Akubra Campdraft

[Rodkins]

BGCD Today-

 

[MarkD]

Looking good as always Rodkins!

 

[DougC]

Ok--I just checked out all 150 pages and might have missed this bit of info: How does the felt on the Campdraft compare to the felt on a 1950-1960 Openroad? It looks pliable given all the dry bashes. And I saw the pictures comparing vintage ORs to modern CDs and, although it is hard to tell from internet pictures, it looks comparable. If so, I think you could easily compare the dimensions to a Borselino Alessandria--another OR clone. If that is the case, I can see a more reasonably priced hat in my future...Doug

 

[JimWagner]

All those pics of the BGCD finally got to me. Ordered one yesterday and I'm now waiting out Akubra filling the custom order. I'm told it will probably be March before the order is filled and shipped. :cry:

 

[PhilS]

I haven't posted on this link before. I have a Campdraft that I bashed a little more western than usual. It is a versatile hat.

[/IMG]

 

[DarthBish]

OMG!!!!!
I did it..

 

[monbla256]

I haven't posted on this link before. I have a Campdraft that I bashed a little more western than usual. It is a versatile hat.

[/IMG]

Nice looking !! It's nice to see something different than the usual OR vintage style crease as is usually put on Camdraft's around here. A man with his own thoughts on life !! I like it

 

[T Rick]

Okay guys, I'm sold. Just days after getting serious about getting a decent hat or two, I've stumbled onto the BGCD. And my size is still listed as available. Now it's just a question of size. Went to a Hatter yesterday, and tried on a dozen or so hats. My size varies with the hat, either a 7 or a 7 1/8 (56 or 57).

Do the Campdrafts tend toward the large or small side? Or will each vary a bit? Trying to decide whether to order the larger size, fitting felt strips in the band if nec. or the smaller size, using a stretcher if nec. Your thoughts?

 

[Neophyte]

Do the Campdrafts tend toward the large or small side? Or will each vary a bit? Trying to decide whether to order the larger size, fitting felt strips in the band if nec. or the smaller size, using a stretcher if nec. Your thoughts?

Most Akubras run a tad big to account for shrinkage (except the FedIV, which is actually about half a size smaller than the stated size due to the type of block they use). Akubras will conform to your head shape after a bit of wear. A big factor to consider, though, is the shape of your head. For instance, I am a size 59 Long Oval...hats with rounder blocks like the Akubra Squatter and Fedora are very uncomfortable on my head, whereas oval hats like the Campdraft and FederationIV are more comfy.

As a general rule with hats: "when in doubt, go big." It's harder to stretch a hat than it is to pad a sweatband .

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Duper]

T Rick, I second what Neo said about the sizing rule of thumb. When in doubt go bigger. The red line on your forehead when you remove a hat that is too snug is not flattering.

There could be a slight variance in size between the same hat model but they do conform with time and wear. Ask Sam at EA when you place your order if he could send a "smaller" 57 if he has a few of them in stock.

 

[Fatdutchman]

My double-pinch diamond bash is no more. It was a nice experiment, and I liked it, but the shape of the bash was causing the sides to blow out too much, so it looked too wide when viewed from the front. I smoothed it out and made a less rounded C-crown/teardrop and a narrower front pinch. Looks much better to me now.

That is a MAGNIFICENT hat!!!!!

 

[T Rick]

Most Akubras run a tad big to account for shrinkage (except the FedIV, which is actually about half a size smaller than the stated size due to the type of block they use). Akubras will conform to your head shape after a bit of wear. A big factor to consider, though, is the shape of your head. For instance, I am a size 59 Long Oval...hats with rounder blocks like the Akubra Squatter and Fedora are very uncomfortable on my head, whereas oval hats like the Campdraft and FederationIV are more comfy.

As a general rule with hats: "when in doubt, go big." It's harder to stretch a hat than it is to pad a sweatband .

Good luck with your purchase.

