why you shouldn't buy a melenzana micro grid hoodie

[@HikingwithBraids]

I've been following you for awhile but somehow missed this video. I Googled "melenzana micro grid hoodie" because I've been seeing a lot of thru-hikers referencing this product. I'm so glad your video came up because all of your points are so valid. Thanks so much I love your honesty and frankness. I'm going to go check out the Montbell Thermawrap now. Thank you

[@ameliarawson2283]

same!

[@420BLUNTLEY]

We hiked at the same time

[@markevanpowell2157]

I'm not defending the melanzana but the really reason UL hikers will take a fleece is because most, if not all puffies are god awful for active insulation. 3 oz more for something you will actually wear instead of just sitting in your pack all the time is worth it for me. If I need extra warmth I can throw my wind/rain layer over. It's personal and if you spend a lot of time sitting at camp, a puffy makes sense. But to have the option to hike in your insulation is pretty important to me. But I like one with at least a quarter zip - you're right about that turtle neck hood. Sounds like this particular fleece doesn't vent well enough.

[@mynameisee333]

You're such a sweetheart for sticking close to home during your Dad's health issues. My Dad is 72 and stubborn like an old boot. I suppose he could go at any time though. He's been stung by 2 scorpions from his wood pile in the last year and shrugged those off. Texas you know...

[@bgwalkin]

I agree with your Ultra light comments for sure but u cant deny its mad comfortable way more comfy than the R1.. whats you base weight?😏

[@getlost3094]

I wear an Arc’teryx Aptin hoody. It’s 139 retail but much better technical piece. Super versatile and has replaced my Patagonia thermal hoody as my active layer. It’s perfect for the hike in cool weather. The panels on the chest, shoulders, and hood shed light rain/mist and block gusts of wind. I rarely need to stop for later changes since investing in it. It’s not a replacement for a puffy at all. It’s a perfect active outer layer and a hard shell goes on when stopped. It also has thumb slits and palm warmers which is nice. Only for cold though. It’s good for those active days in the 30s-40s.

[@CanadianSledDog]

Excellent much needed public service announcement. You nailed all the points I had observed. There's a really light polartec mid layer I love in Canada called the MEC T3 hoody. It's like a much thinner (lighter, more breathable) version of the Patagonia R1.

[@MarcP5267]

I’ve heard that the military polartec grid fleece is a great piece and very functional.

[@badgerrambler]

Thank you for talking me out of a dumb eBay purchase. I’ll still with my cheap but warm Eddie Bauer fleece

[@mdnite2941]

Our prayers are for your dad and family.My dad is 80 yrs old and he has Renal cancer and he tried the immunotherapy treatment.He only took two treatments and it about killed him.We didn't realize that treatment lowers your immune system we thought it did just the opposite.As a result he got a bad infection called C diff which about killed him too and it's very contagious.I just want you to know you are not alone dealing with this end of life family medical issues.God bless!

[@marymk94]

thank you. im sorry to hear about your dad as well. mine has stopped doing the immunotherapy treatments because they would have/were killing him too. so i really understand what you're going through.

[@mdnite2941]

My dad passed away November 16th 2018.God bless him.He was a wonderful father!

[@Aholeintheozone]

They do have a zip version of this hoodie too. I bought the hardface which is full zip and inner pocket plus a water repellant layer on the outside, but it retails for $156 at the store. But it's not UL, it's for climbing or skiing.

[@BadaSkraw]

Melenzana gives you a +10 to UL though

[@ju99al041ife]

Hope you are doing well.

[@nathanrieck2112]

I think that some of the most beautiful places you can visit are in the middle of nowhere. Nobody around to ruin the views, no city lights to ruin the stars, no car horns or noises to keep you up......that is paradise (mine at least). Recently I started hiking more by myself and I’ve found that I really enjoy it and now even prefer it over hiking in a group. It feels great to rely only on myself and it’s so peaceful and I really enjoy it. Also don’t have to stop a hundred times in an hour or slow down/speed up for other people

[@marymk94]

Nathan Rieck it is really a special place. right on hiking alone! it is so freeing!

