Forget the wheel and sliced bread, and move over Flowbee (what’s a Flowbee? Check the video at the bottom of the post).  Powerbag has upped the ante and pushed all its chips to the center of the table with a stylish messenger bag that combines the history of everyday luggage with a future of utilitarian pragmatism.   It’s creators have made a quantum leap forward towards a more significant science fiction reality world.  We can now carry our portable electronic devices with no fear of running out of power.  We all know that the average battery life of many smartphones is around two webex seminars, nine YouTube music videos, or one pertinent conversation with our spouse about whether to pick up Chinese takeout, or meet them at the food court.  Never fear, the Powerbag Messenger’s 6000mAh battery can charge the average smartphone 4 times.

I recently used the bag as a carry-on for a trip to San Antonio.  It has excellent pockets of varying sizes that will hold all kinds of paraphernalia in its place, even during the shifting that can take place during any normal flight.  I wish I would have realized that the bag has a checkpoint-friendly fly flat design that will allow you to not have to remove your Macbook from its safe, secure and comfy location so that it won’t be slammed against the frozen fish fillets that are headed to gate B7, and the waiting area where you will spend most of the rest of your life as the thunderstorms keep your flight on the ground in Dallas.

It has been designed to slip over the extended arm of rolling luggage and will not be easily lost in the busy hubbub of the modern airport with less flights and more congestion.  It even has a pocket on the flap that is the perfect size for boarding passes and the everpresent gum needed for a more enjoyable flight and keeps it all easily accessible.  There is also a hidden pocket that I did not find until much later.  There is no telling what contraband you might be able to hide in that little space behind the flap pocket.  Some of the pockets are replete with a felt-like lining to protect your valuable screens and devices, and the bag is hardwired for Android and Apple, as well as anything else that can be charged by using a USB port.

There is, however, one design flaw with the messenger bag.  It clasps closed underneath the flap.  It is frustrating to have to twist and contort your hand just right to squeeze the clasp to open or close the bag.  It would have been no big deal if there was velcro in place that would keep the bag closed, but there is no velcro closure for this bag.  It must be clasped shut to be carried by its briefcase handle and still protect your contents.

This is a very small inconvenience, however, in the light of the benefits of such a bag, but I would suggest that you purchase a Powerbag backpack and forgo that little design flaw.  These are great bags, and there is nothing like charging your phone while you walk along the riverwalk, waiting for that next opportunity to talk to your lovely bride, or check the Amazon and EBay prices on luchador masks.

If the messenger bag style isn’t your thing, check out our reviews of their backpack HERE.

Pros: its charging capabilities, the fly flat design for TSA checkpoints, and its excellent size, versatility and sleek design.

Cons: the clasp design under the flap.

MVM score: 4.3/5

As promised, the Flowbee!

As you have undoubtedly noticed (at least our faithful readers anyways) our posts this summer have been less than regular.  This is mostly due to the fact that, between Matt and myself, we have been away for a combined month and a half.  But our summers have come to a close and things are getting back to normal.  Now, during this time abroad, I had the opportunity to dine out at a variety of different restaurants for the majority of my meals.  During this time I observed many different situations and scenarios and I feel a discourse is needed on the art of dining out.  So, my long lost friends, let’s begin.

Before we jump in, I want to establish some parameters. We are all aware that “dining out” is a very broad term.  For the sake of this post, I am going to divide the dining scenarios into two categories: With Kids and Without Kids.  As you may or may not know, I am not yet a father so I am not one to offer advice on how to control your little wildlings in a restaurant environment.  Matt, on the other hand, is the father of two adorable little bundles of joy and has experience in this department.  So, as we pool our knowledge, wisdom, and experience (ok, so it’s probably only enough to fill one of those little kiddie pools you buy at Walmart, but it’s something) we bring you “Man Rules: Restaurant Dining.”

Section One: Dining Without Kids

I could write an entire post about what is wrong with this picture. Mostly: WHAT IS SHE WEARING?!

