Is Melanzana Worth The Hype? Micro Grid Fleece Hoodie Review
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- Is the Melanzana Micro Gride Hoodie worth the Hype? And why is it so expensive? Made and sold in beautiful Leadville Colorado the Melanzana hoodie has become a highly coveted piece of backpacking gear. In part because they are so hard to find. In order to get one you have to travel to Leadville and buy one in person. Or pay out the nose on Ebay. Melanzana hoodies are soft, comfortable, have a unique hood design, and a large kangaroo pouch, but other than that they are not much diffrent than any other fleece mid-layer. So are they worth buying for you next thru-hike or weekend trip? Check out this Review to find out.
Melanzana Website: melanzana.com/
Leadville Hostel: www.stayinntheclouds.com/
Video Highlights:
00:00 Mellys are Cool!
0:29 Melanzana and Ebay
1:02 Why The Hype?
2:12 A Closer Look at the Melanzana Hoodie
3:12 Is It Worth The Hype?
4:21 Why you Should By a Melanzana Hoodie
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What do you think of Melanzana? Worth the hype?
czcams.com/video/c-fNkjTZ1g0/video.html
No… the best ability is availability. If I can’t get one… it’s worthless to me.
Squak Mountain Clothing sells the “Squak”…side cinch cord Ala Melly style:) hood…THUMB HOLES:)…Bottom hem cord lock…lightweight soft grid pattern poly not wool. I have 5.❤️🔥They also sell the “Woolie”, a 50%wool/50% poly hooded base layer. $65-$85. On sale now. Mine’s on order:)
I have a whole wardrobe of Melanzana that I purchased over 6 or 7 summers when I was doing Leadville run and bike events. Definitely my go to mid layer for bike packing and hiking, backpacking. No other midlayer works as well for me or comes close. They used to sell great wool socks, zip hoodie, skirts, dresses, and a really heavy duty fleece hoodie that was great in wind.
BUT, I purchased before all the hype and appointment only BS. In fact, many of my purchases were from the box under the counter where they sold their seconds w minor flaws. I recently saw a later model of their hoodie 2022 and fabric had changed so not sure would be as good.
Just glad I went overboard years ago and that with good care their stuff lasts forever
Love that style! since i havent had the chance to go leadville, i ordered a fleece by lightheart gear. Love it! They are a cottage company that makes great outdoor gear. I have their light rain coat and it goes with me everywhere!!
Living in Leadville my whole life I’ve grown up Melanzana‘s and I absolutely love them made by great people for great people
Burgeon in Lincoln NH sells a hoodie with the same fabric as Melly. No appointment needed. Local employee owned company.
Oh wow! I live only 20 mins from there, I’ll have to check them out since I don’t live anywhere near Colorado:,)
Got the Highlander hoodie from Burgeon, definitely size up one size. 6ft, 175 lbs, ordered a large and was really snug. Great customer service, called and they had an XL out the next day with return shipping label included.
I picked up two micro grids, one wind pro, and a micro grid toque from their store last year. They are fantastic products. I wore the wind pro as my outer layer for hiking all winter and the toque has the best warmth to weight ratio out of any hat I've owned. There are other options to a Melly and I did a video about that. If you're in Leadville, buy them for the quality not as a status symbol in an attempt to boost your backcountry trail cred.
I agree if your in Leadville buy one. If not than buy something else. I need to check out the Toque.
This is perfect thank you I'm going nomadic lifestyle and need to learn about types of material for warmth!
Worth the hype and then some. We have spent a lot of time in the Arkansas River Valley (Colorado) over the years, and love both Melanzana products and the town of Leadville.
We own both windbreak and microgrid hoodies, crews, and hats. They’ve proven invaluable pieces of gear and wear like iron.
I'm from Wisconsin and tried making a trip out to Leadville last December when I visited my friend in Denver. I dropped my friend off at work at 5am, then figured I'd take his car to Leadville and get there just in time to get a coffee and head back. I got about halfway there just to learn that my friend got off of work super early (6am) so I had to turn around and pick him up. Plans changed and I never made it to Leadville, but I did get to drive back into Denver as the sun was rising, making it a very pretty morning. Leadville is officially on my bucket list now! I'm glad you have such fond memories of this allegedly wonderful place.