[@MstrRo]

thank you for sharing your experience with jackets. You are on a good trip to lean toward your down puffy over the high/low grid hoodie. The down puffy is more ideal for dryer weather like your desert jaunt but as you get into more precipitation, I like the high/low grid idea with polygiene as a baselayer. A Merino wool baselayer is a great choice too, just be sure take advantage of it's broad comfort range and regulate to minimize overheating. The fleece hoodie idea as a jacket, has no place in thu-hiking because of the bulk and weight and limited warmth to weight ratio as you pointed out. The high/low grid is of little value unless it is against your skin so why use it as a jacket? For damp weather, using a sythetic puffy jacket with hood is a great choice like your "dill pickle" jacket. It is unfortunate that your fleece hoodie does not have a way to ventilate around the neck. The only use I can think of for that is as a baselayer in super cold weather/Winter in the "North Country". Good luck and keep the great topics coming, as you might save a life.

[@taylordakoda67]

Im looking to thru hike the pct, ive never thru hiked before and everyone says i cant do it but ive done enough research and love adventure that im willing to jump in and see how the journey goes. My point is thank you for your inspiration

[@marymk94]

taylordakoda67 you can totally do it don't let anyone stop you from trying!! you got this :D

[@taylordakoda67]

Thank you! I am just trying to wrap my brain around it but i know i need to do this! Are you hitting the trail anytime soon? Or have you already done it for 2018?

[@trading4waves]

hey mary! what happened to all your videos? they all became private

[@RLMorris42]

Took your advice and got a USMC waffle top on ebay. The thing is awesome! (and about 1/5th the price of a Patagonia R1) Thanks!

[@louiecmancuzo2903]

I want a melly. I've been wanting one for a while and finally found someone close enough to the store to grab me one. The thing is, I dont want it for hiking. You're right, its heavy...plus my gear set up is dialed in. No need. I want it to wear around. I just like the way it looks. I'd only wear it in black...or gray if they made it.

[@gabbietait6992]

They have loads of colors, sadly they can be scarce because of such high demand. They have constant updates on Facebook. Also, whose your friend?

[@familyadventures4128]

Well done! You had some very compelling reasons! Thank You for your service.

[@lukebrown9877]

How are you going to critique a fleece for keeping you too warm when that's what it's supposed to do. Also maybe this isn't great for backpacking because it isn't made for that. Obviously the producers want it being used for outdoor related activities but I think it's more popular for the Colorado aesthetic or maybe skiing where the neck coverage is actually practicle.

[@timothyh.1460]

I agree with all of your comments. The L.L. Bean Adventure Grid also provides many of the same features of the military grid fleece. And it can be bought at a great price when catching a sale.

[@0zthehikingsailor]

Interesting and fun review as per norm. Hope your family gets by, I came off the AT after the Virginia triple because of a family cancer that hit out of the blue and 10 days later they were dead. Got back in town me thou. Anyway happy Trails and I will be going back to the AT SOBO 22June19.

[@gabbietait6992]

I'm only halfway through this video. I can tell you right now, don't judge until you try them. They are very warm, yes. But in Leadville, it gets really cold and these are very useful. I have lived here all my life, and am always wearing my Mele. They are great for skiing, and warm days. I am a alpine racer, and on even cold days, I can go out with or without my speed suit on. The good also acts as a good gator, it has saved me multiple times when I don't have my Gator. They are expensive, but name brands are worse prices. They are also very stylish and comfy. I see these all over the country, I have not yet been out of the country, but I have heard from friends that they see them all over. I even saw them in Hawaii on multiple islands.

[@mistuhfan]

Agreed. I love my military waffletop. I only wish it had a hood.

[@danielyacykewych4066]

Solid solid video. Your Dad is in my prayers.

[@jessekane808]

I was about to spend $225 on one… thankyou for talking me off that ledge

[@norockets]

Why not sell it at the price people are willing to pay?

[@americafirst5453]

Buy the patagonia r1 it's perfect

[@MegaMastiffman]

I have a few of those waffle tops the military issue and there great 25-30 bucks for med-xl I beat the crap out of them very multi use

[@jjasonmm24]

Internets seem to indicate that the weight on the waffle top is 6.6oz? Might I trouble you to confirm this(thanks)? Sending good vibes to your Pop.

