Hiking caps & hats
On a summer hike you're exposed to strong sunshine. To protect your face and eyes, we recommend wearing an outdoor cap or an outdoor hat. In winter, a cap or hat helps prevent heat loss through the head.
Why wear an outdoor cap?
A lot of body heat is lost through the head, which you probably mind less on warm summer days. The sun, on the other hand, shows itself much more on warm days, which is why it's wise to wear an outdoor cap or hat. Thanks to the peak at the front, the cap protects your face from strong sunshine or rain. An outdoor hat has a protruding brim all the way round, offering protection for the whole head. There are outdoor caps with a flap at the back. This flap prevents the sun from shining directly onto your neck, preventing sunburn and excessive heat. If you plan to hike on cold winter days, it's also important to protect yourself sufficiently so you retain your body heat! A hat ensures your head is well protected and that as little heat as possible leaves your body.
What material should my outdoor cap or hat be made of?
Most outdoor caps are made from cotton, nylon or polyester. An outdoor cap made from 100% nylon or polyester dries quickly and is also light in weight. On long hikes we advise against wearing cotton caps. They do absorb perspiration but then fail to wick it away. This makes the head damp and unpleasant, which is exactly what you want to avoid.
Tip
The outdoor cap is often adjustable via a click system, velcro strap or buckle. With the velcro fastening you have the most flexibility when adjusting the outdoor cap. The buckle and click system are more reliable, as they're less likely to come undone.