Club Obi Wan

longtime lurker here, first time posting. So I've had an Indiana Miller for the past 6 months and overall i've been fairly pleased. I do have one major complaint about it though. I am a field biologist and spend lots of time outside. I've worn a cheapish wool fedora outside for roughly 2 years, and its been a pretty nice field hat. I bought the miller as a replacement and as a hat i could wear either out in the field or around town. The Miller though just doesn't really feel like a "field" hat to me at all. Granted, it probably stems from the nature of the hat in general, but its really stiff and has a very warm sticky leather sweat band and just isn't comfortable in even mildy rugged conditions. My question then is do you think i'd be satisfied upgrading to an adventure bilt beaver for this situation? is it comfortable in "field" conditions? I would feel really bad if i spent the money and ended up with another nice hat that I don't feel comfortable wearing both in the field and around town. anyhow, i'm glad to be a part of the community. Thanks for all the great information!

Brian

Then look no farther The Adventurebilt is your hat. I have two myself and just love them. Fedora is a craftsmen and the best customer service you will every come across. The best thing I can say about the Adventurebilt is that the pics you have seen of it just doesn't do it justice . You really have to hold one in your hands to appreciate them fully. What I have seen about the Adventurebilt that it can hold up against just about anything. You can spend more money than the AB and not get the qualityof the AB. Well worth the money.

Here, Here, I must say that the AB is the best Raiders lid ever made. Over the years I have seen every Indy hat that has come and gone in this hobby. The AB beaver feels, looks, and wear like my vintage felts.

Well, you might feel like the Adventurebilt is another dress hat. It certainly felt that way to me when I first got it. However, I have seen members here wearing their Adventurebilts in all different kinds of situations, and their hats have held up. I definetely enjoy the look of my Adventurebilt, and there are also two other members here who ordered them, took them on an honest to goodness safari, and the hats looked great even after they had been worn, rumpled, and through all manner of things I can only imagine.

I often tell people this when it comes to the Adventurebilt:

Whether you have to blast your way out of a bad situation, guns blazing, bad guys closing in on every angle, or just accent a nice coat and tie at a special event, the Adventurebilt is the hat for you. You'll look good from the Mayan jungles to the dinner table.

Also, keep in mind that Fedora's price on this particular lid is second to none. At 235$ (for us COW'ers), it's a STEAL. Other hatters who sell similar hats of this quality have charged upwards of 400-500$ for them .

First of all, welcome, squidkidd!

Second, how's this for "field work?"


I wore my AB in the heat of Mexico and Chichen Itza and it held up great. Did I sweat in it? Sure I did, but if didn't phase the hat one bit. I wear this hat to work, out on the town, on adventures, about everywhere. It looks great for all of it. When you first get an AB, you'll want to baby it it to death, but trust me, wear it without fear, and the hat will break in beautifully. Mexico was the first real adventure that particular AB saw, and I almost didn't take it for fear of something happening to the hat. Well, someone practically sat on it while on the plane, and it got plenty of abuse in Mexico. By the time I came home, I no longer worried about it, it had proven itself nicely.

If you're concerned about the hat being to heavy or thick (it's a medium weight felt) then consider that Fedora will be offering a lightweight felt soon. Good luck!

bink

The Miller is a rabbit blend, and after a few dousings in a surprise rain storm, it will taper something awful.

ANY good beaver felt hat, or beaver felt blend, will do the trick for you in the work you do. You have several types and vendors to choose from who frequent this site.

Regards! Michaelson

The AB is great on any Adventure, No matter haw strange it may be.



Cheers,
G-MANN

Don't EVER post something like this again, G-MANN...EXPECIALLY when I'm taking a drink of coffee! I almost DROWNED myself!!!

High regards! Michaelson

MMMMMMMM Forbidden idol.........

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Okay, that made my day. And knowing Michaelson probably snarfed his coffee all over his computer monitor makes it even better! Here, Michaelson, let me get you a fresh cup...

GMANN that was a great picture! lol I started off looking at your hat and gear thinking " woww this is a great looking shot, much better than what he sent me before" But u had to throw homer in there lollll I was in class, i had to restrain from laughing during my lecture. Great job!!!

Well I am glad I could brighten up the morning for a few of you but I did not mean to Hi-Jack this thread so...........................

I have of course an AB with an AB Deluxe soon in the making.
3 Indy Fedoras Locally made
1 Peters Brothers Indy Custom
1 Jimmy Pierce Designs

The AB is the nicest most comfortable of them all. The Jimmy Pierce is Also right up there in quality and the Vintage Felt is beautiful, very well made a Steal at the $200.00 price shipping Included( ONLY 2 LEFT). The Peters Brothers is on the Stiff side but still a nice hat for the $185.00 price.
The 3 made in Chicago at New World Hatters vary in weight but all are Rabbit, one is VERY Heavy and is nice for winter weather. They were $100.00 and worth every penny.

