Another option is Superior Fleece, which has a shop on Etsy. No drawstring for the hood and no pockets, but the trade off is they are very lightweight.
New subscriber. Really appreciate the effort and content. There is almost no greater truth for regular backpackers than we start rethinking gear choices after the last hike and just needed to meet someone who said "You could buy THAT but I did already and you don't really want it."
A new Melazana knock-off is Sky Goat. The main difference is the hood- it doesn't have a drawstring. But it does have a kangaroo pocket, which is most important!
I just got one of these because melanzana don’t post to the UK and I’m quite impressed, but I think that’s because I’m 6 foot 3 and the size large sleeves fit me fine. I think if you are a bean pole like me go for it. I also own the peloton 97 that I saw on Jupiter hikes. It’s basically a barely insulated t-shirt compared to the light heart gear fleece which makes the use case different seasonally. I would highly recommend their rain gear too.
I love fleece! It is nice and warm, and it is the clothing equivalent of comfort food. However, it's a fabric made out of plastic. I'm not spending a lot of money on a fleece garment. I'm just not. It's like spending $27.50 on a grilled cheese sandwich. Of course, you're free to spend your money however you like. I won't spend $100 on a bottle of vodka either, but there is plenty of people who do. I guess we all place different values on different things.
@@wio2189 good to know it’s not about the Company! Yeah, the “hype” gets old, but sometimes it’s justified coming from those who wear it regularly to actually hike and bag peaks and not trying to get some strange snatch at Whole Foods. It is a great product and piece of gear. Just hate all the trashing from those just to talk trash.
@@megaosfan It's technical capabilities are limited though. It's a one season fleece for most people, way too hot as an active layer in all but winter conditions. And it weighs 12 oz, two thirds the weight of my 30F quilt. It's from Polartec, they sell to many other companies. I get hype for technical capabilities but the Melly is fashion. Good for them though.
Interesting. I just looked at their online store. Have they made ANY changes in the couple of years since you posted this? Good review. I got Fayettchill hoodies for myself and my wife. We like them, but we're still open to some alternatives.
Hey. I'm a big fan and personally you're the best of the best reviewer on UA-cam. Getting to the point, have your heard and tried the Senchi Designs Hoodie? These hoodies uses Polartec® Alpha® Direct insulation which they say is a better active insulation. What's your opinion on these hoodies?
@@Bungzy I was skeptical as well until I got my first one. As an active top, I wore it as a standalone piece on a 15 mile day in 19 degrees. When I stopped, I threw a rain jacket on, but had to take it right back off when I got moving again. I actually got a senchi light to check it out and it is impressive as well. It would probably be best served with a sun shirt on top while moving, but still great.
Have you caught wind of Superior Fleece on Etsy? They sell for $60 but don't have a kangaroo pocket. Still- they seem to be gaining attention. I really love my KUIU Peloton 97 hooded fleece. I'm warm blooded and while the Peloton is a bit lighter, it's perfect for my thermoregulation.
To bad about the sleeve. I'm happy with my Fayetteville Livingston that you reviewed earlier. I do wish the kangaroo pouch did not go all the way to the hem.
Female perspective! I recently ordered the LG hoodie, size M. I’m 5’2 and 130. Definitely could have gone down to a S. It’s not so much the roominess that bugs me, more so the length. It’s very long in the waist and sleeves, so I feel like I look like a little kid & it’s not extremely flattering. I thought I would love the thumb holes for extra hand warmth, but they’re kind of a nuisance/let cold air up the sleeves. Overall, it’s nice. I wear it often, but should have gotten a small!
Could you comment on overall performance...is it super warm for fall/winter layers, just warm enough, thin and only appropriate for summer camping? Thanks very much! 🏔
I'm curious how the microgrid fleece from Decathlon would compare. Mine has no hood or pockets but costs $20.00. I have no melly to compare it to, but this is my goto for backpacking. Did I mention it was $20.00. I got mine on sale for $10.00.
Yes!!! Exactly. Wool has better thermal properties, is warm when wet and doesn't develop that god awful smell that fleece does.Fleece is heavy and the wind cuts right thru it.
Not much of a winner in this jumper. Maybe the cuffs are meant to be folded back when not using the thumb wholes. I'm super happy with my macpac nitro we can get in Au. It our version.
I can understand if you prefer to buy from small cottage gear companies and be one of the 'cool' hikers, but the Arcteryx Delta fleece exists in a a variety of forms and is widely available. The patagonia R1 is the same. I don't really understand why everyone wants a Melanzana or a knock-off, other than the fact that having one is a good way to flex.