Ah the peace and tranquility that is dining out without kids.  That is until the little nose-picker in the booth behind you starts throwing a fit and screaming it’s adorable (and snot covered) little head off.

Rule #1: Treat the Restaurant Staff with Respect

I can’t help but feel this shouldn’t even need to be a rule. Sadly, I see many people at restaurants walk in and immediately start treating the wait staff as second hand citizens.  I have found that 9 times out of 10, the first impression you give to your waiter will directly affect the remainder of your visit.  This will also affect how other people in your party interact with you.  If you are on a date, don’t try to impress your significant other by acting rudely to the wait staff.  That doesn’t make you look macho, it makes you look like a jerk. And no one likes a guys who is a jerk. Except maybe girl jerks.

Rule #2: Tip Well

Ok, I know this is a bit of a hot topic for some people and a lot of folks have very differing opinions on tipping.  All I want to communicate is what I believe to be common courtesy.  Don’t jump down my throat if you don’t agree. Thank you. That being said, I believe the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM YOU SHOULD TIP IS 15%. Now, if your service is so terrible that tipping 15% seems out of the question, then you have a responsibility (and right) to inform the manager and let them deal with the situation. Please don’t take it upon yourself to lecture the waiter/waitress involved about how they should be doing their job. You probably wouldn’t like it if someone came into your place of employment and starting hammering you about how you are incompetent and unable to perform a simple task (by the way, waiting tables is not a simple task), so don’t do it to someone else.

On the flip side, if your service is beyond what is expected, tip accordingly.  I have a checklist that I keep in mind throughout the dining experience that determines if the staff will be tipped more than the measly 15%. Things like keeping my glass filled, clearing the table as dishes are finished, bringing the check quickly, etc.

Rule #3: Don’t Displace Frustration

So, sometimes I think people don’t understand what waiters/waitresses do. I can’t even count how many times I have overheard someone yelling at their waiter because their food was not cooked to their exacting standards. Please remember WAITERS DO NOT COOK FOOD. So when your steak that you ordered medium-well with sautéed onions but no mushrooms and only a little pepper and seasoning with the fat already cut off and an umbrella stuck in it because you feel exotic today doesn’t come with the right colored umbrella, DON’T YELL AT THE WAITER.

Basically fellas, just remember your manners. Oh, and make sure your girl sits first, but that another post for another day.

Section Two: Dining With Kids

Ah children. So cute, so fun, so smelly, so covered in snot (seriously, how do heads and noses that small contain that much snot.  I will never understand). Dining out with children is a completely different and foreign experience to me. So I have deferred to Matt for insight on some rules for the situation.

Rule #1: Order the kids food first and ask that it be brought out as soon as it is ready.

Kids are terrible eaters. Seriously, have you ever watched a two year old try to eat?  It’s disgusting. AND IT TAKES FOREVER! So, to help with the time crunch and the low patience levels of children, order their food first and ask that it be brought out as soon as it is ready. This helps keep the peace with the kiddos and may actually mean they eat before they start serving breakfast the next day.

Rule #2: Don’t fill kids cups all the way.

Kids spill stuff. ALL THE TIME. I don’t know if I have ever been at a table eating with kids where something wasn’t spilled. To help with this, ask the waiter not to fill their cups all the way.  If they have kids cups with lids, even better.

Rule #3: LOTS OF NAPKINS

Kids are messy, “spilly,” snot factories that completely destroy table settings in a matter of moments. Ask your waiter to being extra napkins from the start in order to help combat the wrecking balls that are your children.

Now, for the sake of time and your eyeballs, we are going to close this post here.  There are many more rules I would like to discuss, but I think we will save those for another time.  But we would love to hear from you, our readers, about what you think we should include in our next Man Rules post. What are those things we have unspoken rules about that maybe it’s time they were spoken? Let’s hear it!

Cheers!

Tim.