I hope when you do make it out there Leadville doesn’t disappoint. I love it but it’s not for everyone. Thanks for watching!
1000% worth the hype. My Brother in law took me through Leadville on the way to Salida. He made me buy one without ever hearing of the company. I’m so glad he did. After I flew back home I made him go back to the store and buy a second one for me and get one for my wife.
I wanted one but could not get one since I live on the East Coast. I now have 2 hoodies and a quarter zip fleece from Fayettechill and I love them! They are slightly more expensive, but much easier to actually just order them and get them. They are a great company and highly recommend!
Lots of people are telling me about Fayettechill. Seems to be the number one alternative to Melanzana. I'm glad you like it. I may need to check them out. Thanks for watching!
I still love my 100% alpaca hoodie from Appalachian gear company. It’s holding up well, all natural no stink fiber, and it’s a great light weight mid layer option. They are limited supply because it’s a small business, but do sell them online. Greatest part is not washing it all the time and long the lifespan.
East Coast? Check out Burgeon in Lincoln NH. Same fabric as a Melly and you don't have to have an appointment.
I prefer either the Appalachian Gear Alpaca hoodie or the Alpha Polartec hoodie. They both dissipate heat very well but with a wind or rain jacket over them insulate very well. The Polartec hoodie comes in under 5oz.
Thank you for this video. My friend has an appointment this weekend and I agreed to go along with her for company on the long drive over the divide. I already have a couple mid layers, so I wasn't gonna be the +1for her appointment. But after seeing this, particularly the description of how they treat their employees and their town, I will happily buy and proudly wear as many of their items as they'll let me.
They are an amazing company. I was there the week of Christmas and learned they went to the appointment system because people were lined up before they opened and they would sell out of stock within hours. The appointment is to help people like you and your friend have a fighting chance at getting what you want. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine!
@@MyLifeOutdoors why not expand operations like most businesses do? If they're going to keep supply low, then they should jack the price up to $350 and weed down the demand curve a bit. It's called Economics 101. Otherwise, if they want to be a small mom & pop shop, turn off the website and force people to travel there on their own without the lottery and appointment mumbo jumbo. Seems like something Ferrari or Gucci would do to their customers...games.
@@MikeycatOutdoors Except how do you expand human beings? This is inevitably the path that leads to outsourced manufacturing that, as you yourself said, most businesses do. Scaling up this type of operation is very difficult and incredibly expensive ... so, shops will leverage existing facilities and labor forces = outsourced. It's really hard to expand *and* maintain the expertise, hand-made quality.
Just bought a Highlander Hoodie from a small company near me, Burgeon Outdoor, in Lincoln, NH. A great alternative to the Melly, if anyone is interested. They are $85, so not cheap, but a lot more available!
I’ve grown up in Colorado and spend my time in the mountains. Anyone who Is similair likely has a melly. It has become a signature of the community. They are 100% made in the USA as well. A must have.
your videos are really good !
Really really great review
Appointment only - this is beyond comprehension for a small town store they sure do give off LA vibes - I’m at the roadway inn in Leadville right now and this time last year you could just walk in -
And they had long lines and empty shelves many days.
I walked in at 530pm no appointment and at least for my size there was overstock I could pick from. But only 1 item from the rack, used or new overstock and unlimited for socks/hats
Sounds like I need to plan a trip close to Leadville!
Hey MyLifeOutdoors! Just subbed your channel to support a fellow CZcams vlogger and hiker out there. I always try to spread support and positivity to my fellow outdoor CZcamsrs whenever I can. We are a small but amazing community of like-minded people and it's so great meeting new people in this virtual YT world. I have a Melly after years of never getting chosen in the email lotteries. I found it on a small Facebook resale group and luckily didn't have to pay much more than retail. Love it, but mine did shrink after washing. Still fits, just a little snug now. Looking forward to following along with your channel and watching more of your videos. ~RVA Hiker Girl~
How would you compare your Skygoat fleece to the Melanzana? I've seen you reference the Skygoat in other videos, but there isn't a dedicated review. Thanks.