Same... I never attempted to buy another fleece since I have the R1. It’s a great piece for cold weather. Plus, besides functionality, it looks 10 times better than the Melly IMO unless you’re going for the hiker trash look.
Arcteryx is at the high end of pricing for most anything. Personally, I don't care for Patagonia products as they just don't last in my experience. Seems to me if you don't have one, then your opinion is slightly less than valid.
30 year old Patagonia fleeces are selling $100-600 on Ebay, and cost more than $105 new. The Fayetechill Reed pants are $89 made from Polartec Powergrid and have similar performance to the more expensive R1 Pants.
Another option is Superior Fleece, which has a shop on Etsy. No drawstring for the hood and no pockets, but the trade off is they are very lightweight.
New subscriber. Really appreciate the effort and content. There is almost no greater truth for regular backpackers than we start rethinking gear choices after the last hike and just needed to meet someone who said "You could buy THAT but I did already and you don't really want it."
I took your Fayettechill recommendation and super pleased with it. It is a bit heavier than my Mellie and is my cold weather option. Thanks!!!
A new Melazana knock-off is Sky Goat. The main difference is the hood- it doesn't have a drawstring. But it does have a kangaroo pocket, which is most important!
the Fayettechill is top notch!
I just got one of these because melanzana don’t post to the UK and I’m quite impressed, but I think that’s because I’m 6 foot 3 and the size large sleeves fit me fine. I think if you are a bean pole like me go for it.
I also own the peloton 97 that I saw on Jupiter hikes. It’s basically a barely insulated t-shirt compared to the light heart gear fleece which makes the use case different seasonally.
I would highly recommend their rain gear too.
I love fleece! It is nice and warm, and it is the clothing equivalent of comfort food. However, it's a fabric made out of plastic. I'm not spending a lot of money on a fleece garment. I'm just not. It's like spending $27.50 on a grilled cheese sandwich. Of course, you're free to spend your money however you like. I won't spend $100 on a bottle of vodka either, but there is plenty of people who do. I guess we all place different values on different things.
I was curious if you had a look at the Kuiu Pelaton 97
Thanks Bungzy! You can buy Mellys now, there’s a lottery. I’ve been sent a “buy” link twice and was able to grab a few.
There's been a lottery for many many months now. ANd lucky you... lotto is one per household, so way to skirt the system.
I like my light heart gear hoodie, but I had to have the big ugly cuffs trimmed down and hemmed . I thought they looked ridiculous.
You had me (reconsider) at the cuff!
Melly has an online lottery to buy on their website. Signed up a couple weeks ago and got picked the following week. Really enjoying my fleece!
Congrats on winning the privilege to pay them money. ;-)
@@wio2189 sounding salty. LOL
@@megaosfan Not salty with the company but a little with people hyping a fleece for fashion creds.
@@wio2189 good to know it’s not about the Company! Yeah, the “hype” gets old, but sometimes it’s justified coming from those who wear it regularly to actually hike and bag peaks and not trying to get some strange snatch at Whole Foods. It is a great product and piece of gear. Just hate all the trashing from those just to talk trash.
@@megaosfan It's technical capabilities are limited though. It's a one season fleece for most people, way too hot as an active layer in all but winter conditions. And it weighs 12 oz, two thirds the weight of my 30F quilt. It's from Polartec, they sell to many other companies. I get hype for technical capabilities but the Melly is fashion.
Good for them though.
Interesting. I just looked at their online store. Have they made ANY changes in the couple of years since you posted this? Good review. I got Fayettchill hoodies for myself and my wife. We like them, but we're still open to some alternatives.
Hey. I'm a big fan and personally you're the best of the best reviewer on UA-cam. Getting to the point, have your heard and tried the Senchi Designs Hoodie? These hoodies uses Polartec® Alpha® Direct insulation which they say is a better active insulation. What's your opinion on these hoodies?
@@Bungzy I was skeptical as well until I got my first one. As an active top, I wore it as a standalone piece on a 15 mile day in 19 degrees. When I stopped, I threw a rain jacket on, but had to take it right back off when I got moving again. I actually got a senchi light to check it out and it is impressive as well. It would probably be best served with a sun shirt on top while moving, but still great.
@@tannerchaney1468 @bungzy’s ultralight Macpac Nitro is another polatec alpha direct pullover. Blue Boy has a good review on.
