In today’s review, we take a look at some of Melin’s latest offerings – The A Game Brick Lumberjack, a trapper style cap with fleece lining and the Coronado Wax’d which features a waxed canvas body. Both hats are well suited for inclement weather and are much needed alternatives to traditional headwear.
Video Review
Function
The A Game Brick Lumberjack addresses the issue with the Odyssey Scout Thermal we reviewed earlier in the year, and that’s ear protection. The flaps are lined with fleece and do a good job of cutting the wind, however we found we had to adjust them every so often since the lack of a chin strap let the flaps wander at times. The warmth is really a cut above any baseball style hat we’ve tried before, there’s a real “heft” to this hat and it’s a great pairing when you’re wearing sweaters or jackets without hoods and need that extra coverage up top.
The Coronado Wax’d is a great cold/wet weather hat. The waxed canvas sheds water and retains body heat. It’s a little stiff but breaking it in should be a pleasure. The cool thing with wax canvas is you can always rejuvenate it with a wax treatment to improve water resistance.
Aesthetic
To the untrained eye, a Melin hat might seem almost indistinguishable among the sea of headwear on the market. I think the true difference comes from the comfort and quality when you hold it in your hand and are wearing it on your head. The simple clean construction really appeals to me.
The Wax’d series is probably my favorite Melin collection right now. The yellow has a dull matte which looks very masculine. The Lumberjack has a fun winter vibe and the denim blends in well with a plethora of winter rags.
Conclusion
Melin’s continues its world domination of headwear. The Wax’d Coronado and A-Game Brick Lumberjack make for a nigh invulnerable tag team in cold weather. As with anything of quality, there is a cost factor as these hats command a premium. If you’re tired of wearing a Gordon’s Fisherman hat and want that cool cousin Eddie look, we suggest giving these hats a try.