[@smokymountaindave-outdoora2124]

do you have a link to a military site for the micro grid?

[@timl3918]

ECWCS Gen III Mid Weight Grid Fleece Level 2 "Waffle Top" POLARTEC Thermal Shirt is the description. This is very similar to the Patagonia R1 1/2 zip pullover with thumb holes. You can find them in Military Surplus stores (online or retail storefront) or on ebay for about $20 used to $40 new for the GEN3 Level 2.

[@janefreeman4121]

I gave up on fleece 16 years ago when I got a dog. I have the EE Torrid 6.4oz women's small.. ..much warmer than patagucci nano puff. And voila no more magical filiments of love (aka dog hair) sticking to me! 🐶

[@SamSam-tf4wh]

i’ve has mine for 7 years and love my mele. it was great for skiing under my jacket and just a sweet hoodie in general. also respect for being made in america :)

[@Appalachianwhitetrash]

The USMC version of the waffle top actually has a kangaroo pocket also

[@marymk94]

Terry A i need it!!

[@josegomez-no1up]

It also has thumb holes.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Are you bicycle touring now? I have 40,000 miles on 5 different bicycles...

[@eddiedean4471]

I'm sticking with Eddie Bauer tunic

[@junocide]

Melanzana micro grid hoodie is my go to peak bagging top. The price vs some of the other brands was appealing. I definitely wouldn't pay those prices from somebody reselling.

[@wolffire007]

glad your dad is doing better, also, small adventures are still adventures, and good luck with the 2 jobs......just enjoy all the time you have, and, keep on keeping on!!

[@marymk94]

craig tash thank you 😄

[@wolffire007]

your also right about the hoodie..it's just a waste of space and weight.

[@greygardens81]

You present some good reasons why the melly isn't great, but there are plenty of reasons why it was great. Your shakiest point is that a fleece and puffy are functionally interchangeable pieces of gear. They're not. Also, you and I have the same color melly :D

[@marymk94]

Mittencamper you know what fleece has that nothing else does that i should have mentioned? its the most comforting thing to wear to bed or right away in the morning. like putting on your favorite blanket. just makes you smile haha. i tend to buy anything blue :P

[@greygardens81]

Absolutely. I've used both the R1 and a mountain hardwear microchill and neither comes close to making me say "aaahhhh" when I put it on

[@allisonerickson6594]

Prayers for your Dad!!!

[@marymk94]

Allison Erickson thank you 💛

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Love my military grid fleece. Rothco makes them along with a grid hood/balaclava fleece. I’ve used one for years. I was shocked when you pulled one out. Well done young lady👍

[@doctorzoidberg2412]

My go to hiking sweater is Patagonia better sweater. My hanging out fleece is Patagonia 1/4 zip with a....wait for it......kangaroo pouch. Making people wonder what my hands are up to in the pouch is oddly gratifying.

[@TheTrailDancer]

Your vids make me super happy

[@camodudemtbh7594]

What bike is that?

[@marymk94]

Camo Dude MTB&H trek lexa

[@fireyourrocketts]

I came here looking for info on these one, seen frozen how nice he speaks of it. I do have the USMC polar fleece and it is very nice has the kangaroo pocket as well. That is a nice review of these; beautiful color too which it is also my favorite. On a different topic than the review, be with your father for as long as you have to, you will feel relieved later on. I lost mine to prostatic cancer he was 2 days shy of his 83 birthday, went to take a nap, never woke up; he was just skin and bones as he refused to eat anything other than milk for few weeks; he starved himself to death because meals and having to use the bathroom would cause him too much pain. I was not near him to say goodby as we live in different countries and that is my major regret, same happen 5 months later when then it was my mother's turn, no goodbyes. My brother was there for both of them however and they were well taken care of but I was not and it is not something I will ever fix. It is a blessing to be next to your family especially when they are ill and more fragile so it does bring me some comfort when I see other people who can be with theirs and always encourage them to expend as much time as possible because the show may be over at any time. Cheers from Las Vegas.

