AB's and Penman's

[spittle8]

I've done some research, and knowing that I want a hat that will last for decades while seeing use backpacking, hunting, and hiking, I'm willing to spend for quality. However, I can't imagine spending north of $800 on a hat. I'm considering an Akubra Federation IV Deluxe, how hardy are they?

As far as the ultra-premium fedoras are concerned, I have questions.

The Marc Kitter hat is described as having a special aging process which toughens the hat and prevents shrinkage and whatnot. I absolutely will wear the hat in heavy rain, so it must hold up in rain. Is the Kitter hat the only hat that undergoes this process, or does the Steve Delk hat as well? Would I be just as well served by using an aftermarket waterproofing agent on a Penman or Akubra hat?

How well would one of these hats hold up if it took somewhat of a beating, or were accidentally sat upon? I must assume that at some point, a hiking/hunting/trekking hat will be crushed, be it on my head at the time or not. Therefore, permanent deformities from a singular crushing incident would be unacceptable given the price.

Just how well will one of these hats hold up if used by a serious outdoorsman, without regard to rain? What are the quality differences between the Kitter and Delk hat, and the Delk and Penman hat?

Thank you,

- Ross

[Deleted]

Send John Penman a PM. Just do your research first. He can make you a hat that will last and that you will cherish if you do so.

Cheers,
John

[bendingoak]

The special aging process you speak by Marc is also used by Steve and myself. Steve and I use a water repellent not used by anyone along with this process and this water repellent can not be match by any other.

Marc is a great hat maker and very few can be even close to him. Felt wise he has a better quality felt but it's not that Steve and I don't it's just that Marc is a little better. Steve and I use the same felt. I would rate it as the top two felts bodies you can find ( beaver felt wise). All three will hold up in real world condition even in the rain.

John

[spittle8]

Understood, thank you for the replies. The quality of the felt isn't tremendously important to me, the amount of work that Marc does to refine the body of the felt is incredible, but that kind of work would be completely lost on me as I want a tough hat, and not a luxury hat. As long as the sweatband is comfortable, the body tough and durable, and the felt water resistant, I'll be a happy camper.

Thank you for helping me make my decision!

[spittle8]

Looks like I'll be going with a Penman. Not sure when to order, I deploy in six months so it may make more sense to wait.

[bendingoak]

All three of our hats could be called a luxury hat at the same time being called a tank of a hat. Best of both

[zmarty]

This comment above is why John Penman is the best. haha I purchased the Akubra as well though I did not purchase the deluxe. I was pleased with the craftsmanship for the price. I have had the hat for over 3 years now and is still in good shape. Though I live in a fairly humid area, it rains seasonally so it doesnt see much of he outdoors during the winter. Over time, unfortunatly, you can start to see water spots where it got a bit drenched. There are other customers with the same review. Though I have not purchased a Penman (yet), I have friends who have purchased on. All other them are very pleased and have used the hat 10 times as much as I have used mine. In other words, a Penman is a damn good hat. haha

Theres my ten cents though! Good luck to you!