Apple products are made to look sleek and modern and awesome, yet we spend exorbitant amounts of money covering them up with everything we can find.  I mean, a lot of time and money went into their design but we cover them with bulky cases and ridiculousness.   That is the source of the inherent awesomeness of the Rickshaw iPad sleeve: not only do you get something to protect your iPad in transit, but you get to take that iPad out and let it breathe in all it’s glory.

The inside of the case is the kind of place dreams are born.  Not even kidding, I would drape myself in it and take a nap, everyday, if it were readily available and socially acceptable. Often I find myself feeling the inside for an inappropriate amount of time.  It even cleans my screen a little on it’s way in and out of the case.  It’s soft and helpful.  It looks good (you can pick out the colors, no big deal) and it doesn’t make your iPad feel bulky.

So take your iPad out of it’s bulky contraption of a case and slip it into something more comfortable.  Use the code: DILLEYDISCOUNT to get 10% off your purchase!

PRO:
-THE AMAZING INTERIOR
-Protective
-Reasonably Priced
-Fits all iPads

CON:
-You don’t have one yet.

because they can eventually take over, and she is concerned what might happen if they developed a mind of their own and decided to revolt against their storage areas.

Courierware offers a wide variety of color options to fit any style

Society has made one giant leap toward the perfect bag.  Courierware provides ready made, as well as custom made bags for a variety of uses.  The company was developed by Boston couriers who had to weave their way through traffic in all kinds of weather and make deliveries that were timely and dry.  The owners still do a lot of the work themselves, and these bags are really made in the USA.  If you call their toll free number, you will talk to Eric or Diana, and they will oversee the production of your bag.  They guarantee their workmanship, and you can even trade in and up for a newer design.

Danny, our new contributor and author of this post, looking sharp with the Courierware 25th Anniversary Courier Bag

For this review, we had the great privilege of checking out their small 25th Anniversary Courier Bag. The “small” sized bag is small only in size.  It is maximum in every other way.  It is made from a durable nylon fabric that is waterproof and the areas that are stitched have been doublestitched for added shelter from the storm for all your contents.  The bag velcros shut, but also has buckles to ensure no loss of contents.  The adjustable strap has a quick release metal buckle and is durable as well.  Under the flap, there are 2 separate pockets that have one continuous zipper.  I really like that idea because it makes things twice as easy to find.  The interior compartment has 3 pouch-like pockets along the front and an almost top secret pocket along the back wall for all your dossiers that you have to keep hidden at the border.  There is also a caribeener in the corner of the bag for all of us ADD users that can never find our keys.

The “007 Concealed Dossier Pocket” in all it’s glory

There are also amazing accessories like the 13.3 inch macbook sleeve and the camera bag insert.  These accessories are heavy duty and will protect your valuables in almost any situation that you might find yourself, including bump and run coverage, as well as man to man.

Here you can see the removable laptop sleeve as well as the 3 front interior pockets

This bag is high quality craftsmanship that wears like an extra appendage and will serve you well on the crowded, traffic-laden streets, or on the dreaded cross-campus hike to the Chemlab.

With quality like this and a company committed to its consumers, this bag is a can’t miss option for “baggies”, as well as newbies.  Carry on.

Pros:

• its bevy of pockets (including the 007 Dossier Pocket)
• the magnificent accessories
• a company worthy of support
• lifetime guarantee and the opportunity to trade-in and trade-up.  (Used bags are also available)

Cons:

• might not be flashy enough for some consumers
• its size will not allow for it to be used as a suitcase (which makes sense, since it wasn’t meant to be), except in cases of emergency.

MVM score: 4.97/5.0

That event? The day Dad brought home the latest (and definitely biggest) Rand McNally USA Road Map.  I can still remember Dad sitting in the living room looking over the map, figuring out the best routes, best cities to stop, and things to see along the way to wherever it was we were going.