T Rick, I second what Neo said about the sizing rule of thumb. When in doubt go bigger. The red line on your forehead when you remove a hat that is too snug is not flattering.

There could be a slight variance in size between the same hat model but they do conform with time and wear. Ask Sam at EA when you place your order if he could send a "smaller" 57 if he has a few of them in stock.

Thanks guys, I've sent an email inquiry, now just waiting for the globe to spin so we catch up... (ah, Springtime in Oz. Like to go there someday, to skip Winter here!).

 

[T Rick]

Okay, order placed :biggrin:. Heard back from Sam at EA, hat in stock and ready to go. He says 3/4 days once shipped (really?), though I chose the standard airmail option, site says "10 days", so I'd guess within 2 weeks?

Sam says he has no sizing strips available (well, I specifically asked about felt, as I thought that was what is used, now I've seen reference in this thread to foam?).

Anyway, I did go with the 57, and I'm a bit concerned I'll end up with a HUGE hat I can't wear after several references in this thread (yeah, I've read nearly the entire thing) to these hats running large. Also to them shrinking down after a good rain, though that's not happening here until Spring.

I have distilled water on hand (I drink the stuff), will pick up a spray bottle. Am thinking of a Teardrop/C/Tugboat bash something similar Mr. E Train's above or Jimmy The Lid's below (maybe a bit ambitious for a first attempt, but why not?). Now, where can I pick up some sizing material to ensure this hat will fit from day one? I'm going to want to wear it right away (of course!) so, I need to get that in advance too.

Now, to begin considering my next hat.... (that VS Custom in green-I seem to like green comes to mind, but there was a very nice looking hat in the window down at Henry the Hatter's also... green also- think I'll be needing some other colors!).

Jimmy The Lid's great bash:

 

[EggHead]

Rick, you don't have to wait for rain, just steam it a couple of times using a kettle (about 30 mins each time). Just don't hold it too close to heat.
My hats shrank about 1/2 size after that and fit me well.
Steaming will also take out the dents from shipping.

p.s. if EA had Campdraft in my size (59cm), I would buy it sooner rather than later.

 

[T Rick]

Rick, you don't have to wait for rain, just steam it a couple of times using a kettle (about 30 mins each time). Just don't hold it too close to heat.
My hats shrank about 1/2 size after that and fit me well.
Steaming will also take out the dents from shipping.
Thanks, I may give that a go. I've also read about giving a hat "a good sweating in", and that should be no problem
p.s. if EA had Campdraft in my size (59cm), I would buy it sooner rather than later.

Thanks, and I may give that a go. But I've also read about the band shrinking with working up a good sweat (no worries there).

I would still prefer to have some method of "padding to fit" the sweatband for the initial fitting. Does anyone know of a good source for this material, ie; something sold specifically for the fitting of hats?

 

[DarthBish]

Thanks guys, I've sent an email inquiry, now just waiting for the globe to spin so we catch up... (ah, Springtime in Oz. Like to go there someday, to skip Winter here!).

ahhhhhhh, it's gotta be said..

It's actually summer at the mo

 

[T Rick]

Interesting! I'd always thought your seasons were exactly reversed from ours (while Winter-ish here now, Winter for us begins officially here on Dec. 21st 2010). A Google search tells me that you're already one week into Summer, it having started on Dec. 1st. Live and learn.

 

[gtdean48]

Thanks, and I may give that a go. But I've also read about the band shrinking with working up a good sweat (no worries there).

I would still prefer to have some method of "padding to fit" the sweatband for the initial fitting. Does anyone know of a good source for this material, ie; something sold specifically for the fitting of hats?

My CD's all shrank to fit with a few wearings with body heat & perspiration, after creasing that is. There are millinery supply websites that sell rolls of the sizing tape you are looking for = same stuff I got in my Akubra hat boxes from Hats Direct & Everything Australian.

 

[EggHead]

David Morgan, sells felt strips for hats - http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=69

 

[Rodkins]

I think you can get those at a craft store (Joann, Michaels,etc.)