A Melly Micro-Grid Hoodie alternative you can actually buy!

[@matthewkim5899]

I've been looking for a melly alternative forever now because I lost all hope in their lottery. Can't wait to rock this hoodie. Good looks!

[@renaecummings8068]

YES, just ordered mine and love it. Better than Melanzana. Better fleece, thumb holes, reversed fleece, fit. I own a Melanzana and a Patagonia R1, Fayettechill is my favorite. A PERFECT MID-layer hiking fleece!!

[@daneshappypace]

How’s the fit on the shoulders compared to the Melly? I tried a Melly out and the shoulders were just way too narrow and I wear a L in everything and sometimes a M. I’ve tried an r1 in large and it was perfect.

[@renaecummings8068]

Sounds like you’re about the same size as me. The Melanzana is a more contoured fit, at least in women’s. The Fayettchill is cut more boxey but honestly I prefer that. There is more room across the chest in a Fayettechill. The Melanzana is a lighter softer fleece so it weights alittle less and packs down slightly smaller. I have both in a large. The Fayettechill is definitely more roomy. I wish my melly was just alittle bit looser. Hope that helps.

[@daneshappypace]

@@renaecummings8068 huge help thank you!

[@tarawilliams6041]

I know this is an old post but in case you see it. Can you compare warmth of Fayetchill and Patagonia R1?

[@renaecummings8068]

@@tarawilliams6041 fayettchill is a more lose fitting and thicker, I feel it’s warmer than an R 1

[@Onnitfan1]

I stopped in Dick's Sporting goods to buy sneakers and by chance found a DSG Men's Grid Fleece Pullover. Poly/spandex blend. Has a hood, thumb holes on the sleeves, and fits close to the body. $19.97. I bought 3 of them. While you wait for these to show up again, check them out. Great buy!

[@knicksfan46]

I bought them too...I like them.

[@Onnitfan1]

@@knicksfan46 Yep. Great deal and warm too! If the tag said Patagonia, they would be $100.

[@knicksfan46]

@@Onnitfan1 I agree!!! I bought two blacks ones...each were 14.95 on sale!

[@abandoningomelas]

Nice review! I'm not keyed into all the trendy new products so I had no idea about the current popularity of grid fleece. This is a really nice looking sweater though. I just wanted to chime in for the other viewers' sake, if they had any reservations about purchasing a "copycat" product. I'm from Arkansas and Fayettechill is a well-respected business. This sweater is not a slapdash addition to a huge product line just to be a money grab. They do not carry hundreds of designs like a big company, so they have to be more thoughtful and deliberate about each product that is introduced. If my anecdotal verification means anything, they products are good quality, and they have a genuine lifetime guarantee. Even if you believe they are "taking advantage of the craze" (aka anticipating market trends) you will still be getting a great item for sure.

[@josephmayes8302]

Just got mine in the mail today. Looking forward to wearing it tomorrow!

[@thirstyboots57]

I bought a Melly when you could still buy them online. I seldom took it backpacking. But during the winter months and my wife going through menopause I wear my Melly all winter long at home...and love it. I recently bought the Fayettechill Reed polargrid pants and love them as well. They are not something I would take hiking either but they are getting lots of use around the house and highly recommend them. The workmanship is excellent. To note however, they are cut slim but since I have skinny legs that's fine with me.

[@thirstyboots57]

My comment about my wife's menopause was in connection to her hot flashes and the resultant cooler temperature setting of the thermostat! :-)

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Also look at the Appallation Gear Co. The make an All-Paca fleece hoodie. That rocks

[@tj6111]

I just got mine today! For reference, I am 5'9", 185 lbs, ~18% bf, and decently muscled everywhere. I tend to run hotter than most. I ordered the Fayettechill Livingston in Medium and black. Most of my hiking is in the Utah rocky mountains at 8K+ feet elevation. Unlike the endurance athlete body type that most outdoor companies typically cater to, I have an a$$ on me. This makes it difficult to find gear that isn't tight around my hips. When wearing my Patagucci Nano Air, it is pretty tight if I pull it down. When I tried on the Livingston, it had that Goldilocks fit (HALLE-FREAKIN'-LUJAH). While tailored, it wasn't tight anywhere. Wearing it, I don't feel like there's much wasted space for me, but it's loose enough to have another layer under besides a shirt if I wanted. While I fill out the sleeves and chest of my shirts, the Livingston wasn't tight there either. It's also a bit longer than most pieces I'm used to wearing but I think I'll be fine with it. The hoodie approximates a scuba-style, but not quite. While the scuba hoodie on my Nano Air comes up and over my chin, the Livingston comes just under the chin, which I strongly prefer. The thumb loops and kangaroo pockets are SO well done. I could immediately tell this piece is warm. So warm that it'll replace both my active insulation (Patagonia Nano Air - 12oz) and my down puffy that I wear exclusively at camp and while sleeping (Montbell Anorak - 6.5oz). This will be the only insulation piece between the months of April and October for the terrain I'm hiking and backpacking, allowing me to save some weight. The only thing needed to supplement for me is a wind shirt when it's extra cold and windy and I'm out putting in the miles.