I like to think these guys are mapping out their route for their big trip to Vegas

This is something that has been lost over the years.  Think about it: when was the last time you looked at a map that wasn’t on a screen? When was the last time you planned to go somewhere you hadn’t been before and, instead of just typing in an address or destination into your GPS/Smartphone/Computer, you actually pulled out a map, got a highlighter and started marking out your route? For the vast majority of us, I am going to guess it has been AGES.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am probably the worst offender in this category.  I not only have a Garmin GPS, but an iPhone and a laptop and an iPad and all of them are perfectly capable of telling me where I am at any moment and how to get to just about any place I could ever dream of going. But what is the true cost of this luxury? Is it really any surprise that geography scores among High School seniors have been declining since 1994?

Maps and atlases are definitely on the decline, and I want to make a plea for them. I think there are some major benefits to having a real map and/or atlas around, but for the sake of time, let’s just take a look at what I consider to be the top three.

1. When electronics fail, you need to have a working knowledge of how to read a map.

For most in America today, the idea of not having electricity of one form or another is a terrible thought. But what if one day, electronics just stopped working? If people don’t know how to read maps, how are they going to figure out how to get from point A to point B? What if you are hiking in the woods and the batteries on your GPS die? Having at least some working knowledge of how to pair a map and a compass is essential for all men to have. And in the case of the Zombie Apocalypse, how will you be able to find the safe zones if you don’t have a map and know how to use it?

2. They look cool.

Ok, stay with me here.  Recently I was fortunate enough to receive an awesome map from the great guys over at SupplyGeeks.com. I have enjoyed looking at maps for years, but never had a nice one of my own.  I was really excited to get this world map, complete with major cities, rivers, mountain ranges, etc., and hang it on the wall in my office. I believe there is something inherently manly about having a giant map on your wall. Plus, when you are bragging to your friends about the awesome trip you took to New Zealand the summer before your senior year of High School or trying to see who has traveled to the farthest location from home, you have something larger than a cell phone to point at and say, “Oh yeah, I’ve been to Cairns, Australia and swam at the Great Barrier Reef, but that’s cool that your aunt has a lake house in Minnesota.”

3. They remind you that the world really doesn’t revolve around you.

When you pull up a map on your electronic device, what’s the main thing it shows you? Your location.  As you move, what happens? The little dot or whatever stays put while the rest of the map moves around you.  You think you’re all that and a bag of potato chips? Pull out a real map and try and find where ever you are.  Seems pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things, right? Every once and a while, us guys need to be reminded that we are not as great and mighty as we like to think and the world is not going to change for us. For example, if the letters on the map were actually written at scale on the ground, my hometown would be about the size of the last ‘s’ in Indianapolis.

Modern Vintage Man is headquartered in Franklin, Indiana. We are about 20 miles south of Indianapolis.

Now, I know that you are thinking, “Man, Tim is right again! I need to go get a map! But where can I get a giant map?” Well, head on over to SupplyGeeks and check out their selection.  They have some great Rand McNally maps and have prices that can’t be beat.  Just imagine, your office could look as manly as mine. All it needs is a big ole map.

Pros:

• This Rand McNally World Map has beautiful colors, is laminated and well detailed and the size (50″ x 32″) is perfect for hanging on the wall.
• If map decoration isn’t your thing, it comes in a very strong and handy tube to keep it safe from creases and such when you don’t have it spread out over your desk.

Cons:

• I found the included wall mounting clips to be a little cumbersome.  Instead of using them, I used 3M velcro strips.  I put the rough part on the wall so I could still roll up the map without worrying about scratching it.  This also makes it easy to take down if you relocate.

Modern Vintage Man Score: 5/5

then you have probably been living under a rock for the past couple years.  But let’s think about this.  Is that guy up there on the white horse, wearing white capris, with a shirt tied around his neck really a representation of manliness? No, my good sir, I don’t believe it is.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good commercial just as much as the next guy.  I can also appreciate a good marketing scheme and I really do think Old Spice is on to something.  I also appreciate the fact that they stayed away from the temptation to take the over-sexed and extra annoying approach to “manliness” that Axe took.