[@Incaensio]

Hair is looking fabulous

[@saltydog8395]

Best wishes for your Dad. I was kitesurfing. Hope to finish up 2017 pct hike next summer. Just had near miss from Florence. Live on Hatteras Island NC. Maybe see you out there!! Best wishes to your Family.

[@marymk94]

Donald Windsor glad you stayed safe! kite surfing sounds so fun :) maybe so!

[@p4psm3re]

neemor will recommend anything he gets for free

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

I looked on eBay for waffle top, They appear to be made by polartech.

[@thuthiehiker]

Hope your Dad will improve. God bless him and the family through this trial. 🙏🏻

[@maysdogus]

When people are going crazy for something and you've never heard of it... 😐

[@Azricams]

Wednesday August 29th, I was up atop mt Whitney

[@phillyb4588]

I was wait for her call

[@leegoodison]

They aren't pulling the wool over your eyes. You are one independent girl who knows what suites you.

[@blacksunapocalypse]

"If you can stand bland colors." Yea just about every single thing I have is black, green, brown, grey :P EARTH COLORS, MAAAN.

[@ellief4277]

StreetDogSteve earth colors are the bomb.

[@mikeghost7788]

If your ever around northern Indiana and want to do some NCT hit me up.

[@SeanStewart88]

They look awful. The neck bothers me. I’ll stick to the Patagonia r1. I’ve had it it for years and it still looks brand new. Yes I paid a lot for it but it’s definitely worth it.

[@riekko3135]

Prayers for your Dad!

[@faksen13]

Seen all your PCT videos, liket them, you have feet planted on earth. Hope all goes well with you and family, and that you will be abel to restart on PCT.

[@Reese842]

My R1 has thumb holes

[@marymk94]

Serafin Hikes the older versions have them, not sure why they decided to change that

[@DivineMercyAndLove]

Sure, paying close to $200 isn’t worth it. But I’ll drive 2 hours to Leadville to support a sustainable company that cares about the environment and ethical sourcing. Of course in store they’re $70 not $150. It’s not about appearance. IMO They’re extremely comfy and functional, and similar products cost the same but aren’t hand made in the USA.

[@sidx32]

I bought 2 in Leadville. Put one on eBay auction style 99 cents and it sold for $150 so mine was essentially free. Its more versatile than a Ghost Whisperer. I use it as part of my sleep system and, if needed, I hike in it. Probably not quite as durable or technical an active layer as an R1 for reasons you pointed out but super comfortable, lightweight, and packable. Liked the review. You are right. People obsess over something they cannot easily get.

[@theelusivewoodlandhobo5348]

two thumbs up for the sleeve holes ....one of my gotta have also, i'll cut holes in almost anything for my little guys :) thanks Mary ....all positive everything wishes...duce

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I am a late to your channel yet will subscribe immediately. You have made some very good points. Thanks for the video.

[@weezerr2d284]

Hope the best for your father!!!!! “Take care “ love your videos!!!

[@drewblanche]

It looks cute on you though 😌

[@Mr.Autodelete]

I have a fifteen dollar polartec fleece from fila

[@MarlowWhere]

Fads come and go

[@Mike___Kilo]

Can I hire you as my life coach?

[@37061044]

More Iowa adventures! Watching your videos from NYC wishing I was out west! Thanks for the video and update!

[@SD-zi9pp]

I love all my Melanzana Hoodies! The Microgrid breaths very well!

[@hilaryyoung5290]

A melie ad popped up while watching this video 🙄😂🥴

[@camodudemtbh7594]

My hero..... How is your dad doing?

[@arinkim708]

So has anyone ever looked at the material these hoodies are made out of that ppl are spending stupid sums of money for? It is literally 90% polyester same stuff Styrofoam cups and plastic bags are made of...(more specifically...polyethylene terephthalate ..not that I give two cents..but for all the environmental nuts out there..not so env friendly). You can go to the fancy french store like Tar-shay or Wel-made-mart and buy the same 90-97% polyester hoodies for $9.99 same exact materials composition...but if you think its cool to pay $100 bucks..to each their own.. :P If you want it cheaper you can get the micro-grid fleece jackets (unfortunately they do not have a super cool brand name tagged on them..lol) on AliExpress for sub $15... :)

[@guyromstadt5858]

Good luck , stay strong , crazy girl !!