[@sp1keNARF]

Bungzy we need more videos!!!

[@JoMoClimber]

I live in Colorado and own several Melly items. It's quality gear for sure, but undoubtedly, a great part of its appeal is its scarcity. I’d much rather have my Patagonia R1 Hoody.

[@miker5740]

If you want a microgrid fleece decathlon sell one for about 29aud which is 20usd if you can get them. They don't have a hood or pockets but they have a quarter zip. Out of bunhzys alternative or a melly, I'd choose bungzys, because the cord used is cool

[@danielluippold6239]

I prefer Decathlon's $13usd 100 wt 1/4 zip. All Decathlon's fleeces are a great value for $

[@davidsawmandave8731]

I want one of these bad , not down for going on a lottery to get a piece of gear , I should note that the US military ecwcs mid layer is built out of the same polartec fabric also , not sure if it is a heavier weight but it is power grid fabric as well, however the military grid midlayer does not have a hood , not a fan of that!! I think fayetechill hit the sweet spot on this one , great review man

[@canyonoverlook9937]

This looks pretty interesting. I would like to see this without the extra neck coverage so it would look like a regular hooded sweatshirt.

[@renaecummings8068]

Canyon Overlook it’s also offered as a 1/4 zip hoodless on the website.

[@christinaray3168]

Lightheart Gear has also made its own “melly” hoodie for $65 and I’m sure you’ve seen Pa’lente Packs is getting ready to release what looks like a melly R1 combo, I’m curious what the price is gonna be on that one!

[@markcummings6856]

Bungzy’s Ultralight How true.

[@kimneill4655]

@@Bungzy, plus, the Pa'lante misses the mark. The styling is meh.....

[@RAMtrails]

I just got my Livingston in. It's awesome!

[@livesoutdoors1708]

Thank you! I have one melly top, two melly dresses and three melly skirts. Bought six years ago when I could get em online. I live all winter in the stuff but as they shut down the website my enthusiasm for the company also shut down. Way to go melly folks, first time I’ve seen popularity kill a good thing...🤑 So I’ll be watching this Fayettevillechill company for their latest and greatest and maybe we will see more of them on trails!

[@kenkeepssteppin4067]

You could also try old navy for a micro fleece. About 20 bucks just no pockets

[@_dmart]

These haven’t been sold for awhile

[@tonypc84]

Thanks Bungzy!

[@BURZUM__]

Will you be doing a long term review on this product? Thanks bruh!

[@Netscorer]

Doesn’t Patagonia make a similar micro grid hoodie? I prefer to buy clothing from an established company with trusted warranty and return/replace program in place.

[@Umi-imU-We-Are-One]

Awesome sauce! First time seeing your channel. Great review! ordered and subbed

[@wilcogrundens9086]

My MH type 2 fun hoody is awesome. The massive zip down the front is key for me to dump heat. I don’t need the kangaroo pouch cause I usually have a hip belt or harness or both. Plus I feel more original LOL.

[@Ohhhj0]

I have the Leah and I highly recommend it!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I saw this hoodie the other day in an instagram ad. Thought it was interesting that they copied the Melley. Im surprised it took this long for someone to do it. Ive never personally used a Mellie or been obsessed with obtaining one. Nice job covering ALL the details. My guess is people will be all over the Fayettechill hoodie as a Mellie stand in. At least, until Palante drops theres..👍👍👍

[@bertman4]

Do you have a referral link? On the Fayettechili webiste, "Give your friends a reward and claim your own when they make a purchase."

[@OldPackMule]

Excellent option.

[@aikirunner]

That’s funny. I just clicked on the link and it says unavailable.