But I digress. This idea of smelling like a man leads you to ask the question, “What does a man really smell like?” Well, let’s be honest, its not pleasant.  Without the aids of soaps and deodorants, men stink. But why does cleanliness mean having to smell like some froo-froo capri wearing hairless guy that none of us will ever really resemble?  Well take heed, men, there is another option.

It is my thesis that men should smell like the ground they were made from.  They should smell like the mighty cedar, strong and resilient.  They should smell like a glacier, unchanging and steadfast.  So how do we smell like that, you ask?  Well, you could just spend your life out among these natural elements, but I am guessing that most of us live in a slightly more suburban setting.  So if you are like me and can’t get out and spend time with trees and rocks and, well, nature as you’d like to, then check out Juniper Ridge.

Juniper Ridge makes soaps, room fragrance sprays, essential oils, teas and a variety of other things.  All of their products are completely natural and don’t have any added artificial fragrances.  I was fortunate enough to check out 3 of their soaps, a couple room sprays, and their Douglas Fir tea.  It is now my pleasure to recount for you my experiences with each of these products.

Soaps

I will admit that prior to receiving these soaps I was using whatever body wash I happened to have a coupon for.  I didn’t really concern myself too much with what scent I had because they all basically smelled the same.  When I got these soaps, I hurriedly opened one of the boxes, gave it and whiff and exclaimed, “Holy cedar trees, this smells like outside!”  Of course, by that statement I meant the GOOD outside, not the pollution filled outside we are used to.  These soaps smell like the outside we all dream of.

Room Sprays

“Aromatic Room Sprays” are something we are familiar with.  We’ve seen the glade plugin commercials where rooms are transformed in cutesy puppy and flower filled realms of happiness that almost make you want to throw up.  They come with scents like “Spring Rain” or “Fresh Linen” or “Tropical Paradise” but who really wants their man cave smelling like fresh linen?  These Juniper Ridge room sprays are exactly what you need to bring a little of the outdoors, indoors.  When I sprayed this in my house, I said out loud, “Great gushing glaciers! This smells like outside!” (are you beginning to see a pattern here?) This stuff is incredible.

Douglas Fir Tea

One of my favorite shows is Man vs. Wild.  On numerous occasions I have seen Bear Grylls take some fir needles, steep them in boiling water and make tea.  I always thought to myself, “there is no way that tastes that good.  He is probably half dehydrated, he’s eaten nothing buy rotting animal carcass, so of course “tea” made of nothing but pine needles is going to taste like Ambrosia.”  Well, it looks like I will have to write Bear an apology letter for not believing his exclamations about how good tea made from good ole natural douglas fir needles really is.  What were my thoughts upon that first taste?  ”Holy potent pine needles! This taste like a pine tree!”  I don’t know if that sounds good to you or not, but trust me, it is.

Over all, Juniper Ridge is just a cool company.  10% of all their profits are donated to protecting the wilderness and they definitely stay true to what nature has to offer in their products.  If you are looking for something to man up your life and bring in a little of the great outdoors, you definitely need to check these folks out.

Pros:

• The soap will make you smell like a man you wouldn’t be embarrassed to look like.
• The tea is delicious
• The room spray will absolutely blow your mind

Cons:

• I found that the room spray fragrance didn’t hang around very long, but I think that is by design.
• They don’t offer a cologne.  I want them to make a cologne, BADLY.

Modern Vintage Man Score: 5/5

When I saw it was a fedora my heart sank because I have never been able to pull them off, but that was before and I didn’t know about Goorin Brothers.  This hat looks great even on my dumb face.  As I have mentioned before, I love things that can pull off either classy or casual and this hat fits the bill perfectly.  I can easily wear this hat to a wedding or just when I am running about town.

The straw hat is so perfect for summer, because it provides the breathability my head needs in the heat, but still protects my skull from the harsh red sun.  I have fallen in love with it so much that I have been searching the Goorin Brothers site for other straw hats.  Lucky for me the Jim Harold is my favorite and the hat is of such good quality and classic style, my son will one day wear it on his gigantic head too.