[@andrewlaedtke1720]

Those eyes, this video, I'm a fan.

[@I77AGIC]

i just fell in love with you

[@JohnJohnson-cp9kx]

Thank you for the useful information, best to your father.

[@lyfandeth]

They have stupid money, let them enjoy spending it. Sell yours for $150 while you can, and buy something nicer and more real. I'll keep my "darn best flannel" incredibly soft shirt, with my LLB "guaranteed for life" down vest which puts so many puffies to shame.

[@richardabazley]

My thoughts exactly....

[@richardabazley]

......but I might buy one to make me feel more like John Zahorian....

[@ToddStull]

Hey Mary I'm sure if I ever try to join the popular fkt crowd... I'd better have a melenzana or bust,, lol. Hope your dad gets better! I looked up Iowa and seems like the medicinal cannabis products may be available. Could be something to look into... although insurance doesn't typically cover that and you'd have to purchase outright I will say that it brought a friend of mine off his deathbed during stage 4 rectal cancer. Hit me up if you need any info on that... I deleted Instagram but still around here, twitter, email etc... Cheers

[@marymk94]

Todd Stull hey man! i def know about the benefits of mmj. i cant afford medical but i gave him some pretttyy strong stuff from cali to kill the pain. looking into CBD oils as well

[@420BLUNTLEY]

Cool intro

[@volvoguyV70R]

Totally agree. There are better products out there for less money. My R1 has thumb holes!

[@taylorelsner6332]

D. Volvoguy Right!? Thumb hole club!

[@PaulDGreen-bu4iz]

I will continue to pray for you, your dad, and family. It’s good to see you again. Thank you for sharing!

[@thomasmarguglio2120]

“I’m not judging” lol that is exactly what you’re doing by telling people what they should spend their money on.

[@robstewart3092]

Haha I've never heard it heard it called a kangaroo pocket...

[@lovinlife4ever]

If you can't pronounce it you don't know hahaha. Mellenzanas are the shit. I use to be able to see somone with a Mellenzana and chat them up about it and their experience in Leadville, now people get one because everyone else has one. Bummer

[@camezcym4975]

What is collectable is determined by want and greed not function and need. From what I understand the MMGH (Melenzana Micro Grid Hoodie) has two things going for it that would make it worth more 1) Hand made in USA 2) Well made. Yo might reject them being resold at a higher price, but think how much it was marked up to sell to you. So yea, there is bragging rights about owning one. Two of their present products have zippers, a hard face hoodie and a micro grid top similar to the military waffle fleece you showed. As for the hood being extra weight, that is the nature of most hoodies, it is why they are named that after all. The fleece it is usually compared to is Patagonia's R1 fleece, which runs from $90 to $159. Paying even $150 for a hand made in the USA fleece seems relatively a bargain. And damn, from Tennessee too! Well, I would be be using a kangaroo pocket. I look for one in my jackets that do not have one. What is sad is Melazana actually have a style I have been looking for, a full zip hoodie with "kangaroo" pockets (wind pro hoodie). Here is something to think about though. You can get colonial cold weather gear online, including clothes, but you cannot get a MMGH online

[@chesshooligan1282]

Oh, one more thing: best luck to your dad. I hope he gets well soon.

[@marymk94]

chesshooligan 1 thank you :)

[@orriepowell3557]

Howdy lol. Hey Mary!

[@marymk94]

Orrie Powell sup

[@napndash]

Love your eyes

[@aeropilot4419]

Great to hear from you again ... missed those lovely eyes 🙂✨ and best of luck to your Dad ... it can’t be easy

[@tsklitzka]

You must really hate Melanzana to make a whole video telling people to not buy them.

[@kookiemoose]

The 1990’s called. They want their fleece back

[@marymk94]

kookiemoose but it's vintage 😆

[@TheTrailDancer]

[@oldunion]

looks like a cheap microfiber towel from harbor freight. hipsters.....

[@OutLan]

Dislike.

[@muffemod]

I sold 10 of them for 200 each!