Akubra Overload

[Wolfwood]

I wonder how many of those Akubras were fedoras - or if the Australians prefer their outback hats in all situations...

 

[gtdean48]

I wonder how many of those Akubras were fedoras - or if the Australians prefer their outback hats in all situations...

I'm sure for this event, they brought their outback style hats specifically...

 

[Duper]

Like GT said, pretty much all broad brimmed outback styles showing on the photos. A few top hats, a few of their rodeo red hats, some lagoon blue mixed in. Overall pretty special that they can round up that many hat wearing folks. There was a real mix of ages, kids right though to the seniors.

Up here where I live in Canada we could maybe pull off a group gathering like that if it was January and the required head gear was a toque. Of course if we were standing on a frozen pond at the time it would turn into a tragedy as we all sank below the surface.

 

[Wolfwood]

So, Canadians are smart enough to wear their toques (we call similar headwear "pipo" in Finland)? Over here, kids tend to behave as if it was still summer and many go bare-headed even in winter... Saying nothing of the young girls still wearing skirts in sub-zero (centigrade) weather...

But, on topic, I just counted and I could collect 5 people (me included) from my immediate relatives to stand around wearing their Akubras. And that's because I've bought them for them...

 

[The Good]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tan-Akubra-...3fujylwI8Vhe2niLGTnguSE=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc


I decided on getting a Snowy River from eBay. The pictures are light, almost sand looking, but I got the hat delivered today, and it appears more like the sandtone fawn color. Maybe it's slightly lighter than that. I removed the Anzac Appeal pin as well, which I don't think caused a hole in the hat, but it came off of the leather band (which I may replace at some point with a replica Clint Eastwood "Man With No Name" hat band). I don't have pictures of the hat yet, though.

 

[argyle]

Americans buy Akubras. Do Australians buy Stetsons?

You bet!!!

The first real men's hats we had as kids and teenagers were Stetson's. They were my pick as favorite hats, and both the country and city stocker's were always well supplied with a full range and sizes.

There has been a major decline of stock in them over the past decade or two. I'm looking for a couple now and are finding it very hard to track them down.
But I'm happy with my Akubra's.

 

[CSG]

Spend a little time on the river, myself:

A few years late but what hat is this? Tried to PM but for whatever reason, my PM function doesn't seem to work.

 

[Neophyte]

Looks like an Akubra Campdraft in...Taupe Fawn.

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

I remember the post and Neo is correct, it is a taupe fawn Camp Draft

 

[CSG]

Thanks guys. Much as I want to order from one of the stateside sellers, Morgan just isn't stocking the colors I want. I'm really tempted to order a Fed IV in that taupe from hatsdirect but dang, $40 shipping? Then I'm concerned about making sure I get the size right. I keep getting between 23 3/8 to 23 1/2 or 59.5 and have a long oval head shape.

I sure don't want to get stuck with a hat too big or small and I've read all sorts of sizing comments about Akubra hats (they run large or small) but according to the Aussie Akubra site, I should be getting a 60.

 

[Rogera]

I would like to ask you experienced Akubra wearers some advice. I have just acquired my first vintage Open Road from a local shop and I love it. I am wanting another Open Road style hat in a different color and have decided on a Campdraft. Is there really that much difference between the Imperial and the Heritage felt hats? The only reason I ask is because Everything Australian has the green color I like (I have a green Stylemaster) but only in Imperial felt. Any thoughts and experience with these hats would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RBH]

I have 4 Campdrafts [another 2 in December]. All of them a size 60.
I wear a 7 1\2 and these fit just perfect. If any were a bit big at the onset, they have all 'worn' well.
Afer wearing awhile they fit perfect.

 

[Neophyte]

Heritage felt is slightly thicker than Imperial. It feels rougher at the outset, but after some wear achiever a greater degree of softness than the Imperial. Possibly the most noticeable difference between the two qualities is that the Heritage felt and the Heritage sweatband, being of higher quality, are more resistant to shrinkage.

Pricewise, though, there's not enough of a difference between the two to really justify going for Heritage if you really want the green.

 

[Rogera]

Thanks RBH and Neophyte! I have heard and read nothing but good things about the Campdraft and I appreciate your insight. How is the ordering process from the Australian dealers?

 

[Neophyte]

It's smooth sailing. A longer wait (10 days) compared to ordering from an American company, but as long as the exchange rate is in your favor you'll probably end up paying less shipping the hat from Oz than from a few states over.

 

[Rogera]

I noticed they are quite a bit cheaper from overseas. On Everything Australian the Campdraft is less than $100!

 

[Neophyte]

Well, here in the states the importers gotta pay the middleman fees, so naturally their products are priced somewhat higher to cover the price. The only problem is the crippling lack of options, but even then that's somewhat understandable given the scarcity of hatwearers here.

 

[gtdean48]

Heritage CDs are only available in moonstone and silverbelly. Moonstone is only available in Heritage. The felt quality and sweatband are higher quality as well as better quality ribbon. Worth is up to the buyer.

 

[Rogera]

Have you guys had much trouble with taper?

 

[gtdean48]

Have you guys had much trouble with taper?

None at all with CD's or Fed4.