For avid hikers, a reliable sun hat is an essential piece of gear. Having used numerous sun hats over countless miles, I’ve developed a keen understanding of what makes a good one. This review focuses on the Outdoor Research Sunrunner Cap, comparing it to other hats I’ve used, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Functionality
The Sunrunner Cap is a ball cap style hat with a crucial addition: a detachable sun skirt. This skirt offers comprehensive neck and side protection against sunburn, a feature lacking in some cheaper alternatives. I’ve experienced the unfortunate “ring around the neck” sunburn from hats with inadequate coverage, a problem the Sunrunner effectively addresses. The brim is also well-designed, providing ample shade without obstructing vision. This thoughtful design minimizes the chances of sun reaching the face, even in bright conditions.
The detachable skirt is secured with buckles on the front and velcro at the back. While this system can be slightly fiddly, I rarely remove the skirt, rendering this a minor inconvenience. I appreciate the option to remove it, but the consistent protection offered by the attached skirt outweighs the slight hassle.
Material and Durability
The Sunrunner Cap’s build quality is noticeably superior to cheaper alternatives. While I’ve had less expensive hats become misshapen after being crammed into a backpack, the Sunrunner consistently retains its shape. The firm brim resists deformation, unlike the flimsy brim of a cheaper hat I previously used, which became permanently lopsided. The Sunrunner’s durability justifies its higher price point of around $40 USD, compared to the $20 USD I spent on the less robust option.
The hat features a mesh material on the sides for breathability. This allows for excellent ventilation, preventing overheating, a problem I experienced with a heavier, less breathable hat. However, the mesh material can be prone to snagging and slight peeling, particularly if it comes into contact with velcro. While this is a minor aesthetic issue, it’s worth noting. The interior sweatband effectively manages moisture, and can be tucked in or worn down, though I prefer the tucked-in look.
Practical Application and Comparison
In practice, the Sunrunner Cap performs exceptionally well. Its lightweight design and breathability prevent overheating, even on hot days. This contrasts sharply with another hat I used, which caused significant overheating, forcing me to choose between sunburn and heat exhaustion. The Sunrunner offers a comfortable middle ground.
While the Sunrunner lacks the full-face protection offered by some hats with detachable face covers, this feature is rarely necessary. I only used such a cover once or twice in hundreds of hikes, primarily for extreme sun and bug protection. For most situations, the Sunrunner’s coverage is sufficient. A useful tip: the chin strap can be looped through the sternum strap of a backpack to prevent the hat from blowing away in windy conditions.
Summary
The Outdoor Research Sunrunner Cap is a well-designed and highly functional sun hat ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Its durable construction, effective sun protection, and breathable design make it a worthwhile investment for anyone spending significant time in the sun. While the mesh sides can be prone to minor wear and tear, and the detachable skirt’s buckles can be slightly fiddly, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by the hat’s overall performance and comfort.
