In search of the perfect hat

[Veronica]

I'm looking for a good running hat. I think my problem is my head is small, no hat seems to stay on if it is at all windy. Ideally, it would also have some venting at the crown since my races tend to have hot runs.

Any suggestions?

Veronica

[zoom-zoom]

I wear Buffs for all workouts...they're great under my helmet and for running. They wick sweat really well and keep my scalp from burning.

[Becky]

Like you, I have a small head. I have a Nike hat that seems to run smaller (and shorter, from ears to crown) than others I've tried.

ETA: I think it's this one: http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-NWFLH.html.

[7rider]

I'm looking for a good running hat. I think my problem is my head is small, no hat seems to stay on if it is at all windy. Ideally, it would also have some venting at the crown since my races tend to have hot runs.

Any suggestions?

Veronica

I have an REI one that I hate. Would not recommend it unless you have a flat head. It rides up high and wings off at the - well - the drop of a hat.

I also have a HeadSweats hat. I like that one much better. Sits more securely on my head. It's vented on the sides and has survived many trips through the washing machine.

I just got a SweatVac hat in my goodie bag at yesterday's race. It fits okay, but I don't hold much hope for it, as it's not vented/mesh. I'll wear it to Wednesday's workout and see how it goes.

If you find the "perfect" running hat - let me know. I'm still looking!

[OakLeaf]

I started running with a visor about a year ago and I don't think I'll ever go back. My head's pretty small too, but at its tightest setting the Saucony visor will mostly stay on, and it's fine with a BondiBand underneath.

I know you're supposed to protect your scalp - but my hair is pretty thick, and I've never burned there.

I surely remember those hot days when I'd pull my generously vented white mesh hat off every time I hit shade, just to let my head cool off.

[SpeedyChix]

I really liked Walz cycling caps so gave their Jack Rabbit caps a try for running. NICE. Wick and breathe well.
They come in two sizes, dry quick, easy wash, and the women's version has a pony tail port. Many hats blow off my head but these tend to stay on well. If you want a shorter bill go with the cycling cap (http://www.walzcaps.com/caps_moistur...hreepanel.html)
http://www.jackrabbitcaps.com/

[yellow]

I have a tiny head. I used to love visors, but after having a basal cell off of the scalp I'm now wearing hats (most of the time).

I have two white hats that I have been able to wear in the heat. According to the guys at the LRS, most people don't like this hat because it's too shallow. So of course it fits my small head well:

http://www.brooksrunning.com/HVAC-In...=w-access-hats

It's my go-to hat. I'm wearing it in the pictures in my SP 50 thread.

This hat has a larger brim, which is kind of vented. Hard to explain. It fits well, maybe not as well as the HVAC hat but still a keeper. It is a little deeper:

http://www.brooksrunning.com/Printed...=w-access-hats

I throw them both in the washing machine and air dry. They have been through a lot and seem to be holding up well.

[OakLeaf]

I did just get one of these. I don't really plan to run in it, got it more for less strenuous outdoor activities, but I can give it a try on a run tomorrow and give you my impressions. It's only in the 70s here right now though, so I won't be able to give you any feedback on hot weather performance at the moment. It does have an elastic drawstring adjustment, which sounds like instant headache to me, but it might help it stay on better.

The Athleta hat I have isn't in their catalog any more. I got it as swag from a retreat several years ago.

[OakLeaf]

Um. Actually I can give you some useful feedback about the Zoot "cool" hat...

At 62°F it was unbearably hot.

With about a 9-10 mph headwind it vented pretty nicely across the crown. Otherwise, the only reason I didn't rip it off my head was that I hadn't worn sunglasses since it was mostly overcast, but it was too bright to run without either a hat or glasses.

Things I did like about the hat were that it felt plenty secure even with the deep crown and long brim. I cinched the elastic only just enough to touch my head, not to be snug at all; no headache and no slipping around. Not really enough wind to test how well it stayed on, but what wind there was didn't catch it at all. I expected the "tail" to be pretty uncomfortable, but I really didn't notice it at all.

So ... I'm not really disappointed since I didn't buy the hat to run in. And I'm glad I tested it on a cool day. This is NOT the hat for warm weather.

[Crankin]

I have a small, very small head. I also detest wearing hats (make my head hurt, hat hair, sweat), but I bought a long visored Nike cap at the LRS and it fits me perfectly. The visor is so long, I feel like I am wearing an awning. It's very light weight, but not really vented.
I understand wearing a hat while running, but why do I see women around town, wearing these caps as they are out and about? And, they're always getting into an Escalade .
Don't get me started on men who wear hats as a fashion accessory.

[jessmarimba]

Don't get me started on men who wear hats as a fashion accessory.

I must be missing something.

[SadieKate]

I understand wearing a hat while running, but why do I see women around town, wearing these caps as they are out and about? And, they're always getting into an Escalade .
Don't get me started on men who wear hats as a fashion accessory.

Forgive me, oh Fashion Maven, if I choose to wear a hat because my hair looks like crap and I'm going/have been fishing or running or anywhere in the sun, want to protect my skin and don't want to get all gussied up for you.*

If a man is wearing a hat indoors, yeah, they look uncouth but, frankly, *shrug" whatever.

*Said somewhat in jest. There are a whole lot more important things to get worked up over.

[GLC1968]

Forgive me, oh Fashion Maven, if I choose to wear a hat because my hair looks like crap and I'm going/have been fishing or running or anywhere in the sun, want to protect my skin and don't want to get all gussied up for you.*

If a man is wearing a hat indoors, yeah, they look uncouth but, frankly, *shrug" whatever.

*Said somewhat in jest. There are a whole lot more important things to get worked up over.

Wait, what? Men look stupid in baseball hats? Really? I think they look hot (depending on the man and on how much hair they have left).

[jobob]

I understand wearing a hat while running, but why do I see women around town, wearing these caps as they are out and about? And, they're always getting into an Escalade .

I'll be getting into a Subaru. Um, eeek?



Ed to add: And LeeBob looks great in the cap Mel & Amy gave him. Just sayin'

[SadieKate]

Wait, what? Men look stupid in baseball hats? Really? I think they look hot (depending on the man and on how much hair they have left).

I was raised with the rule that men don't wear hats of any kind at any indoor event like a dinner, church, reception, business meeting, etc. So, no, they don't look hot when they look rude in any kind of hat. "A gentleman is as a gentleman does."

Outdoors, fine! The bigger question is why does my husband not get hat head and I do? It isn't fair.