FREE Shipping when you spend $35 or more!

Our Leather

Why elk leather?

Our Elk hide has superior wear characteristics compared to other liners.

ChukStar workshop; staged leather rolls and unfinished ChukBand units

Why not pigskin, deer, goat & cow leather?

Unlike those other types, elk leather:

  • Won't harden with use
  • Won't easily form odors
  • Is more supple for pillowed all-day comfort
  • Is easier to wipe clean
  • Wicks away sweat without becoming soaked
  • Provides grip, reducing unwanted headgear movement & slip
  • Under 100X magnification, the difference is clear!
Leather comparison close up image

    Leather Tanning

     We select top quality elk hides with the ideal weight (thickness) to provide maximum durability and comfort. 

    The ChukBand is made with hides that have been veg tanned or chrome tanned*. (See image below)

    Veg (vegetable) tanned leather has a smooth surface with a distressed look and is more stiff when new. This process uses oak bark and can take over a year to complete! 

    Veg tanned leather is available in the ‘Saddle’ colors only.

    All other colors are chrome tanned*. 

    Chrome (chromium salt) tanned leather* has a pillowy, supple surface with a somewhat grainy texture that is often described as buttery soft. 

     Both options provide sweat wicking and are backed with soft PVC padding- choose whichever texture and color suits you best.

    Leather Colors

    We have an exciting variety of colors that are carefully selected to provide you with the options to truly personalize your hard hat wear experience.

    We work with several suppliers to keep new stock available, but most leather color lots are limited, so we rotate frequently! If you see a color you like, grab it before it’s too late! Better yet, grab two!

    ChukBand colors

     

    Leather Features

    Elk leather hides are a natural product, therefore certain variations will be present in each unit, making your ChukBand a truly one of a kind product.

    You may notice subtle scarring, scratches, changes in thickness, slight color inconsistencies, or other minor features that are considered normal and will not affect the performance of your unit.

    When a piece of leather contains any of the above flaws that are in the extreme (as shown below), they will be sold as cosmetically flawed and on clearance.

    ChukBand with cosmetic flaw shown

    Leather Sourcing

    Our elk hide is procured from specialty vendors and brokers in the United States.

    Sourced hides originate from farmed and wild sources throughout North America, including the United States & Canada.

    We are proud members of the North American Elk Breeder's Association, and support the sustainable growth of the elk industry.

    North American Elk Breeder's Association Logo and Lockup

     

    *Chromium Salt tanned leather may not be suitable for use by those with allergies to chrome.

    x

    x