You read that right.  Sometimes we review items and while we may like them, they don’t find their way into our everyday use.  These shoes accomplished that.  Call me lazy, but I don’t really care for tying shoes.  Or worse, having to re-tie a shoe.  One day I realized, I am grown man and if I want to wear shoes that don’t have laces all the time like a child, I can do that.  The website describes these shoes as “mocassins for a crisp everyday look.”  Which is actually perfect.  They are right balance of casual and professional.  With the canvas top, they look classy, and others around you won’t be able to tell how comforable you are in the shoe.

I tend to wear them with jeans, but you can wear them with shorts as well.  They work so well because you can just slip them on and go on your way.  I get compliments on them all the time.  Especially because they have a unique sole made of crepe.  Which has this kind of yellow look which the side of the shoe will keep and give it that cool look, but obviously the bottom will turn black when you use them everyday (it does make contact with the ground obviously).

So far, despite the fact that I have worn these everyday and I am ridiculous hard on shoes, the have held up really well.  I am hoping they last for awhile because as of right now these shoes are on immediately replace next to my iPhone, car, and Complete Season of Firefly.

Pro:
-Classic Look
-Casual Look
-Comfortable
-Durable

Cons:
-Maybe a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for! 

MVM Score: 5/5

Tucker & Bloom is a small family company based in Nashville, Tennessee that has been in the bag making industry for over 30 years.  They have a commitment to quality that is combined with a passion for organization and professional style. These elements come together beautifully in their North to South Messenger.

As noted before, I have had the opportunity to take a look at a lot of different messenger bags and backpacks.  To be quite honest, I have really enjoyed my time spent with all of them.  However, I noticed something about all these other bags when I received my Tucker & Bloom: they all have a very casual style.  Now, in my profession that is fine because it is extremely rare that I find myself in a formal “business” situation.  Also, for the most part, I carry my bag into my office and there it sits until I load up to go home.  This is where the North to South really sets itself apart.  It has a classy, clean style that transitions perfectly from a bike ride to the board room.

But this isn’t just your normal, run of the mill laptop bag. The North to South manages to not only look great in both a professional setting and casual setting, but it also holds stuff.  LOTS OF STUFF.  At first glance this bag didn’t appear to have the same kind of carrying capacity that we have seen in other bags we have reviewed, but that first impression was proved wrong.  Just how much stuff will this bag hold?  Check out this video to get a good idea:

As far as specifics go, this bag has two large chambers, as well as several organizing pockets and an exterior pocket for your phone.

This is the main large chamber.  It is unpadded but I found it is large enough to easily accommodate my 13in MacBook Pro in a case and still leave room for my Quo Vadis and cables for my computer.  The zippered pocket inside the main chamber is great for holding those loose odds and ends and keeps them from being impossible to find in the bottom of the bag (and I am sure we all know how insanely frustrating that can be).

The smaller front chamber provides a lot of extra room for more of your valuables. This is typically where I would store my Smartphone Folio, books, journals, business cards and things of that nature. This chamber is bellowed so there is tons of room to stretch and easily handles bulkier items.

The back exterior pocket is great for your newspaper and magazines and is easily accessible without having to remove the bag from your shoulder.

What really set this bag apart for me and one of my favorite features is the all metal hardware.  None of the other bags we have reviewed have featured these and they really endeared themselves to me.  The metal hardware just adds a touch of class and style while also providing a sense of strength and durability in these essential parts of the bag.

Overall, the Tucker & Bloom North to South Messenger is a great bag and I actually received quite a few compliments from people who saw me with it.  The clean lines and straight black material accented by the metal hardware really makes for a sharp looking bag that will probably even make you look better while carrying it.

Pros:

• Well made and carries a lifetime warranty
• Metal hardware looks great and provides a sense of security
• Room for tons of stuff

Cons:

• No padded laptop pocket.  This was easily solved by using a case I already had, but would be nice if the bag itself offered a little more protection against bumps.
• Shoulder strap pad not included.  If you are considering purchasing this bag, you will definitely want to add the optional should strap pad.  The shoulder strap on this bag is quite narrow and if you are carrying a considerable load it can dig into your shoulder.  I just used a removable strap from another bag to fix this.