The only folks who don’t think a Melly is worth it are also those that don’t have one. High quality, functional gear. I’ve been sporting Melanzana gear since damn near the beginning, ‘94 or so, and I live 10 minutes from the store - local professional river guide of 30+ years - I’ve had gear come and go, but still have every Melly I’ve ever owned! QUALITY.
I have 6 Melanzanas and love them all!!! Worth the price.
I have plans to get one when I visit a friend in CO and go hiking in the area (that and partake of the apparently fabulous crepe cart in one of the towns he says is to die for). I have really sensitive ear canals and the design of the hood alone for me makes it worth the hype.
Glad to hear this. Make sure you check with them before you go. Last I heard they were doing appointments only and there was such high demand appointments were booking up to a week in advance. I hope you get one.
Is this just a military grid fleece with a hoodie that goes for 30$ lol 😅
I love my Melly, I was fortunate enough to lottery into their online shop last year & I love it. That being said, there is another company that makes an almost identical product. The only difference is the hoody drawstring...and no, I'm not disclosing the company
Is it Fayettechill?
@@MyLifeOutdoors Burgeon Outdoors in NH. Better than the Fayettechill products for sure, my daughter has one of those.
Burgeon in Lincoln NH. No appointment needed.
If Leadville is your second home, then I have probably walked right by you at some point. Love the Leadville, Buena Vista, Monarch area. My last backpacking trip was up by Mount Yale and Browns Pass. I will have to get one of these hoodies. Not gonna lie, love the colors. Tired of boring outdoor gear colors.
Haha. Well next time say hi. I look just like the guy in this video. 😉
I bought a melanzana hoodie 20 years ago, still have it.
I tried to purchase one a couple years ago by calling them. At that time I was told they only seek in store. Now you have to set a appointment. I would like to own one but will not pay the eBay price. It’s cool if you have one.
Wish I had purchased a year before I first called.
Yes. They are making it difficult to get one and yet are not hurting for sales. Hope you manage to get one!
I really wonder how many companies exist that are like this one that never get to the type of supply/demand that this company has. It makes no sense to me why these trends start. As you said, there's nothing technical about why this hoodie is so popular. I personally think it's ugly and if you're going for the hippie look on trail....nailed it. If you want to buy into their mission, if they have a quality product, cool. But I've never bought into the low supply to create a high demand BS. This is one gear item that makes little to no sense to me. But, just my personal rant! Appreciate the honest review as always Steven! I remember you mentioning to me previously that you have a more personal connection living closer to the shop so that's great! Patagonia's headquarters is right near where I live and I own nothing from them. When it comes to gear, I look at quality, affordability and innovation. Not sure Patagucci has much of any of it. Great video!
I really don’t think the supply issue was intentional to produce demand. I read once they attempted to sell online years ago before they had the demand they do now but the hassle of shipping made it more trouble than it was worth. They haven’t asked for the demand and don’t seem to be exploiting it. They could easily start selling online, move manufacturing to China and probably make a killing, but they are content to be a local company selling locally. And I admire that.
@@MyLifeOutdoors all valid points. I get not wanting to expand and make more $ to keep the quality and craftsmanship more close the the chest. Whether intentional or not on the supply/demand that's how it is. This one in particular leaves me confused but if it's a high quality product sometimes that's all you need to blow up.
@@MyLifeOutdoors or they could expand their US operation in Leadville, or build another facility in the US to meet demand. Employing more American is “cool” too.
@@ChristopherMarshburn that’s true! But That’s kind of like saying if I work a second job I could have a cooler car. But if I’m happy with the car I have why do the extra work? I think they are happy with the way things are currently. It’s paying the bills so no need to make more money.
That said Leadville could probably use more jobs.
Dated yourself with that Tickle Me Elmo reference 😜👍 And, yes, I remember that, too.
It was longer ago than I remember. I said eBay but I’m not even sure eBay was around then 🤣
@@MyLifeOutdoors Ha! Good point. I do remember there were fights at the Toys R Us about it.
I have yet to buy a Melly! But I definitely do support cottage vendors and small towns around CO.
I think it’s a requirement for native coloradans. You might have missed the memo.
I haven’t seen a CT video in awhile. Hope everything is ok
@@MyLifeOutdoors All ok! I was finishing up Seg 16-28 since Aug 20 and just got back Labor Day so working on them now...if my Premiere Pro doesn't keep crashing on me!
