$60 Melanzana Hoodie Alternative (Superior Fleece)

[@baitontrail7485]

Don’t know why this only has 51 likes great vid!

[@rmkvisions]

Thank you!

[@doughboy334]

I got my Superior Fleece Sage Hoodie in 5 days. digging it so far, just in time for winter. thanks for the vid!

[@rmkvisions]

Thats awesome =)! Enjoy it

[@cdh2987]

Just a FYI: the logo on Superior Fleece is actually a picture of Lake Superior. The lake is the world's largest fresh water lake (by surface area) runs along the north east part of Minnesota and Duluth the city where the hoodies are made is located on it's shore😉 Thanks for this review very informative!

[@rmkvisions]

Oh wow you're right.. well thanks for the information - can't believe I didn't notice this.

[@carriekirscht8677]

Have multiple superior fleece hoodies as they are local to me. Love the fit and the variety of fleece types/weights.

[@Xaryu]

Looooooking strong homie, great video production!

[@rmkvisions]

I appreciate it, Thanks Xar !! 🤟🏼💪🏽💪🏽

[@timl3918]

Melanzana microgrid fleece hoodies and 1/4 zip pullovers are stylish, well-made, and comfortable. The best part, they are made in the USA by a small business that has a good problem...backlog! But for my intended use, they're not as warm when compared to other garments of similar weight fleece. So for backpacking, I found warmer and more versatile options at less weight. Melanzana garments work for a lot of people, just not me. I bought 2 hoodies and 2 1/4-zip pullovers in 2017, online before the hype. I only wore 2 of the 4. So for those interested, keep an eye on ebay...I'll have 2 new old stock Melanzanas up for sale one day soon. Who knows, if I hold out, they could be vintage new old stock!

[@carsonjames6454]

Please sell one to me.

[@crewzillakelly3655]

Thank you for the tip. I purchased a hoodie and the hat!

[@doughboy334]

great vid! never heard of both of these companies. glad YT recommended me this video after watching something totally unrelated lol

[@rmkvisions]

Well that's good, that means the algorithm is working!

[@KvnRuby]

Appreciate the review, now I’m gonna go do some squats and research this hoodie more

[@rmkvisions]

Squats and gear research is 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Tellez.43]

What I learned from this video is to never miss leg day.

[@rmkvisions]

Haha, I try not to skip any..

[@carsonjames6454]

Related

[@iloveislandlifekeywest]

AAnnnnnd, they are closed for summer, haha. I think I need to start a fleece hoodie company! Thank you for the video.

[@rmkvisions]

I agree, let's do it! Thank you

[@jackchn23]

I prefer Merino wool. Did you know every time you wash synthetic fleece 1,000’s of pieces of micro/nano sized plastic bits is released into the environment? If you want to support a small U.S company doing it right there in Colorado, check Voormi. I have several pieces of there clothing (High-E hoodie, and another full zip hoodie). Also Ice Breaker and Ibex are worth mentioning, but I prefer Voormi. If that fleece company is a sponsor then good for you! Keep up the great content!

[@rmkvisions]

I did not know that, but I have heard of Voormi. I actually have a few of their pieces, and I have been looking at getting some smart wool or icebreaker as well. Maybe those will be in the future, but I appreciate the information. Fleece is just hard to beat for a mid layer I think!

[@tianajensen2241]

Duckworth in Montana is a great alternative to Icebreaker if you are looking for USA made/cottage company wool gear!

[@rmkvisions]

That's great, I'm going to have to look into them I love supporting those cottage companies!

[@tianajensen2241]

@@rmkvisions They have some amazing lightweight polyester/Merino blend hoodies, the vapor fabric is awesome.

[@rmkvisions]

Good to know! I just looked at their website. Maybe I'll be able to get my hands on one to compare to the SmartWool!

[@Athreehourtour]

Thanks for the tip gonna def check them out

[@rmkvisions]

No problem 👍

[@scaber]

6/14/2021 Update. Superior Fleece has moved websites to: superiorfleece.com/ They are currently sold out of hoodies and their website says that they are closed for the summer.

[@SeniorHiker77]

Thanks for that option.

[@flynryan3053]

they have a website now, but are sold out with 2 month wait as of 2/1/24, may be just as hard/expensive to get now as melly

[@bonhamhikes7434]

What style fleece is that? Their website has 4 different men's styles listed, but not a great description for them. If you said it in the video I apologies for not being a good listener.

