Running hat advice: I have always shied... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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Running hat advice

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon
34 Replies

I have always shied away from running hats mainly because I look like a complete dork in them 😂 but yesterday my head burnt in the sun. Lesson truly learned!

Also, I can’t imagine how hot and sweaty my head will be with a hat on. 🥵

If you run with a cap can you please recommend a brand or particular one for me as the choice online is overwhelming?

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RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRun
Half Marathon
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34 Replies
mrrun profile image
mrrunUltramarathon

There are millions. Use a light one, light coloured so it doesn't absorb the heat. If you don't like hats use a visor. And why are you running in the sun if it bothers you? There are two options - shaded area or running before the sun edges over the horizon, nobody except sun worshipers will go and run directly in the sun.

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply tomrrun

Thanks for that. I’ll bear it in mind next time I feel stupid enough to run in the sun ☀️

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon

Peaked caps work for me plus sunglasses. Most running caps have mesh inserts which mean your head doesn’t feel particularly hot. I have a couple of Nike ones that I got in a sale years ago but earlier this year I ordered this one for an expected rainy HM as it has a bit of a longer peak but it works perfectly in sun too and has a SPF of 50+.

amazon.co.uk/GADIEMKENSD-Ad...

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toIrishprincess

That cap looks the business IP. The vents especially.

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon

I always run in a cap, and I have a selection of cheapo ones from Amazon, in various shades of blue. I find the cap makes my head feel a bit hotter, but it shades my eyes from sun and rain and stops sweat running into them too, so on the whole it's better for me. One of my caps still has the ears I sewed on it for the Heroes Run - have you done that one?

My caps are this one, although it looks as though they now have no colours I like! amazon.co.uk/Just-Cool-Base...

The velcro fastening is not fabulous but it does the job. The cap is machine washable although the velcro may attack anything else being washed with it!

NB, but now I've seen Irishprincess ' link I think I'm gonna get me one of those 😄

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toroseabi

Yours is a much better price though roseabi ......🙂

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon in reply toIrishprincess

😄 I like the look of the ventilation strips on yours though, and the foldability!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toroseabi

and the red perfectly matches my face 🥵 😂

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon in reply toIrishprincess

🤣🤣🤣

I've gone for grey, which perfectly matches mine...

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toroseabi

I’ve not done the Heroes Run. I haven’t heard about it 😬 I missed that. I haven’t been online very much recently. I like IPs hat too.

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon in reply toRunBrianRun

riseuk.org.uk/rise-heroes-run

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toroseabi

Thanks roseabi 👍 I’ll check it out

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toroseabi

That looks like a really fun run roseabi I tried to sign up but it seems to be closed. I’ve emailed them to see if there’s a chance of a place still.

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Half Marathon

I've wore a baseball cap since I started running . This one I bought most recently and it's great. Ventilation all over and adjustable strap at the back

ebay.co.uk/itm/303163791298

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toBuddy34

Thank you Buddy. Looks good 👍

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris

I’ve got some of these:

decathlon.co.uk/cap-trek-50...

Decathlon do a similar running hat but I prefer the trekking one. If it’s really hot soak it.

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toSlowLoris

Thank you SlowLoris. Another great option. I wonder when the Decathlon stores will reopen. There’s one just up the road from me.

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris in reply toRunBrianRun

Some are doing Click and Collect. They do mail order as well but probably not worth the postage for a £5 hat.

Granspeed profile image
Granspeed

I have a good summer peaked hat from runr. Not the cheapest but very light, adjustable band, and a good big visor. Keeps both sun & rain off my glasses, so I wear it lots!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toGranspeed

Love RUNR - local independent too.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

I’m still running in my Aldi one with brim light. The light is still going strong too

I also have a WW one which I “won” for being good. It’s got “Positive Vibes” emblazoned across the front ☺️

The men’s Adidas Climacool running cap is very nice. Looks the business I like the white one with Pale grey trim. All in the best possible taste 😃👍

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply tomisswobble

Thank you misswobble. I like that Adidas climacool!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply toRunBrianRun

I had a climacool tee shirt as a gift from my husband. It weighs nothing. I love it 🙂

Macmac profile image
MacmacMarathon in reply toRunBrianRun

Yes, I have a couple of these climacool caps and they are very good indeed. Pale blue and white for me.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toRunBrianRun

I should have read replies before sending my post. Thumbs up for climacool

Flattttt profile image
Flattttt

I’ve been on the hunt for a good running hat.