Hi there ..
I'm a South African currently living in Switzerland, so a 'Mellie' for me is out of the question.
That said .. I have a micro grid 3/4 zip fleece top that I bought at least 10 .. 12 years back in South Africa. A 'K-Way' Cape Union Mart Outdoor Chain 'brand name' .. 'locally produced using imported fabrics' as the label says. Very reasonably priced and it has performed extremely well .. still one of my favourite tops. I very much favour, when my pocket allows, supporting locally-produced gear .. the closer to home, the better.
Incidentally, here in Der Schweiz, one can often identify South Africans (notwithstanding the Language and of course, Accent 😊), if they're wearing 'K-Way' Brand Gear .. Cape Union Mart being a popular 'must' before a European Winter Trip 😁.
Seriously, 'Branding / Marketing' has tended towards Overpriced Gear that often, does not perform any better than other 'not-so-cool' albeit cheaper Brands .. especially if the material used therein originates from the same source.
A useful post .. thanks .. and all strength and success going forward for the little Company.
Take care ..
If they really wanted to do all you say, and not just want to make big bucks, they would have an online shop where you could buy their products at a reasonable price.
I actually spoke to them recently. They went to appointment only because they had a line out the door every morning and would sell out of a days worth of production in less than an hour. They thought it was unfair to anyone who was unable to arrive hours early and camp outside their door. If they wanted to make big bucks they could ramp up production and make a killing. It’s already selling for twice their asking price on eBay. But they are content with the staff and size they are. With this much demand online sales would be a nightmare without increased production. Once again they are content where they are. Everyone wants to hate but this company is resisting all pressure to change. Both from the public and economic. Thanks for watching
I wanted a Melly. I loved the style, they looked very cozy. So I planned a trip to Leadville a few years ago. I bought an assortment of items and enjoyed the small town and all it had to offer as I was basecamping close by. Totally worth it, and a lifetime of great memories to boot.
If it wasn’t so expensive with no way to make a living I would move there tomorrow. I love that town! And they are soooo cozy! Thanks for watching.
My wife and I made a special point to stop in Leadville on our annual road trip this year. We each picked up a hoodie. It's a very strange shopping experience to say the least.
Small sales floor, at most 300 sq. ft., and we made our appointments 3 months earlier. Glad we did. Inventory was a bit low, caps were out for adults, but even on a Saturday, there were people sewing new items.
I guess i thought they were merino wool. Learning they are fleece ill look for something else.
I don’t have one and the jury is still out for me. I haven’t been to Leadville in some time, but I have a buddy who goes there pretty often. I might ask him to grab one for me next time he’s there!
Just make sure he knows it’s sales by appointment only during Covid.
A significant part of the backpacking community, especially the UL community, including the long distant community, is cultish. Whatever it is, whatever the cost, this group will buy it just to prove they are worthy. The Melly is made of the exact same fabric as plenty of others, and quite honestly, there are better designs, like those which actually ventilate the neck. There are plenty of other companies who champion environmental causes too. But, the Melly is what the cool kids want right now. So is it worth it - definitely not, but that won’t mean it won’t still fly off the shelves because if people can’t compare themselves to others, they might actually find there are better things to worry about.
I love Leadville!!! Hoping to go back soon! are there any comparable products that are worth it? I'm a big boy and need 2xl to 3xl sizes!!
The Melanzana hoodies go up to 2XL and run a tad large. So if you are in between 2-3X it might just work out for you. I should have mentioned this in the video but they are selling by appointment only right now due to the pandemic.
Steven.... He wore Melanzana before it was cool...... Haha! I think they just look sharp. But I haven't been to Leadville and don't suspect I'll be anywhere close for quite some time. And I'm like you, even if ebay cost wasn't an issue (which it is), I wouldn't order it online in principle alone.
You joke but I was caught by surprise when I found out they were cool. I was like, who had heard of Leadville?
We want to get a couple so bad. Hoping they go back to selling off shelf one day so we can pick some up. Their current appointment only arrangement makes it rather difficult for us to get one.
Yes. They don’t make it easy. More proof they are not interested in economic gain. They are all about local gear.
