The best running hats and caps tested and reviewed – Runner’s World (UK)
The best running hats and caps tested and reviewed Runner’s World (UK)
Come rain or shine, a decent running cap can make all the difference. We have tested and reviewed some of the best on the market.
The sun beating down on your face during a run may well be what you dream of, yet for those of a fairer complexion, conscious of skin damage from sun exposure or just don’t like wearing sunglasses when running, a decent running hat is often a necessity for those warmer days. They’re also pretty handy in the rain too, which is useful for British summer.
Not any old hat will do either; of course you can wear that old trucker hat or your favourite baseball cap, but with technical fabrics being what they are these days, you can reach peak performance (not sorry) without ending up with a heavy, soggy mess on your head. Below are some of the best that have sat atop a sweaty head of late.
Soar Lightweight Cap, £29, soarrunning.com
Living up to its name, this running cap from Soar is very lighweight and is easily forgotten about when wearing it. The fit is great with the elastic cord at the back offering the simplest of tension adjustments, plus the depth of the hat felt spot on; not so deep that it sits too much on top of the ear but not so shallow that you’re constantly shifting it around for fear of it slipping off. Often with leightweight caps, the peak is stripped back to save weight yet Soar have stuck to a traditional peak and it makes the hat that much more usable in all conditions.
Tested in both hot races and rain storms, this cap ticks all the boxes for comfort and function.
Buff Pro Run Cap, £26.50, wiggle.com
Aimed at those who like to count every gram of their kit, this offering from buff is extremely light (39g) and Buff claims it can be packed down into a tiny ball, which it can, and will return to its original shape, which it sort of can. The peak was a little buckled after a few goes at this but nothing to stop you from buying it if small, lightweight and packable is what you’re after.
It shaded the eyes well, kept sweat at bay and the drawstring tensioner at the back of the hat was beyond adequate at keeping it on the head, even when the wind picked up. Style wise, it’s perhaps not the prettiest with the large fluro branding on the sides, but there is an all-black offering for the fashion conscious and panels with the logos is also venting so is serving a purpose rather than just being branding. The lightness of it comes into its own on really hot days, so definitely one for those looking at venturing far and wide with changeable weather conditions.
Nike Aerobill, £26.95, nike.com
The Nike 5 panel running hat is a bit a classic and this Aerobill hat pays homage to this, but with a few design tweaks. Well vented and comfy thanks to the dri-fit lining, the hat features reflective details to help keep you visible, including a strip along the rim of the peak.
Another nice touch to save weigh is that an inner section of the peak has been removed, leaving just the outer edge to handle the shape. A simple touch, but effective.
Ciele FSTCap – Indigo Edition, £30, cieleathletics.com
The newcomers, we had two Ciele hats on test: the FSTCap and the GoCap, and though both are excellent running hats, we preferred the FSTCap when it came to race day. Stylish and functional, Ciele are a Canadian brand who have cemented their position as a company to watch through a solid social media presence and collaborations with the likes of Tracksmith and Stance, but where some ‘cool’ brands lack substance, these hats are up to task.
The materials used are all high quality, even after some sweaty miles and some washesDetails like the quality of the clasp on the adjustment strap and the fact the excess of the strap tucks neatly into the back of the hat are just two reasons why we liked them. A third is the variety of colours and styles available; running can be a pretty ugly place sometimes but these simple block colour combos means you’ll be able to find a hat to match all your look. Does come at a cost though.
OMM Kamleika Cap, £19.50, wiggle.co.uk
Made from the same waterproof, breathable material as their jackets, this running cap from OMM is a good all-weather choice. With a reflective logo, like most of OMM’s products, this has been designed and tested during the Original Mountain Marathon, so you know it’s been given the hardy seal of approval, by a team of hardy mountain runners.
Kalenji Unisex Running Cap, £5.99, decathlon.co.uk
If you don’t want to spend a fortune, this Decathlon own-brand cap does the trick, without the price tag. With built-in sun protection, an adjustable tab to fit both men’s and women’s heads and a quick-dry fabric to wick sweat away, it’s an affordable summer essential.
On Lightweight Running Cap, £32, on-running.com
One of the more expensive caps on test, you really get what you pay for with On. Super lightweight and fast drying, the ventilation really works, so no matter how warm it might be, you won’t feel restricted or like you’re overheating. Unlike some of the other running hats on the market, it’s got a gap on the back for a ponytail (a major plus for female runners) plus it performs well in a downpour. Available in three different colours, we’re a big fan of the stylish design.