The SlapNo not that slap, the other one. Slapping on a hat is obviously the key to protecting the face, but I have found hats that provide good sun protection also tend to be extra hot. So I have a cap that I’ve grown to love, with a clean hanky pinned to the back to protect my neck. This is okay, but not great.
The kind people at CapHat sent me a free sample of their hat attachment. I was sceptical, but somewhat hopeful. I really want to find a good sun protection solution, but this seemed over the top.
The CapHatSo what is the CapHat? It’s a piece of soft, shaped cloth that you pull over your favourite hat. CapHat provides extra sun protection for the back of your neck and the side of your head, a simple but elegant solution.
The Verdict?I’ve worn it for just over five days of walking and find it to be a very worthy edition to my kit. Here’s why.
UnpackingThe CapHat is posted in a C5 envelope and is vacuum packed with instructions. Easy, effective packaging with little waste. The CapHat can be purchased online for just shy of $22 (including GST and postage in Australia).
ComfortThis has to be comfortable otherwise you will not wear it, and if you don’t wear it then it provides no value at all. I was very surprised at how soft the material was, and how it
stayed soft over the day. I’m a salty sweater (yep, you are learning way too much about me) – but this material did not go crusty as the salt dried. The only downside I found with the CapHat was that it has two pieces of velcro on the sides which rub beside my face a few times a day. Yep, I know I’m being soft here, nothing compared to the scrub around, but hey, let me complain just a little. The velcro is there so you can pull the CapHat closed under your chin in windy weather, and I see the point of it.
Sun Protection valueThe makers claim a UPF of 45. I can’t test this, but my field test did show itthat the CapHat worked for me. For the last two days I only put sunscreen on my nose. I did not burn, even though the UV index was high; I would normally have burnt without sunscreen. It was nice walking on a hot day without sunscreen on my face. I would still always recommend sunscreen, but it was good to see that the CapHat performs its key role well.
Heat lossThe material worked well, and did not build up heat like other hats I’ve tried. As you walk it shakes a bit and moves the air around. After a big climb (from Grose Valley up to Lockleys Pylon in the NSW Blue Mountains) I felt hot. I took the hat off at the top to rest in the shade, but I reckon that this is fine - it’s a big hill. I soaked the CapHat in the creek before I started the climb, so the evaporation actually helped cool me as I walked.
FittingThe CapHat has a small elastic circle in the middle that fits over the crown of your hat. The short bit goes over the peak of your cap and the long section goes down the back of your head. It’s not attached or fixed to your hat. I did find myself refitting the CapHat a few times during the day whilst I walked, usually after taking my hat off for something.
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