The thing is, ball caps don’t protect neck or ears. Also, A lot of them have fairly short brims, which don’t necessarily protect chin or front of neck.

I’m still looking, but here’s a great hat that I just bought. (Link at end of this post) (*** may be US only*** ?)

I haven’t use it for running so this is a preliminary recommendation.

I love it and here‘s why:

— 3 1/2 “ brim — longer than most. (Most are 3”; but some, especially those targeted at runners, are shorter)

— SPF 50 (technically, “UPF50”, Which is the cloth version of SPF 50)

— Looks good on me (shape)

— this particular shade of beige is one that I look good in. Obviously everyone’s facial coloring is different but I was still impressed. Most people don’t look good in beige and I’m one of them. However, I look good in this one.

— Comfortable!

— Strap adjustment in back is “cloth strap with metal-in-n-out-thingy” — much better than Velcro!!

— Size adjustment fits 23 1/2 “ circumference head easily (size 7 1/2 hat size), with room to spare.

— has removable neck flap and face shield for 360 protection. Neck flap has snap in front to help protect front of the neck when not using the face shield

— neck flap and face shield are two different items. Can add either or both. These items are effective but very thin and fold up to practically nothing, can be stored between top of head and hat or in pocket very easily.

— brim folds in thirds so hat can be folded up to very small size and stored in back pocket. Don’t have to wear a hat on a cloudy day but if the sun breaks through the clouds, can easily put hat on. Great feature.

— brim seems plenty firm; and is not compromised by folding lines. (However, I have not folded it and unfolded it many times in and out of pocket, so long-term viability is unknown. But it really does seem that it will hold up.)

— with neck flap on only, (and also with neck flap and face shield on at the same time), have just the right amount of peripheral visibility. I am really impressed that have full peripheral visibility however cheekbones and side of face are covered as much as possible. Just a modest slit of an opening on theSide to see peripherally without compromising sun protection.

— just to be safe, when un-snapping the snaps (to remove the add-Ins), I’d recommend inserting tip of both thumbnails into the little space that separates the two halves of each snap to pull apart; IME with other items, pulling on the cloth is a method that not eventually rips the cloth. So don’t do that.

— 4 1/2 star ratings on Amazon

— Very reasonable price! $16.88 US

Unknown:

— Will head get hot with This hat in the sun? Hat is nylon and has no venting. But it is very lightweight and thin (And spf50)..., seems like it will be fine.

— Will the neck flap and face shield work for running, Or will it flap around etc.?Especially the neck flap without the face shield. The primary concern is wind. (I am not concerned about these items causing too much heat because they are loose enough and the facemask has a fine mesh in the front for breathing.)

LINKS:

In the US:

ICOLOR Sun Cap Fishing Hats with Face Masks Outdoor Sun Protection Visor Caps with Windproof Neck Face Mask Visors Flap Cover

amazon.com/dp/B01FLSJGH8/re...

Does not seem to be available on Amazon.co.uk ??!!?, however the following one seemscomparable, but without the folding brim:

amazon.co.uk/Protection-Mou...

- Flattttt

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toFlattttt

Wow! Fantastic level of detail Flattttt 😀 Thank you. A lot of what you mention applies to me too so I shall check out those links 👍

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

If the brim is too long you have to keep your head up to see where you’re going. You then get neck ache. 🙂

Flattttt profile image
Flattttt in reply tomisswobble

Tilt hat back slightly?

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply toFlattttt

Or wear it back to front 😁. Sunglasses required then 😎. It’s a game innit 👍

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnMarathon

I use whatever hat is cheapest at the big box stores. An ounce one way or the other in material is negligible to my running, I wear a bandanna headband underneath and as long as the hat is northern too tight or floppy, covers me from the sun and the brim shades my eyes I'm good :)

Mind you - I DID learn my lesson about Logos. Bought one on a whim at a Yard sale, then weeks later found out I was "representing" a lunatic group that wants the "gubberment" out of business lol.

So - for me it's size, price and logo! :)

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toIrish-John

Thanks for that Irish-John 😂🤣🤣

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles

I bought this peaked running cap for UpTheStanley in white and grey. They are cool, light and wash well. I have the ladies version too and wore it lots during my 10 mile work up.

amazon.co.uk/adidas-Mens-Cl...

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toDexy5

Thank you Dexy5 . It looks great and I have ordered one 👍

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