I hope this helps you out a little,
Cheers,
John

squidkidd wrote:My question then is do you think i'd be satisfied upgrading to an adventure bilt beaver for this situation?

The Adventurebilt is quite simply the best quality hat you will ever get for the money. You will be satisfied.

I've had mine for over a year and I'm still waiting for it to taper. In New England I've worn it everywhere... what you would call "Abuse" with other fedoras.

It looks like it did when it came out of the box...

You just cant go wrong with the AB.
It has to be one of the best modern made hats around. Its light, soft, sturdy and just plain great looking.
If you get one you will not regret it.

Thanks for all of your enthusiastic responses. Since I just got a gig today for playing the bagpipes at a wedding in a few months, I think I'm going to make the commitment and treat myself to what seems to be the lid i've always wanted. I'll be sure and post some pics when i finally get it and give you my opinion in going from a miller.

Great Pic G-MANN!!

Now did someone say something about an AB in field conditions?
http://photobucket.com/albums/v320/J_We ... nowAB1.jpg

I've worn my AB in every thing from snow to high heat and humidity and always been comfortable. The AB's really are great hats. Do some searching around and you'll find lots of great info about the AB.

Oh yea...Welcome to COW!

Squidkidd, look no further than the Adventurebilt. Simply the best hat I"ve ever worn. Took it on the Inca Trail in Peru for four days. All kinds of weather...hot, cold, rainy, you name it. It held up perfectly.

At Machu Picchu...

http://public.fotki.com/craigthompson/h ... n9098.html

On top of Dead Woman's Pass (14,000 feet)...

http://public.fotki.com/craigthompson/h ... n8989.html

You will NOT be sorry with an Adventurebilt.

Happy travels,

Kaleponi Craig

This might be redundant, but I have to get a plug in here too. I often wear my AB in the heavy FL scrub brush, and even with the oak branches and briars scraping over it, the felt never takes a mark and the ribbon is just as perfect as the day I got it.

If I can add my opinion about the AB... it's the most screen accurate hat seen till now, it's not too expensive (compared with most of the quality hats) and the quality is superb!
Plus the seller is the most kind and helping person ever met and he will help you as much as he can! Personally I've never found a better customer service, ever.

PS the AB is MADE for being used on field! but you can use it also as a dress hat

Have a look at the many faces of the Adenturebilt hat:

adventure hat:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/e ... ce3db2.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/e ... 04a636.jpg

casual hat
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/e ... e/me_3.jpg

and even cow hat: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/e ... 8713d1.jpg

I guess I have to add a "field work" post, too.

What a lovely place, where is it?

That's Felicita (pronounced fell-uh-see-ta) Park, about 3 miles or so from where I live.

Strider,

I have to agree, great photo and a beautiful spot. I kind of wish I were there right now.
Cheers,
John

I really enjoy Felicita Park. That pic was taken the day I went out there to write in the Indiana Journal. Perhaps here in the next few days, what I'll do is grab a good reserve of batteries for my camera, and go out there and take some more shots. Heck, I'll wear my goat Wested when I do.

well, i ordered my AB and seeing all of these pics makes me want it that much more. gotta just keep telling myself, quality can't be rushed just wondering, did anyone else start out like this. first i had just a cheap fedora i found lying around the house that i'd wear all the time just because i thought it looked good. then people started commenting on how cool it was, and when it came time to replace it i wanted something a bit more indiana jones, so i went with the miller. i didn't care at the time whether it was exactly screen accurate to the last little detail or anything. then slowly but surely it started creeping over me like an obsession, i just started wishing that front pinch was a little more pronounced, and that the color was a little lighter. then i started reading all the bashing tutorials and the raidershat.com conspiracies and quickly became quite enthralled with all the little details like the thickness of the sweatband and the grade of the felt. then before i knew it, i *had* to have an AB, and here i am.

Brian

Nope. Your progression sounds as normal as the REST of this crew.

Regards! Michaelson

well, i ordered my AB and seeing all of these pics makes me want it that much more. gotta just keep telling myself, quality can't be rushed

It's not really that long of a wait. I have waited longer for other fedora's ( and not as great quality as the AB. You will just love it. I know the pics look good of the AB but, they don't d it justice ( you really have to hold it in your hands to see how great it is).

jpenman wrote:
It's not really that long of a wait. I have waited longer for other fedora's ( and not as great quality as the AB. You will just love it. I know the pics look good of the AB but, they don't d it justice ( you really have to hold it in your hands to see how great it is).

Yep, or you can put in on your head

Just kidding JP

Cheers,
John

Yep, or you can put in on your head

but how can you see it if it's on your head.

Well J,

You gotta use one of them newfangled contraptions. I think you call em mirrors or somethin'
Cheers,
John

Another one fell in the net I'm very happy to welcome you again, you wont regret your choice but beware... the path you have just undertaken only drives to a happy madness also called ... screen accuracy... again welcome among us

Kaleponi Craig wrote:Squidkidd, look no further than the Adventurebilt. Simply the best hat I"ve ever worn. Took it on the Inca Trail in Peru for four days. All kinds of weather...hot, cold, rainy, you name it. It held up perfectly.

