Akubra - Coolabah Bran Hat Review

Short review of my Akubra Coolabah Bran after years of wear.

[@mathewharrison]

Just got the last one available in Black from 82K in Cairns, Queensland. 56 Black. I'm usually a 57 but given you can stretch them 2-3 sizes shouldn't be an issue. Also got myself a hat saver to store it on the hood lining of my FJ. Next on the shopping list is a Drizabone Lasso jacket.

[@calamarininjabeast5866]

Hi mate great videos thanks for sharing could you do a comparison with this hat against your banjo pattersons? I can’t decide between the two! Cheers

[@collectedovertime3291]

Hi mate thanks for watching. The difference between the two mainly is the brim width. The coolabah is wider 79mm vs the Banjo 70mm. The heritage quality of the banjo is nice, but really they are both really well made and unless you knew, you wouldn’t. After owning the two and if I could chose one, I’d choose the coolabah. The extra brim width doesn’t seem much at 9mm but it’s a big difference especially if you wear in rain, sun wind etc. The Banjo is fantastic, I would consider it more of a town hat / general outdoor hat, walking etc. Bang for buck and versatility is the Coolabah. If you can find one in black don’t hesitate, but not sure if you can anymore. The Bran is really good and hides dirt well. Good luck.

[@calamarininjabeast5866]

@@collectedovertime3291 ending up picking up a banjo Paterson in heritage fawn I live in Sydney and love wearing it, it’s kinda understated like you said in one of your videos thanks again

[@collectedovertime3291]

@@calamarininjabeast5866 great choice! Can’t go wrong with the banjo, and considering you live in Sydney, is an absolute perfect choice. Thanks for taking the time to update!

[@danielhorr6985]

Great reviews.. good taste.. You should do one of your watches

[@collectedovertime3291]

Thank you!! It’s on my “to do list”, along with a great many others! Appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. 🫶🏻

[@mirandagerson6897]

Thanks for the helpful review. Just wondering if the crocodile band can easily be removed or if Akubra has hats of a similar shape without the croc band?

[@collectedovertime3291]

Hi Miranda, thanks for watching! You can always remove the band and replace with what you like. Akubra do really think through the bands they put on their hats and are very complimentary and unique to each of them. If you’re looking for a similar hat you could try the cattleman (83mm bound edge) or the snowy river (83mm raw edge, same as coolabah). The depths are very similar. Don’t forget with a little steam you can change any Akubra to your own style. Can’t go wrong with Akubra. Cheers Miranda.

[@mirandagerson6897]

@@collectedovertime3291 thanks so much for your reply, I'll look into the other 2 that you recommended:)

[@Rabbitoh72]

Nice review mate. I’ve just ordered one of these myself and was wondering about the lining being uncomfortable and I’ve found with my other lined Akubras they sit a lil too high on the head. Is it an easy removal of the lining? I personally prefer the unlined and was hoping this one was. But purchased anyways because it’s such a nice hat. Cheers

[@collectedovertime3291]

Hi Shane! The lining is lightly glued to the hat so it just comes off. Take care when peeling it off and around the eyelets. If some of your other hats sit too high you can always reshape them or bring them down with some steam! Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@Rabbitoh72]

@@collectedovertime3291 G'day mate. Apologies for the delay in replying and thanks for the tips! Thankfully the fit on the crown was good. I had ordered the 2 Akubras with the Coober Pedy and the Coolabah. Both size 60 but the Coolabah is slightly bigger to the point i have to put in the padding behind the inner band. I have watched a few vids on reshaping with steam but find i quite like the shape they come out the factory. Haha won't change it too much except the shape of my head may do in time. The lining on my Banjo Paterson may have to come out in time also. I find out of the ones i have for it to sit on the head causes a couple of crease marks on the crown from having to push it down slightly. But I'll see how i go with him as being part of the Heritage Collection i would like to keep him intact also.

[@sloanIrrigation]

You should try it on for us man

[@GFSwinger1693]

Your videos are great in that you seem to do a good job of catching the hat's colors, something a lot of the hat retailers seem to struggle with. Especially that one AU hat retailer with a big KZbin presence. Their videos suck color wise and I would never trust ordering something sight unseen based on their videos alone.

[@collectedovertime3291]

Thanks for the feedback! I do have a few more to do. So keep your eyes peeled. Thanks for the comment!