[@rmkvisions]

Men's Cascade Hoodie - They renamed the hoodies since making a new website I believe. Hope this helps!

[@bonhamhikes7434]

@@rmkvisions, thanks! much appreciated

[@waichungsham1578]

I like my marmot alpha 60.its light and pacs small polartec alpha direct with pertex air shell outer.

[@oiseo4498]

What kind of workout were you doing?

[@rmkvisions]

Stair sprints, decline pushups and weight vest squats!

[@oiseo4498]

@@rmkvisions Thanks for the reply.Do you work out in the melanzana hoodie? is the material suitbale for that?

[@rmkvisions]

I did! However I think they're much better base layers for colder workouts. One of them being a type of merino wool, it does a much better job at regulating temperature and moisture wicking over fleece. Not to say you can't work out in it but it can get hot pretty quick!

[@nedsled2994]

I have a Melanzana I hardly wear it. It's a boxy cut, not really a good fit for someone slim or athletic. Plus I have a lands end fleece that is almost an ounce lighter an a bit warmer then the Melanzana

[@and1runner1]

Great review video! I know you said you have a large in the Superior Fleece, do you know what size you are in a Patagonia R1 for reference? I have a 42 inch chest but you look bigger than me so wasn’t sure if I should order a medium. Thanks!

[@rmkvisions]

I am right at at about a 43-in chest right now. I think the large is a good fit but it is a little roomy. I believe the one time I tried the r1 on a large fit me but was a little tight, which is typically the style of that slim fit. I hope this helps!

[@and1runner1]

Thanks again! Purchased a few of the hoodies. They are amazing!

[@thesoupmills1426]

Hold up I’m from Minnesota and I only have a melanzana

[@ktownc936]

I'm now being steered away from fleece hoodies. I've tried to find alternatives from the melly and my god every copy cat site is sold out. I think I'll buy a cheap Walmart one and call it a day. I'm really surprised someone has not just taken the manufacturing to China and blow up production.

[@youtubename8080]

I’m right there with you dude. Got super stoked on them but after missing orders and it being impossible to get my hands on a fleece from one of the many companies, I’m realizing this stupid fleece isn’t gonna make me any better of a hiker. Walmart shit has always gotten me to the finish line, with a fatter wallet.

[@rmkvisions]

Agree with both of you unfortunately. Smart wool makes my favorite hiking layer the 250 merino if you want a recommendation - Trevor

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

WM was selling a Russell Athletic L/S top with thumb holes that had a grid somewhere between a waffle and micro size (but only really visible on the inside of the garment) a couple of years ago. I snatched one up on clearance for $7 and it's been great. It does not, however, have a hood or kangaroo pocket, and I don't think they make them anymore. Still worth an online search, though.

[@jessehaft]

Hey, hey! Another really great alternative is rockymountainfleecewear.com. They don't have a microgrid that I'm aware of, but I think they're a better build and fit overall.

[@rmkvisions]

Thank you! I'll have to look in to them, I love the name for sure. I'm very intrigued by the polar fleece they use it looks a bit thicker and it looks like it would be a great standalone piece for winter if it's dry out!

[@jessehaft]

@@rmkvisions They're definitely quite a bit thicker - after I bought the first one, I ended up getting two more in different colors. I'm not entirely sure, but I believe it's 200 Series Polartec. In other news, thanks for what you do! You've helped me make better decisions on gear more than once over the years!

[@billq7448]

At $125, I would hope they would be better in some way.

[@jessehaft]

@@billq7448 I have several of the Melanzana hoodies, and a few of the RMF Hoodies. The classic pullover isn’t cheap at $98, but they’re definitely thicker, burly, and stand up to more abuse than my Melanza Hoodies.

[@redshot1015]

no pockets :(

[@rmkvisions]

Unfortunately no, but definitely a solid base layer!

[@GuamBombs]

Check out Fayettechill's Livingston. Super similar!

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

Who needs pockets on a hoodie . I have 6 pockets on my hiking pants ( 2 if I use shorts but then it’s so warm that I don’t need handpockets for warmth ) and a big bad LiteAF 40L Pack with hipbelt pockets and 2x bottleholder pockets and straps . Don’t tell me u need pockets on a hoodie to warm ur hands lol . Lightweight gloves might be an option then . Thank u for your Tip about superior fleece . Wayyyyy cheaper then a Melly and better options to choose , same material if you order powerdry polartec that’s the same that melanzana uses .

[@ivan213]

No offense but get to the point man, is it warm or not?