@@MyLifeOutdoors Or just playing hard to get.
I don't own a Melly, but I've heard the legends! I will be driving east from Utah soon and it looks like a stop in Leadville will only cost me an additional hour... I think I will have to stop and check out the store!
I didn’t mention this in the video but they are doing appointment only during the pandemic and I think they are booked up to a week out. Crazy I know. Just FYI before you go out of your way.
@@MyLifeOutdoors Ooh! Good to know! I wont be driving that way for a few weeks at least, but I will set a reminder to call a few weeks before once I have a day nailed down! I'm glad you mentioned it!
@@DoseofDirt be sure to eat at High Mountain Pies. Best pizza I’ve ever had.
@@MyLifeOutdoors Done and done! Thanks for the tip!
@@DoseofDirt They are only accepting appointments in person. You'd have to stop in, make an appointment for 3+ days out then return.
6 am, coffee on a hill, in my melly with my partner in theirs and doggo. Doesn’t get better than that.
Agreed. Except I don’t drink coffee 😬.
I think it’s cool to support a small business, manufacturing on a small scale in the US. Just a note, the average Fortune 500 CEO makes 2,000 times more than than the lowest paid employees at the company.
I ordered my 2nd Redhead grid fleece quarter zip from Cabelas for...wait for it...15 dollars! And I purchased it ONLINE. Wow! What an amazing 21st century concept.
You don’t have to go to Leadville. If you sign up on their website and enter their lottery, you can win the right to place an order for two items. I got myself and husband our hoodies that way👍
I believe they have stopped the lottery. They are now doing in person appointments only. You have to book in person a week or more in advance and then come back to shop in person. Still a limit of two items. Not the easiest place to shop.
@@MyLifeOutdoors just checked their website and you’re right. Guess I just made it in. I think reopening after COVID must have been the reason. Sounds like they were swamped with orders and couldn’t keep up. I like my hoodie but I found a pretty comparable men’s one at Old Navy Clearance for $12!! Didn’t have pockets but for the price I bought two for family members that backpack. I wouldn’t feel bad if someone can’t get a mellanzana, Fayettechill makes a pretty killer hoodie.
The past 2 years we've driven from SC to CA passing through CO. Unfortunately, the Melanzana store was closed due to Covid. Lucky for me I won the opportunity twice to purchase online. 3 for me 2 for my husband and one I sold. LOVE, LOVE LOVE
Hate hate hate hate HATE any pull over; I like a full-zip fleece. Thus I just can't jump on the Melly train. Fortunately there are plenty of options that are just as nice and affordable that suit my needs. I value a chest/Napolean pocket much more than a kangaroo pocket. I much prefer my Patagonia R1 Air hoody. I wish the chest pocket was a bit bigger and that it had thumb holes, but other than that it's great.
But to your point about small companies that value their employees, I like that ethic. I buy local and from cottage companies as much as is reasonable. I am not willing to travel to Leadville, Co from the Olympic Peninsula to buy almost anything. Out of principle I would not pay "scalpers" prices on Ebay for the Melly, even if I loved it.
Its worth the hype when you have one....but wear with care...there is no special color combo or tagging that separates you from the D-bag that spent a ridiculous amount for a black market Melly. I have never been to Colorado (because our mountains are better in Ca) and while I may be a D-bag for other reasons, I payed 60 bucks..or whatever it last was ONLINE!
While so many struggled with covid one of the silver linings was that Melinzana held an online lottery during 2020. I forgot about it and then won it some time in May I think. It was soooo much fun because it was the exact soup nazi experience from Seinfeld. One entry or we will see and you're out! pick from this pile not that one or you're out, There was just a silly list of rules and regs to enter but I'm sure it helped the store employees as well as the lucky who won a chance to shop. And I would say its worth the hype simply because I'm not aware of another brand using this fleece. It's thin, light, and extremely comfortable. One drawback is that it's still bulky in a pack. A fun success story for sure
The mountains are better in CA than CO? Are you sure about that? 😎
They are nice but my patagonia r1 hoodie is great and I didn't have to drive to Colorado to get it or over pay by hundreds of dollars. Would I like have one yes but till I can order one keep it. It's not worth the hype at all.
