How to Choose a Running Hat in 2021
aungcrown
Aung Crown
2021-05-10 12:48:48
Running hats are more than just a stylish accessory. Imagine going on a run on a hot day without one. As you’re jogging, you’re forced to squint as the sun glares down into your eyes. Not only that, but sweat is starting to roll down your brow. At this moment, you’re probably wishing you had a running cap.
Running hats are helpful in more ways than just combatting against the warm weather. They serve multiple other purposes, like keeping your head warm in winter or preventing rain from running in your eyes. Their variety of features – from fit, moisture transfer and visibility – can make it difficult to choose which one is best for your running needs.
Fortunately. Pro tips is here to break down all those things to consider and put you on pace for purchasing the hat that’s right for you.
STYLES AND FITS OF RUNNING HATS
A running hat is a versatile run accessory to keep in your arsenal, and it can serve a range of functions from offering sun protection to giving you a little extra warmth. Keep these characteristics in mind when shopping for a running hat.
Fitted: A fitted hat is the best option to most accurately fit your head dimensions. To measure your head, use a soft tape measure and wrap it around the circumference of your head slightly above your ears and eyebrows (where the hat would rest on your head). Make sure to try on sizes above and below your measured size to ensure it is comfortable.
Snapback or Strapback: You can alter the diameter of the hat to fit your head with an adjustable strap or band. This strap can be made of leather, hook and loop fasteners, plastic or a poly band.
Flexfit: Flexfit hats will typically come in a generic S/M or L/XL. The elastic lining allows the hat to stretch to the shape of your head.
Beanie: This hat is more of a one-size-fits-all style, as it stretches to fit over your head. Make sure the hat isn’t too loose, as it could slide off your head. A workout beanie shouldn’t slouch off your head, either.
Visor: Unlike the other running hats, a running visor does not have material that covers the top of your head. This openness allows for less weight on your head, but it also exposes the top of your head to the elements. If you wear a high ponytail, this could be a good option for you.
Running hats are helpful in more ways than just combatting against the warm weather. They serve multiple other purposes, like keeping your head warm in winter or preventing rain from running in your eyes. Their variety of features – from fit, moisture transfer and visibility – can make it difficult to choose which one is best for your running needs.
Fortunately. Pro tips is here to break down all those things to consider and put you on pace for purchasing the hat that’s right for you.
STYLES AND FITS OF RUNNING HATS
A running hat is a versatile run accessory to keep in your arsenal, and it can serve a range of functions from offering sun protection to giving you a little extra warmth. Keep these characteristics in mind when shopping for a running hat.
Fitted: A fitted hat is the best option to most accurately fit your head dimensions. To measure your head, use a soft tape measure and wrap it around the circumference of your head slightly above your ears and eyebrows (where the hat would rest on your head). Make sure to try on sizes above and below your measured size to ensure it is comfortable.
Snapback or Strapback: You can alter the diameter of the hat to fit your head with an adjustable strap or band. This strap can be made of leather, hook and loop fasteners, plastic or a poly band.
Flexfit: Flexfit hats will typically come in a generic S/M or L/XL. The elastic lining allows the hat to stretch to the shape of your head.
Beanie: This hat is more of a one-size-fits-all style, as it stretches to fit over your head. Make sure the hat isn’t too loose, as it could slide off your head. A workout beanie shouldn’t slouch off your head, either.
Visor: Unlike the other running hats, a running visor does not have material that covers the top of your head. This openness allows for less weight on your head, but it also exposes the top of your head to the elements. If you wear a high ponytail, this could be a good option for you.
PREPARING FOR THE ELEMENTS
Depending on the time of year, various running conditions could determine your hat needs. For example, running with a thermal beanie when the sun is beating down would not be the best choice. Your running conditions will help you decide what breathability, brim, reflectivity and other features are best suited for you.
BREATHABILITY AND MOISTURE TRANSFER
To avoid the humid, swampy feeling of a poorly designed hat, look for a running cap with fast moisture transfer. A hat like the aungcrown Run Cap pulls sweat away from your skin with a sweatband-like liner, and offers a mesh construction that allows perspiration to evaporate more easily.