Modern Vintage Man Score: 4/5

Here at Modern Vintage Man, we love our hats.  Both Matt and myself have a strong collection of hats that range from your standard ball cap to felt fedoras to kangaroo leather bush hats (which I bought during a glorious two week jaunt through Australia and New Zealand a few years back).  Hats are one of the most defining accessories of a mans wardrobe.  Think you look good in that black suit? Throw on a nice black fedora and be prepared to fight the ladies off all night long.  But what about those more casual times?  Those nice hikes through the woods? Those days at the ballpark?  Wouldn’t it be great to have a versatile hat that could handle all situations?  Well prepare yourself, friend, for the Stormy Kromer Waxed Cotton Cap.

First, a little history. When I first stumbled upon Stormy Kromer Mercantile, my first thought was, “What in the world is a stormy kromer?”  Well the answer to my question is not a what but a who.  From what I read, Stormy Kromer was a “good ole boy” who needed a good hat.  I won’t go into all the details, but I would encourage you to read the interesting story HERE.

So, on to the hat.  What exactly is a Stormy Kromer Waxed Cotton Cap?  In short, it is nearly the last “cap” you will ever need.  In order to give this cap the full breakdown it deserves, I am going to break this review into 4 categories.  So let’s begin.

As I post this picture, I realize I seem to have the "crazy eyes." Please don't pay attention to that, just how great I look in this hat.

1. Function

Besides being a “fashion” accessory, a good hat should accomplish some kind of function or purpose.  I completely understand that sometimes you just wear a hat because it looks good, but a hat that meets a need is something you will use much more regularly than a hat that merely makes you think (I am looking at you guy wearing the nasty stained and torn Cubs cap) you look better.  The SK cap meets the somewhat standard purpose of a hat by keeping the sun off your head and providing some shield for your eyes.  But beyond that, it is highly water resistant so it keeps you dry during those sudden Spring showers, and the functional ear flap keeps your ears warm during those chilly nights by the bon fire. The fully functional ear flap really sets this hat apart from others.  Not sure what the ear flap does?  Check out this video:

2. Material

Prior to receiving this cap, I was fairly unfamiliar with waxed cotton.  If you have never felt something made of waxed cotton, it probably feels exactly how you think it would.  The great thing about waxed cotton is that it will keep the rain off your noggin, but not get too hot. This is great for spring and summer here in Indiana as you never really know whats going to happen with the weather.  The versatility and comfort of the waxed cotton is really second to none.

3. Craftsmanship

If you are going to pay a decent chunk of change (although at $34 I feel this hat is a steal) for a cap, you want it to last.  The craftsmanship that is put into each SK Cap is very obvious.  This hat is strong and dependable and isn’t going to fall apart on you.  Apparently people have even been buried in their Stormy Kromer caps.  Yeah.  That means this cap will LITERALLY outlast you.  How many other things you own can you say that about?

4. Fit/Comfort

The SK Waxed Cotton Cap is custom fit to order.  When you order your cap (and trust me, you need to order one of these caps) you need to figure out your Stormy Kromer size.  It is quite simple to do and they have a guide on their website to help you determine your perfect size.  I am a big fan of custom fit because, well, it fits.  What I found is that, over time, the hat begins to shape to your head to provide a snug fit that isn’t too tight or too loose. This hat has stayed put through 20+ mph wind gusts and many bike rides without any discomfort to my head.

Now, as you all know, at the end of every review we like to give a Modern Vintage Man score.  This score is based on personal preference and how we feel the particular item lives up the standards we have for every product we review.  Now this cap is no exception and will receive the score.  However, one thing that sets this cap apart is the fact that I plan on purchasing another one come cooler weather.  The SK Cap is available in the Waxed Cotton, as well as Wool and Corduroy so you can have a great cap for any weather.

Modern Vintage Man Score: 5/5