@@anywhereroam9698 even harder to get in the US then the Melly!! LOL
I have the Lightheart gear hoodie, and it is so comfy and warm. I'll definitely be purchasing a second one soon.
I got mine in September 2021 and the cord for the hood is pn the side and the sleeve cuff isnt baggy☺
Would a medium be a better fit. Might fit more snug the shorter sleeves.
Have you caught wind of Superior Fleece on Etsy? They sell for $60 but don't have a kangaroo pocket. Still- they seem to be gaining attention. I really love my KUIU Peloton 97 hooded fleece. I'm warm blooded and while the Peloton is a bit lighter, it's perfect for my thermoregulation.
To bad about the sleeve. I'm happy with my Fayetteville Livingston that you reviewed earlier. I do wish the kangaroo pouch did not go all the way to the hem.
Love my Patagonia R1 full zip hoodie.
another great vid...keep em coming
Female perspective! I recently ordered the LG hoodie, size M. I’m 5’2 and 130. Definitely could have gone down to a S. It’s not so much the roominess that bugs me, more so the length. It’s very long in the waist and sleeves, so I feel like I look like a little kid & it’s not extremely flattering. I thought I would love the thumb holes for extra hand warmth, but they’re kind of a nuisance/let cold air up the sleeves. Overall, it’s nice. I wear it often, but should have gotten a small!
The only problem with me and fleece is that as a pet owner, I get covered in dog hair (filaments of divine love 😊) plus too heavy.
What do you get instead that performs better warmth/weight?
Could you comment on overall performance...is it super warm for fall/winter layers, just warm enough, thin and only appropriate for summer camping? Thanks very much! 🏔
I'm curious how the microgrid fleece from Decathlon would compare. Mine has no hood or pockets but costs $20.00. I have no melly to compare it to, but this is my goto for backpacking. Did I mention it was $20.00. I got mine on sale for $10.00.
Melanzana could just raise their prices. Do they not understand market forces and price discovery?
Nice alternative but can't deal with the oversize hoodie.
Any shrinkage with laundry? Is it still as fluffy?
Excellent review!
Kangaroo pockets > wheel
I'm pretty happy with my aptin hoody. I would use this one if I didn't have that one.
Ive got the same one! Love it! And love this company
just get a medium on the melly XD?
Nobody does it like Melanzana! The LHG hood and sleeves are ridiculous. Nice try though. Thanks for the video 👍
Nice review. Those cuffs look like 2 oars.
I was gonna get a melly and they skild out like 2 months later...lol....then an app gear one .then they sold out....I give up 😄😄😉😉😉
For that price you can get a great wool pullover 🤷♂️ not to mention all the micro plastic these things are putting into the environment
Yes!!! Exactly. Wool has better thermal properties, is warm when wet and doesn't develop that god awful smell that fleece does.Fleece is heavy and the wind cuts right thru it.
Not much of a winner in this jumper. Maybe the cuffs are meant to be folded back when not using the thumb wholes. I'm super happy with my macpac nitro we can get in Au. It our version.
Macpac nitro is polatec alpha direct. A bit different material IIUC.
Hmmm, can't buy it now.
Yeah boyyyyyy
Lots of Melly jealousy on here...comical. Oh yes, and now there are Polartec Alpha products like from Senchi Designs at a similar pricepoint.
As a six foot four guy this sold me on the lhg fleece hoodie
I can understand if you prefer to buy from small cottage gear companies and be one of the 'cool' hikers, but the Arcteryx Delta fleece exists in a a variety of forms and is widely available. The patagonia R1 is the same. I don't really understand why everyone wants a Melanzana or a knock-off, other than the fact that having one is a good way to flex.
Same... I never attempted to buy another fleece since I have the R1. It’s a great piece for cold weather. Plus, besides functionality, it looks 10 times better than the Melly IMO unless you’re going for the hiker trash look.
Arcteryx is at the high end of pricing for most anything. Personally, I don't care for Patagonia products as they just don't last in my experience. Seems to me if you don't have one, then your opinion is slightly less than valid.
$105 with shipping? It’s just a fleece pullover. I’m wearing a 30 year old Patagonia fleece right now. I’ll pass.
30 year old Patagonia fleeces are selling $100-600 on Ebay, and cost more than $105 new. The Fayetechill Reed pants are $89 made from Polartec Powergrid and have similar performance to the more expensive R1 Pants.
@@wideopenthrottl I paid too much for the fleece but that was thirty years ago.