When running in the rain, you should consider a hat with moisture-wicking properties. This fabric can help quickly remove moisture, allowing it to dry quickly.
THE HAT’S BILL
Shield your eyes from the glare of the sun with the help of a running hat’s visor. Most brims are bendable and can aid in protecting your face from rain, wind and sunlight.
Reflectivity
Add a little extra reflectivity to your run with a hi-viz running cap. A hat is a great place to incorporate reflectivity because it’s high up on your body and is easily seen by motorists. The Sugoi RSr Mesh Cap boasts a bold stripe of reflectivity on the right side and reflective piping around the brim and bottom to enhance your visibility.
Ventilation
As temps start to heat up, you’ll want a cap with excellent ventilation. The ultra-lightweight fabric and laser cut rear ventilation of the aungcrown Cap will help keep you cool in extreme heat. If you’d prefer to wear a mesh running hat, then take a look at the Brooks Mesh Run Cap, which offers great ventilation through an open mesh construction.
Depending on the time of year, various running conditions could determine your hat needs. For example, running with a thermal beanie when the sun is beating down would not be the best choice. Your running conditions will help you decide what breathability, brim, reflectivity and other features are best suited for you.
BREATHABILITY AND MOISTURE TRANSFER
To avoid the humid, swampy feeling of a poorly designed hat, look for a running cap with fast moisture transfer. A hat like the aungcrown Run Cap pulls sweat away from your skin with a sweatband-like liner, and offers a mesh construction that allows perspiration to evaporate more easily.
When running in the rain, you should consider a hat with moisture-wicking properties. This fabric can help quickly remove moisture, allowing it to dry quickly.
THE HAT’S BILL
Shield your eyes from the glare of the sun with the help of a running hat’s visor. Most brims are bendable and can aid in protecting your face from rain, wind and sunlight.
Reflectivity
Add a little extra reflectivity to your run with a hi-viz running cap. A hat is a great place to incorporate reflectivity because it’s high up on your body and is easily seen by motorists. The Sugoi RSr Mesh Cap boasts a bold stripe of reflectivity on the right side and reflective piping around the brim and bottom to enhance your visibility.
Ventilation
As temps start to heat up, you’ll want a cap with excellent ventilation. The ultra-lightweight fabric and laser cut rear ventilation of the aungcrown Cap will help keep you cool in extreme heat. If you’d prefer to wear a mesh running hat, then take a look at the Brooks Mesh Run Cap, which offers great ventilation through an open mesh construction.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Temperature can also help dictate the weight of your running hat. During warm weather, you’ll want a lighter cap. While a winter running hat needs to provide just enough thermal protection to avoid overheating during training.
Running hats will sometimes feature a sweatband around the edge. The sweatband can help pull sweat away from your skin and from running down into your eyes.
Also, it’s very important to think about your hair. Someone with no hair should be cautious of exposing the top of their head to UV rays. Conversely, someone who wears their hair back in a ponytail needs a hat that will allow it to be held back securely.
Above all else, make sure your hat is comfortable and provides the needed moisture management for your run. From there, break down what you need in a hat based on the potential elements you will be running in. If you do those things, you’ll be on track to choosing the best running hat for you.
Temperature can also help dictate the weight of your running hat. During warm weather, you’ll want a lighter cap. While a winter running hat needs to provide just enough thermal protection to avoid overheating during training.
Running hats will sometimes feature a sweatband around the edge. The sweatband can help pull sweat away from your skin and from running down into your eyes.
Also, it’s very important to think about your hair. Someone with no hair should be cautious of exposing the top of their head to UV rays. Conversely, someone who wears their hair back in a ponytail needs a hat that will allow it to be held back securely.
Above all else, make sure your hat is comfortable and provides the needed moisture management for your run. From there, break down what you need in a hat based on the potential elements you will be running in. If you do those things, you’ll be on track to choosing the best running hat for you.