8,153
edits
Changes
From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
no edit summary
A good running hat is an important part of [[Running in the Heat]] and [[Running in the Cold|Cold]]. While there are many good knit hats that will keep your warm when it's cold, I've found that the Halo is the best all round running hat.
=Halo Hat=
The best running hat that I've found is the [http://go.fellrnr.com?<jfs id=35454X937677&xs"2FB0025US29E" nonl=1&url"true" n=www.amazon.com%2FHalo-Headbands-HSHWHITE-Sport-White%2Fdp%2FB0025US29E "Halo Sports Hat]" noreferb="true"/>. The Halo hat has a number of advantages:
* There is a small rubberized strip that goes across the forehead that directs sweat away from your eyes. This works so well that I find it extremely rare to get any sweat in my eyes, and it will even work with heavy rain. This is the key feature that makes the Halo hat so good. This strip does wear out over time; my first Halo hat lasted nearly 3 years of constant use.
* The main material of the hat is dryline, so it dries quickly and does not get heavy when soaked.
=Variations and Alternatives to the Halo Hat=
There are a number of alternative options to the Halo hat.
* The Halo hat is also available is a [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHalo-II-Headband-Pullover-Navy%2Fdp%2FB002JS7TPA headband], a [http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Headbands-HSCW-Skull-White/dp/B00318BKHK Skullcap] and a [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHalo-Headbands-HVWHITE-Visor-White%2Fdp%2FB0025UMB3C Visor]. * [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSweat-GUTR-FBW00-Sweatband-SMOKE%2Fdp%2FB002AQPSWW Sweat GUTR] is a similar idea, but uses a narrow headband that channels sweat away from the eyes. * While the [http://www.amazon.com/Headsweats-7700-201-Race-White/dp/B00295QDSW Headsweats hat] sound similar to the Halo, it just has a traditional sweatband.* I've seen a runner use a very thin (~1mm) tube tied around his head which worked wellat keeping the sweat out of your eyes.
=Other hats to consider=
While the halo hat is what I wear in nearly all circumstances, there are a few others that are worth mentioning.
==Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap==
This hat does much better at protecting the sides of your face and is a little longer than either the Salomon or the head sweats. Like the Salomon, the next drape is also removable. This hat has a drape that goes around your neck and sides of the face to protect from the Sun. I've tried a few hats in this style and the outdoor research seems to be the best of the bunch. I use this hat instead of the Halo when sunburn is a big issue, such as running the Keys 100. [http://go.fellrnr.com?<jfs id=35454X937677&xs" B003P8QPE4 " nonl="true" noreferb=1&url"true" n=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F721671%2Foutdoor-research-sun-runner-cap " Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap at REI]"/>.
<gallery widths=300px heights=400px caption="The OR Sun Runner Cap">
File:ORSunHatOpen.26.jpg|The Sun Runner will keep the sun away from the back of your neck and side of your face.
File:ORSunHatClosed.49.jpg|It can be adjusted so that it covers more of your face.
</gallery>
==Headsweats Protech==
If you want more sun protection with comfort, then the <jfs id="B0025ULSO0" nonl="true" noreferb="true" n=" Headsweats Protech"/> is worth considering. While Headsweats doesn't stop the sweat from getting in your eyes anywhere near as well as the Halo, the built in some flap keeps the sun away from your ears and neck. The flap isn't quite as long as I'd like and depending on the top you're using you may find a gap. It also doesn't come quite as far forward as I like, so you're still likely to get sunburn on your cheeks. However, it's one of the more comfortable running hats I found.
[[File:Headsweats.jpg|center|thumb|300px|]]
==Salomon Xa+ Cap==
I thought the <jfs id=" B014EBI7P0" nonl="true" noreferb="true" n=" Salomon Xa+ Cap"/> might be a better option than the headsweats above, as the next flap is removable and Velcro's in. Unfortunately, the just isn't as comfortable as I'd like, and there's a small gap at the back of your head which could lead to sunburn if you lack hair.
[[File:Salomon Xa plus Cap.jpg|center|thumb|300px|]]
==Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero==
This is not your typical running hat by any means, and it's not something I'd recommend for typical runner doing a typical race. However, if you're doing an ultramarathon where you expect to spend a significant amount of time walking in light rain, this hat can help keep you a little dryer. [http://go.fellrnr.com?<jfs id=35454X937677&xs" B000ASBVB4 " nonl="true" noreferb=1&url"true" n=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F238313%2Foutdoor-research-seattle-sombrero "Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero at REI]. "/>
==Modified Halo Hat==
For the extreme conditions of Badwater, where the temperatures can exceed 120 5F/50 C, I modified the Halo hat to protect my face and neck. I used an old [[UnderArmour HeatGear Under Armor Heat Gear Top]] and cut off the main torso part. This was then sewn around the brim of the hat, leaving a gap for my eyes. This worked remarkably well, and far better than any of the similar hats I've purchased. The elastic nature of the under armor top means I can pull the front down under my chin to it or drink.[[File:Modified Halo Hat Small.JPG|nonecenter|thumb|500px|This modified hat served me well while [[2013 Pacing Badwater 135|Pacing at Badwater]].]]
==BreezCap==
