Help a guy out - what's a good Akubra?

[Mister Hayes]

I've got a free Akubra headed my way from an Aussie aunt who recently came into some money, and I'm not so sure what I should go for.

I live in Britain, so the rain's more a worry than the sun, and I'd like something that'd be decent everyday wear. At the moment I'm leaning towards a Territory... I'm sure the ridiculous brim-size would make it a bit impractical, but I like the plain styling - and I've always had a thing for big hats.

Any of you mad hatters got some advice for me?

 

[gtdean48]

I vote for a Campdraft since I have 3.

 

[FurFeltFedora]

I'll second the Campdraft. I've got 7 Akubras (Federation IVs, Campdraft, Traveller) and the Campdraft with it's thin ribbon is a little more casual. I can wear it to the office, and I can wear it with jeans. A great choice. If you do go Campdraft, I'd vote for the Taupe Fawn, very versatile.

 

[billyspew]

Fellow Brit here and I also vote Campdraft, have two myself and they hold up to the weather well, nice brim length, not too warm in this weather and can be used for casual or dress use.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

I like the Federation Deluxe IV Brown & Moonstone

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

I third the Campdraft

I bought one last Spring. It's a really nice hat for the money. I think it meets your "everyday wear" criterion. Classy-looking without being too dressy.

 

[Spats McGee]

I've got 2 Stylemasters & love 'em. They might be a bit dressy for your needs, but I wear dress clothes most days. I've read tons of good stuff about the Campdraft & am waiting for prices to drop on those again.

Edited to add: Welcome to the Lounge, Mister Hayes!

 

[Rick Blaine]

Campdraft. Thin ribbon gives it a certain casual vibe but the bound brim speaks of certain sophistication... and it is tough as nails.

 

[RBH]

I also vote for the fantastic CampDraft!!!!!
Check out some of the threads here to find out what a super fedora it is!

 

[John in Covina]

Campdraft or a Squatter or even a Bushman.

 

[Goose.]

I like the Federation Deluxe IV Brown & Moonstone

...

Three of my favorite hats are Akubra lids. Two of those three are Federation IV's. And, they happen to be the Dark Brown and Moonstone.

Someday, when I get over my thin ribbon complex, I may order a Campdraft...until then; I'd put Fed on my head.

 

[FurFeltFedora]

Now Goose you've been sitting on that fence too long - order the CD and join the Dark Side I've just added a mid-brown to my CD collection. Too bad I have wait until November to get it (special order) :cry:

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I've owned Federations and a Campdraft. Both are equally excellent hats for the rain. It's all a matter of style preference. I ultimately sold my Campdraft because I didn't like the thin ribbon. The brims on both are wide enough for plenty of protection, but not so wide that they look silly without a denim jacket and a pick-up truck! lol

 

[Daoud]

Campdraft or a Squatter or even a Bushman.

EXACTLY what I was thinking, John. To my way of thinking, any of these can clean up and go to town, but it's not as easy to wear a "city" hat like a Stylemaster or even a Fed as a country hat. If that makes any sense.....

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

The Curse of Spats

I've read tons of good stuff about the Campdraft & am waiting for prices to drop on those again.

SPATS! Are you wishing an ill wind on the Aussie economy again??! Leave our poor batttling dollar alone. It's just managed to pull itself out of the US-led tsunami to recover to around AUS 80c US.

Of course, all your Akubra purchases helped!

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

Three of my favorite hats are Akubra lids. Two of those three are Federation IV's. And, they happen to be the Dark Brown and Moonstone.

Someday, when I get over my thin ribbon complex, I may order a Campdraft...until then; I'd put Fed on my head.

That's a mighty pretty trinity there Goose.
I 'm being seduced by that dark brown Fed IV. Think I'd like it in a deluxe.

 

[Goose.]

That's a mighty pretty trinity there Goose.
I 'm being seduced by that dark brown Fed IV. Think I'd like it in a deluxe.

Thank you E.T.,

That was my first Federation. The Dark Brown Deluxe. Still in The Goose Trinity, indeed.
As much as I like the Carbon, I migrate to that Dark Brown more than any other of all six shades in my Fed IV Fleet.

Triple F, my quest now is for a straw Homburg...I've seen one from Brent Black that I can't afford. Also have seen one from Stetson made out of rice paper that I am hesitant, but tempted, to pick up for low bucks.

If all that fails, a CD may well be next on my "Bucket List".

 

[Woodfluter]

If your aunt doesn't mind the extra expense, I'd go with one of the Heritage felt Akubras. I have some basis for thinking shrinkage is less of an issue with them and it sounds like you'd be encountering some wetness now and then...like I do.

If fedora-minded, surely the Federation. If more country, the Banjo Paterson which is lighter weight felt like the Fed, fishskin band, lower and more tapered crown.

Color depends a lot on what you like to wear and what looks best on you, so hard to recommend. Heritage fawn is slightly darker than their regular fawn and is pretty versatile. Of course, grey goes with anything! But dark brown is just cool.

My two pence! Best of everything,
- Bill

 

[Mister Hayes]

Phew!

That's some mountain of advice there... mostly Campdraft reccomendations.

That said, I'm not so keen on the Campdraft. As a youngster, I can't easily go 'round in suits all the time (not that I'd not like to, but the cost...), so I generally prefer something a little less formal in style - I know it's no dress-hat, but the Campdraft is still a little more 'city' than I'd like. (Also, I've never bashed my own hat before.)

After the mention of the Heritage felt Akubras, I'm looking at a Lawson - it's got that bit more brim than a Banjo Patterson, but more importantly it comes in dark brown - the better to match my trench. That, or perhaps an Angler...?



Sorry to come in and head in a totally different direction to all your thoughts, but...

Thanks a bundle guys, for the advice and the warm welcome. If anyone's got any more thoughts, please lay 'em on me, and I'll be sure to shove up some pictures of whatever I get.

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

Phew!

After the mention of the Heritage felt Akubras, I'm looking at a Lawson - it's got that bit more brim than a Banjo Patterson, but more importantly it comes in dark brown - the better to match my trench. That, or perhaps an Angler...?

Henry Lawson and Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson (someone please tell Akubra that the chap's surname is spelt with only 1 't')....great hats and amazing Aussie poets. Read their work folks! "The Man from Snowy River", "Clancy of the Overflow" and "Mulga Bill's Bicycle" are all worth a read.

Best done while wearing your Akubra and eating a burger with beetroot.