Blog

Tilley Tec-Wool Now with C-Change Technology

September 20, 2013

Our Ivy Cap from Tilley is a popular hat for fall and winter. Soft and snug, it nestles just right on the top of the head. Now it’s even better: Tilley makes it with c-change technology.

C-change Technology uses a bionic membrane that is bonded to the fabric. Imitating nature, the waterproof and windproof polymer membrane reacts in the same way fir cones react to changing weather. The polymer expands when moisture is present or the temperature is high, permitting water vapor to escape. When the temperature drops, the polymer contracts and does not allow moisture or heat to escape. Hats and caps which incorporate this technology provide constant comfort in changing conditions.

 

Tilley Tec-Wool Ivy Cap, Brown/Black Herringbone

Tilley Ivy Cap

 

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Tilley Hats  

 

 

 

 

Taking the Traveler into the Mountains

September 6, 2013

Over Labor Day Weekend, Will Morgan hiked five miles into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near the city of Cle Elum, Washington. (For those interested in the details, he hiked from North Fork Teanaway Road to Lake Ingalls.)

With temperatures hitting 90 degrees, he worried that a black fur-felt hat might be too hot for the afternoon hike. Instead, the Traveler’s light felt and eyelets helped keep his head cool. The brim provided shade for his head, face and neck. 

By the time Will had taken in the stunning view of Mount Stuart, the sun was ready to set. Fall also comes early at higher elevations, and so the temperatures dropped quickly as it grew dark.  Near the bottom it was hard to see the trail and he was thinking how it was good to have a good felt hat. Even though it had soaked up a good amount of sweat, it still provided warmth. Will’s next test is to wear it with a loaded backpack frame to find out if a wide and firm brim will bump into his pack.

All in all, he reports that his Akubra Traveler was a fantastic addition to his hike and will work well for both hot and cold days.

Mountain Goats

Mountain Goats

 

Lake Ingalls

Lake Ingalls

 

Coming Down the Mountain

Coming down the mountain

 

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Akubra Hats

 

 

 

It’s Never Too Early for an Akubra

August 23, 2013

A customer of ours from Yonkers sent in a photograph of his grandson in his Akubra.

He may need a little help putting it on in the right direction, but it still looks great.

Way to go, Jordan!

 

Jordan

Jordan

 

 

 

 

 

The Band John Wayne Would Have Worn

August 9, 2013

In our latest YouTube video, Mike demonstrates how to put an Edge Ridge Hat Band on an Akubra Pilbara hat. American Cowboy magazine chose the Edge Ridge Hat Band for their John Wayne commemorative issue.

We customized this Pilbara with a pinched telescope crease and some brim curl. Please note that we do not bash pre-creased hats like the Pilbara as part of our shaping service. You may wish to watch our other creasing videos to help you learn how to put this shape in a Pilbara yourself.

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Akubra Hats

 

 

 

Give Your Slouch (or Any Hat) a Military Bash

July 19, 2013

In this video, Mike shows you how to give your hat a military bash. Different regiments will have minor changes to the bash, but for civilians, we recommend you adjust it to your liking.

 

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The Slouch Hat

 

 

 

 

Happy 4th of July!

July 3, 2013

Independence Day reminds us that we live in a country that gives us a chance to work hard and make a difference.  Many of our products are made by people with that philosophy. For them, made in the USA is a mark of pride.

Welch Suspenders

The Welch Company Inc. has been manufacturing suspenders in Portland, Oregon since 1967. Their suspenders are recognized for quality and reliability. We sell both X-back and Y-back suspenders with either clip ends or leather ends that fasten to buttons.   

Learn more here.

  

Geier Gloves

Geier Glove Company is from Centralia, Washington. They’ve been around for over seventy years. They’re known throughout the West for high-quality gloves and moccasins. We provide gloves in deer, goat, kangaroo, bison and elk skin.

Learn more here.

  

Cavin Richie

Cavin’s designs are a reflection of his surroundings. His line includes birds, mammals and amphibians. Each item is accurately detailed. For the past thirty years he has carved using shed elk antler and woolly mammoth ivory. These carvings became the basis for his lost wax casting jewelry.

“Carving,” says Cavin “is like touching antiquity. I feel a kinship with a long lineage of carvers dating back to the Pleistocene.”

Learn more here.

 

  

  

  

  

Pictures from a Friend in Japan

May 24, 2013

Our friend, Daisuke, is a whip enthusiast hailing all the way from Japan. He was a member a wild west show, so he really knows how to crack a whip!

He also practices the art of Morishige-ryuu Houjyutsu. This is a type of matchlock shooting that began in the 1500s. At the time, Portuguese traders had made it to Japan and brought with them the arquebus, a muzzle-loaded firearm with a matchlock. They became so popular that in true Japanese fashion, shooting these firearms became an art form.

The seven pictures below are from a demonstration in Tokyo with the final photo showing Daisuke with his firearms.

   

Tokyo Morishige-ryuu Houjyutsu Demonstration

 

Tokyo Morishige-ryuu Houjyutsu Demonstration

 

Tokyo Morishige-ryuu Houjyutsu Demonstration

 

Tokyo Morishige-ryuu Houjyutsu Demonstration

 

Tokyo Morishige-ryuu Houjyutsu Demonstration

 

Tokyo Morishige-ryuu Houjyutsu Demonstration

 

Daisuke with his firearms

   

Daisuke also has friends in New Mexico. Tom and Jennifer Curtis are famous silversmiths. Here are some photos of his visit there:

   

Daisuke with Tom and Jennifer Curtis

 

Daisuke with Tom Curtis

 

Daisuke with Jennifer Curtis

   

Demonstration at a school in Albuquerque:

   

Demonstration in Albuquerque school

The Indian Market in Santa Fe:

   

With Jennifer and Tom Curtis

Daisuke in front of beautiful Mt. Fuji with his Jeep CJ-7.

   

In front of Mt Fuji

Thanks, Daisuke for the great pics.

   

   

   

Hat Bashing Videos Now on YouTube

May 10, 2013

In this first video, Mike shows you how to create the Open Telescope and Pinched Telescope bash.

 

 

In this second video, Mike shows you how to create the classic fedora look and the cattleman’s crease.

 

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Akubra Hats

 

 

 

 

Bolo Ties by Frederick Design

April 25, 2013

Frederick Design creates elegant and affordable jewelry made of lead-free pewter. The jewelry is hand-crafted in Canada by various artists, including First-Nations.

  

We now carry two pewter bolo ties from Frederick design. The first is the Orca Bolo, shown leaping out of the water.

  

Orca Bolo Tie, Pewter

Orca Bolo Tie, Pewter

  

The second depicts the raven stealing the sun. Unlike our other raven jewelry, this shows a frontal view of the raven holding the sun in its beak.   

Raven Stealing The Sun Bolo Tie, Pewter

Raven Stealing The Sun Bolo Tie, Pewter

  

The black cord is machine-braided synthetic material. Overall length, not including the metal tips, is 36 inches.

 

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Frederick Design

  

  

  

  

Visit One of Our Akubra Dealers

April 12, 2013

Do you want to try an Akubra without having to fly out to Seattle, Washington? There are many hat retailers around the United States and Canada that offer a variety of Akubra hats. In fact, some dealers offer styles and colors not available on our website.

With a local dealer you are also supporting your local business. As hat sales continue to grow, you can be assured that the more the retailers sell, the more they can offer.

Your local hat dealer also carries hat stretchers, brushes and many will even custom shape your hat.

So, when looking for an Akubra, don’t forget to see if there is a dealer in your neighborhood.

Check our dealer page to see if there is one near you.