Oh, and while I still stand by my mountains comment...I couldn't even bring myself to completely write the full CA word....so yeah you gotta put up with that.
Merino wool gridfleece by Ortovox for me.
Patagonia R1 is better. Guess I’ll never be an influencer.
It sucks for the company bc it means they could sell 3-4x s much based on what ppl are willing to pay online
That is a useful fleece. Not for me, as I hate pullovers. I have a 3/4 zip one that I can use in that manner. I do like the reasoning behind the company, I guess they are now successful enough that their gear is a prestige thing.
Oh I love pullovers. I live in them in the winter.
They reached out to me and thanked me for this video. I asked if I could do a shop tour and they said “No Thank you. We try to keep a low profile.” 🤷🏼♂️ They obviously don’t need the publicity.
@@MyLifeOutdoors I am glad these small local companies keep a quiet profile.
I have 4 mellys thanks to my long time friend of about 25 years now who lives in Leadville telling me I should get one. She even gave me one for my 40th birthday. Two I purchased locally and two were purchased through a lottery opportunity, one of those went to my buddy in Boston. Just last month we went to BWCA and he didn't bring it because he didn't want to ruin it haha, I wear mine hard and I always have a reason to go back to Leadville. Another friend from my area owns Western Hardware in Leadville.
I live in Chicagoland and have only seen one in the wild, at a local bar actually ha
I have a melanzana hoodie for a few years. It's comfortable other than the hood, even down it kinda like a big scarf around your neck in the front. I wore it about 20 times in 4 years. I completely stopped wearing it when it became so trendy. I absolutely cringe when I hear someone say it's a melly, so unbelievably pretentious, like a bmw being a beamer. I had to stop wearing it. All and all it's not a bad fleece just not for me.
That’s how I felt when North Face became trendy. I stopped wearing it and even bought a South Butt Shirt. But I was authentically surprised when I found out Melanzana was trendy. I love mine and Leadville too much to ditch them. And I don’t mind “Melly” but I do still say the whole name. Thanks for watching.
Wow, did not know any cloths were made in USA anymore. I thought they passed a law that cloths sold in USA had to be made by 4 year olds in 3rd world countries for 20cent a day in crumbling concrete buildings getting yelled at while wafts of smoke billow in the air.
Cool
I would love to buy one but greedy pricks who own 5 of them have stuffed it for everyone!!
Definitely NOT worth the hype. It's like someone paying $120 for a pair of jeans just for the name. Nothing significantly better in terms of quality or innovation. NOT worth it. Add in the pomposity of those who sell them with those who brag about owning one, and it's like someone bragging about owning a Mercedes. (Reminds me of a Lady Gaga lyric..."freak out freak out freak out...look at me!"). The crazy soup nazi rules about the lottery and all the stupid hoops to jump through just to get one...insanity at its finest. In five years, when you can get a cheap knockoff at JC Penney, no one will care as much about a smelly melly. It's like college kids bragging about their North Face coats or 14 yr olds bragging about some special elusive brand of ski goggle that only people in one town know about and if you dare own a common brand, OMG...laugh at that commoner. It just feels @$$inine. And you know it's most likely a bunch of locals and workers probably walking into the store, buying up a hoody every other day, and reselling/scalping it on eBay for 3x the cost...just like the folks who snag up PlayStation's on Black Friday and resell them for 3x the cost....jerks.
I like my Patagonia R1, my Fayettechill Livingston, and my Redhead grid fleece just as well. The bonus is, I can buy them online like most normal stores operate in the 21st century, and no stupid hoops to jump through just to get one. No cliquish BS to deal with. That's my two cents. Melanzana can suck it.
PS: I'm getting a 2nd inexpensive Redhead pullover grid fleece from Cabelas for...wait for it....15 dollars! And I could purchase it online. Wow! What a 21st century concept?
I have sent you an Email, please check it.
Americans do American things, that's rare.
Putting this much stock into a fleece hoodie honestly is hipster nonsense haha. It’s not worth any fucking hype….sorry.
The colors look gay. I don't buy clothes to be cool or be in a cool exclusive club. I wouldn't join a club that would have me lol. Hey how about reviewing some survival kits that are affordable to the the masses and improving them based on your experience?