/ozJKQVCgeZ4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://youtu.be/T6hq2sNrU4g" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm sure you can also find guidance right here on COW.

[Glenville86]

I have a DM Adventurer and like it. I rolled the back up a little so it was not identical to the front. The DM reminds me of the picture you see with Indy on the swinging bridge with the machete right before he cuts it. I actually wore mine today with my G&B Expedition to work (rain).

Of course the Fed IV is the Akubra Indy fedora and not the Adventurer.

I also like my Akubra Squatter and Campdraft with an Indy style bash.

[davidd]

I also like my Akubra Squatter and Campdraft with an Indy style bash.

I put an Indy-style bash in my Akubra Sombrero and Pastoralist. Love 'em!

[kozmoedave]

Thanks, guys. And for the vids, too. Seems bashing is pretty easy...

[Howard Weinstein]

Thanks, guys. And for the vids, too. Seems bashing is pretty easy...

You're welcome. Go for the Fed IV -- you'll be glad you did.

The exchange rate has wiggled up a bit, but it's still quite low, so the price is good. If cost is a concern and you want to save a few bucks, I think you'll be very happy with the standard rather than Deluxe Heritage grade. I have just the standard Fed IVs (one gray, one dark brown) so I can't compare it to a Deluxe, but I can tell you the regular Imperial grade rabbit is very nice.

Trudi and Naomi at HatsDirect are a delight to deal with, will answer all your questions helpfully and promptly, and will go the extra mile to help you get a good fit (be sure to read the website notes on sizing). They ship quickly -- if your size is in stock, it'll likely reach you in under 2 weeks.

[Paul_B]

I just got a FEDIV just before the holidays. Couldn't be happier! It's a great hat.

[rogera]

FED IV!!

[IndyJedi]

I received a Fed IV in carbon grey for Christmas, I love it!
(Previously I had worn a Coyles downtowner for about 5 years).

[Jacques]

I have a Fed IV (Deluxe) and I also agree it's a well-made hat. Mine has been through sand, dirt and the like when I wore it for the Sandmine Challenge, and water/snow during the winters. It cleans up well after all that.

[IndianaRedmon]

The Akubra Federation is a good hat. Mine is a bit beat up these days but that just makes the hat that much better.

[IndyJedi]

Wore the new Fed IV at Epcot a few weeks ago and ended up really getting rained on for a few hours. Mainly just a light mist/sprinkling rain at first then it picked up to a normal steady rain. I could tilt my head and water would run out of the crown. I was a little concerned with it getting that wet. The water never soaked through to the inside and I ducked in a restroom and gently used paper towels to absorb the water out of it a few times. I did take advantage and got to lightly re-shape the dents to the way I wanted. It didn't take very long to dry and ended up being softer, less stiff and now fits me better.

[Chewbacca Jones]

As a general rule, no hat is truly "mine" until it's been rained on. There's just no better way to break them in.

As for the Federations... with all the wet weather my old Fed III has seen, i don't think you have much to worry about. Mine hass been in downpours, snow storms, ice storms, re-re-rebashed with water for years. It could use a reblock, but that's probably my fault, rebashing it so many times.

[Glenville86]

I always wear my Akubra hats when the weather is real nasty in the late Fall, Winter and early Spring. They have held up really well to harsh weather conditions. Cannot wear them when the weather is warmer as they make me sweat too much.

[RJR]

I agree,pretty tough to hurt an Akubra.

[ritnecrowin]

I've been looking at the Akubra Fed IV as a result of this thread... what color is the closest to Raiders? I'm assuming Dark Brown?

[Ridgerunner58]

I've been looking at the Akubra Fed IV as a result of this thread... what color is the closest to Raiders? I'm assuming Dark Brown?

Yes.

[DoubleOhSeven]

I own both models. I have to say you can't go wrong with an Akubra in any regard, but like the rest said, the Fed is definitely the hat to get if you want to be as close to the real deal as you can get without getting into the masterpiece collection.

I wear my Adventurer as my go to hat. It's been hunting with me, in the rain, cold, all sorts of places. Matter of fact it's the hat I put on to go outside and feed the beasts when it's pouring rain or cold. It has taken a beating and has held up well. All of the Akubra hats seem to be made this well as far as I can tell

[Jeremiah]

So. What is it that makes Akubras so seemingly bombproof? They are rabbit fur right?
I have read often enough how durable they are even in downpours and they stay pretty much the same.

[Ridgerunner58]

Yes, they are rabbit fur. And all I can offer as an explanation for their durability is quality manufacture. I have 5 or 6 of them that are 30+ years old and they're stil in great shape. They weren't cheap, but they weren't outrageously priced either. I think that as long as you take care of one it'll probably outlast you.

[Michaelson]

It's supposed to be a blend of domestic AND wild jackrabbit fur, which accounts for more durability than one made of all domestic rabbit fur.

They also use a LOT of rabbit fur to make each hat. This from the Akubra website:

Every Akubra Hat is made from pure rabbit fur felt and depending on the style, anywhere from 10 to 14 rabbit skins make an individual hat. Fur felt is the strongest natural fabric produced, as the individual fibres are tightly interlocked in production to form a dense, tough matrix.

Regard! Michaelson

[Jeremiah]

Ok. Thanks guys.
I may have to grab one someday.

Jackrabbit. I like it.

[Michaelson]

That said, here's an article that's two years old about this topic. I wonder if things have improved any since this was posted?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-24/r ... ls/5474918" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regard! M