[@Dr.Pepper_not]

Missed your content. Hope you haven’t given up the channel

[@wandawilloughby6052]

Is there any adjustments to the hood? There are always too large for me and block my vision

[@dansklrvids7303]

Excellent review!

[@ftk2432]

The Tru-Spec Grid Fleece Hoodie is $49 on Amazon and has the same features

[@RonKris]

No it doesn't.

[@Beastro777]

no hood tho

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Great revideres.Enjoyed it Very Much

[@pgreenx]

I think I’ll stick with my 8 ounce north face fleece with quarter zip plus 1 ounce beenie. Never understood these. Will save half a pound

[@eliasdonahue566]

What size is the one you are wearing in the video? Is it a L?

[@AlohaMilton]

volume is pretty low, making the next video speaker dangerous. maybe up your mics settings.

[@atmako1]

Great review....

[@KrizAkoni]

Awesome find!

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

I have a minus33 kodiak expedition weight hoodie! 😈

[@davidbarclay3651]

Why would a backpacker need a hoodie fleece? We carry a puffy jacket. I'm wondering when you would consider taking one along. Normally if I have a fleece, I'm wearing it for better breathable layer and it doesn't come off and go into my pack. Thanks Bungzy.

[@davidbarclay3651]

What is it like compared to the original North Face liner fleeces? Is it as heavy? I own a 9oz Padigonia pull over but it’s only half the weight and thickness of the NF.

[@vaughanjensenfilms]

but it's still not a Melenzana... 🤭

[@brib9716]

Ebay "pirates" don't charge much more for Mellys than what they're charging for these. And Mellys aren't even the best fleece you can get anyway.

[@PacemakerandButtons]

this is false. I've been watching for a livingston in XXL and waiting for an email that never comes. I live right next to this store in Favetteville AR

[@andyveres3982]

Yeah boyyyyyyy

[@MarkPharaoh]

I’ll stick with wool, more sustainable

[@nedanother9382]

Hater! signed the guy who won the lottery in 2020 and got to order 2 Melles (any color) on line. So comfy. absolutely not worth 100.00. Thats silly

[@canyonoverlook9937]

How come Melanzana can't figure out how to make them faster? How about hiring more people and raising the price if they are so popular?

[@brib9716]

Because they're so popular BECAUSE they're so scarce.

[@OldPackMule]

Canyon Overlook missing a huge business opportunity. You'd think the business owner would want to capitalize on that but maybe they prefer the less complicated "cottage industry " vibe.

[@jonathanthompson6783]

Dude I can't hear you

[@MatthiasVargas]

Not really sure about why everyone's so obsessed about grid fleeces. I've used grid fleeces and a regular lightweight 7 oz Columbia fleece I got for $20 in similar conditions and yeah I guess I sweat in the Columbia a bit more than the grid but it's barely noticable and not nearly enough to be uncomfortable. The difference isn't worth the cost in my opinion

[@markcummings6856]

It is, and was designed for an active lay. It makes a significant difference while under an activity compared to good old fleece. Cost? Good point, to some...

[@JustinHEMI05]

Melanzana will one day regret their out of date business model.

[@danielluippold6239]

16oz is hardly ultralight

[@coolthingsbyjames]

All of this is absolutely stupid, seriously. I got a melly a year ago and quickly realized its no more than an expensive fleece jacket with a reputation behind the name. These companies that make "competitive hoodies" to the melly (Fayettechill and Appalachian Gear Company in particular) are just taking advantage of this craze and running up the price because they can. Why innovate and make a unique product when you can just rip off another company to try and take a piece of the pie? If you actually are serious about saving weight and having functional equipment for outdoor activities, there are more effective options out there that save weight / space (like just bringing a puffy instead) and are cheaper (like a discount fleece from a department store / a thrift store) than these over-hyped hoodies that youtubers promote. I bought into the hype and realized the stupidity behind it all. I'd bet that you're going to be shoehorning in that hoodie in your videos just like other prominent backpacking channels are mentioning their mellys / appgearco hoodies.

[@daneshappypace]

Also cheap department stores have shitty business practices. When you pay more for a Patagonia or a Melly, you’re paying for more than just the product. You’re paying higher wages to the workers, toward the donations they give, to great environmental practices. It’s not just a “hype”

[@limodrivermike]

folks, look into the health concerns with polyester.

[@solukhumbu911]

98$ is a robbery, squak mountain sells the same shit as this and smelly for $55