At Machu Picchu...

http://public.fotki.com/craigthompson/h ... n9098.html

On top of Dead Woman's Pass (14,000 feet)...

http://public.fotki.com/craigthompson/h ... n8989.html

You will NOT be sorry with an Adventurebilt.

Happy travels,

Kaleponi Craig

I really like the brim on your AB--it comes up a bit just over the forehead, looks really cool!

Erri_Wan:

There's a nice looking lady to your right in the third pic that's swinging her eyes around to you, by the looks of it--

Cheers
Craig

erri_wan wrote:drives to a happy madness also called ... screen accuracy...

Fortunately, one madness I NEVER fell prey to.

Regards! Michaelson

You gotta use one of them newfangled contraptions. I think you call em mirrors or somethin'
Cheers,

ha ha ha very funny.

Farnham54 wrote: Erri_Wan: There's a nice looking lady to your right in the third pic that's swinging her eyes around to you, by the looks of it--

Craig I was just thinking if you would have come up at sometime to point out that girl

Michaelson wrote: Fortunately, one madness I NEVER fell prey to.

Regards! Michaelson

Everyone in the end fell into

erri, after all these years.....no.

Regards! Michaelson

erri_wan wrote:

Farnham54 wrote: Erri_Wan: There's a nice looking lady to your right in the third pic that's swinging her eyes around to you, by the looks of it--

Craig I was just thinking if you would have come up at sometime to point out that girl

Erri,

:D:D

Just so long as she's not there for her sweet 16, that is (those who heard the story of me embarassing myself at the QM will get that one ....)

Cheers
Craig

Erri_Wan: There's a nice looking lady to your right in the third pic that's swinging her eyes around to you, by the looks of it--

giggity , giggity . How did I miss that.

And here I thought I was the only one who saw her. Sorry, Erri. You're cool and all, but ... y'know.

Farnham54 wrote:

erri_wan wrote:

Farnham54 wrote: Erri_Wan: There's a nice looking lady to your right in the third pic that's swinging her eyes around to you, by the looks of it--

Craig I was just thinking if you would have come up at sometime to point out that girl

Erri,

:D:D

Just so long as she's not there for her sweet 16, that is (those who heard the story of me embarassing myself at the QM will get that one ....)

Cheers
Craig

Craig,

As I was the one who came back and reported the story, I will settle this matter. There was only three of us there. You were the one that did it, and Greg and I were the only eyewitnesses. I know that if I lie, Greg will swear to it, so there is no disputing the facts. Wait a minute, I don't have to lie, it was true. Anyway....

The birthday girl may have been 16, but the girls you danced with were definitely older. Older sisters, friends of the family, who knows. What you did was one of the boldest things that I have ever witnessed. I still chuckle at the thought of watching you do it. And what a job of thinking on your feet and covering your tracks to get out of there. James Bond couldn't have done better. Since you were dressed in a nice tuxedo when you did this, it even brought to mind something that old 007 might have done. Bold and very suave move, there James.

hey, that sounds like a story that needs to be told.

Strider wrote:And here I thought I was the only one who saw her. Sorry, Erri. You're cool and all, but ... y'know.

but?

jpenman wrote:hey, that sounds like a story that needs to be told.

I agree come on Craig tell us everything

Uh, and this has exactly what to do with upgrading to an AB fedora?

Let's not tell the story, but pretend we did.

Sorry to butt in, guys, but a LOT of our strings are turning this place into a chat room, and that's NOT what we are, as you're well aware. Offtopic occurs, and I've tried to cut my input WAY back in that respect...but these off topic chats that go on and on really need to be curbed, if you don't mind.

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson as you well know I tend to be dragged into off-topic but you should have noticed I never said a word if my posts were deleted (I think you should cut much more with me actually ).
So anyway I'm sorry, I'll continue this with Craig privately or Craig can spontaneously open a thread into Scrapbook

Going back on topic... squidkidd I'm very happy that our pictures convinced you to choose for an AB. I swear you wont regret the choice and actually most of the times these hats are better in reality than in pictures! I can't wait to see your hat when it arrives

It's not just you, erri, my friend. It's occuring all over the site.

Just a friendly note to everyone here it's been noticed, and really needs to come down to a dull roar.

Regards! Michaelson

My bad. I have a tendency to vier off on a tangent at every possible opportunity. I must pay attention, but have a short attention span. Oh heck, let's just face it, I'm a big talker.

Michaelson wrote:It's not just you, erri, my friend. It's occuring all over the site.

Just a friendly note to everyone here it's been noticed, and really needs to come down to a dull roar.

Regards! Michaelson

Geez, and to think I've actually been behaving for a change!

Squidkidd, if you udo your homework, I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever fedora you choose!

bink

Is the adventurebilt rabbit good?

Heyjude,

I don't have first hand experience with the AB, but I believe the Rabbit has been discontinued.

Cheers
Craig