Anyone use running hats with neck drapes/covers?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Other

2 years ago 07/03/2022 9:15pm EDT

I'm forced to do my weekend long run between 1-3:30PM due to work and family constraints. Unfortunately that means a minimum of 85 degrees F and blistering sun.

Today I was at the Columbia store and saw a hat with a neck drape/cover. It was like baseball cap but a lighter reflective material, and had some ventilation holes, unlike normal baseball caps. Now that I recall, I think they are pretty popular at Badwater 135.

Here is one example:

headsweats.com

ProTech White/Grey

When you’re running on those hot summer days when the humidity is high, it’s important to keep your head cool and your neck in the shade. Our ProTech running caps feature a neck flap that you can tuck up for a 2-in-1 combo wh...

Link:www.headsweats.com/products/protech-wh...

Are they worth it for long runs? It seems like they'd give excellent protection from the sun, but I'm worried that the trapped heat would cancel things out and make it worse. They also look kind of dweebish but that doesn't matter so much.

2 years ago 07/03/2022 9:26pm EDT

re: rr123

Where I live, it's been around 103 degrees for months it seems.

I save money and just wear a pair of tighty-whities over my head. Soak them in ice water right before the run and slap the pair of undies over my head. Not kidding.

2 years ago 07/03/2022 11:18pm EDT

re: rr123

Try it then return and let us know what you think. It can’t be that expensive.

2 years ago 07/04/2022 1:02pm EDT

re: rr123

I ran wearing something similar today. it’s made by Outdoor Research and the neck flap is detachable.

rei.com

Link:www.rei.com/product/721671/outdoor-res...

I have very fair skin and my family has a history of skin cancer. I was running alone today and it is 90 degrees F with no clouds. Did I look a little silly? Yes. Did it protect me from the sun? Also yes.

The hat has some vents and the flaps are detachable. Running in it isn’t much hotter than wearing a regular hat. I did some research before buying and compared it with alternatives.

2 years ago 07/04/2022 1:09pm EDT

re: Yes actually.

Yes actually. wrote:
I ran wearing something similar today. it’s made by Outdoor Research and the neck flap is detachable.
https://www.rei.com/product/721671/outdoor-research-sun-runner-cap
I have very fair skin and my family has a history of skin cancer. I was running alone today and it is 90 degrees F with no clouds. Did I look a little silly? Yes. Did it protect me from the sun? Also yes.
The hat has some vents and the flaps are detachable. Running in it isn’t much hotter than wearing a regular hat. I did some research before buying and compared it with alternatives.

I have this hat and really enjoy it. For long, exposed, grindy runs, it makes a huge difference. For hiking or going to the beach, I wouldn't leave home without it. One issue is that when it's really humid out it makes your head feel a lot hotter. Other issue is that the hat's bucket shrunk quite a bit after being put through the drier just a few times, and the bill itself is a bit shorter than many of the basic polyester hats I own which does mean your nose and face can get baked at the wrong sun angle..

2 years ago 07/04/2022 1:50pm EDT

re: the 72 hour rule

the 72 hour rule wrote:
Where I live, it's been around 103 degrees for months it seems.
I save money and just wear a pair of tighty-whities over my head. Soak them in ice water right before the run and slap the pair of undies over my head. Not kidding.

Pics?

2 years ago 07/04/2022 2:41pm EDT

re: rr123

I only use it when I hang with my black friends

2 years ago 07/04/2022 3:57pm EDT

re: rr123

Ending up doing some research on several different hats, and it seems like this one is a good bang for the buck:

amazon.com

Buy Headsweats womens 7708 Cap, White/Grey, One Size US: Baseball Caps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

Link:www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0025ULSO0/r...

Will try it on Thursday and report back. Thanks everyone for the feedback

2 years ago 07/04/2022 4:52pm EDT

re: rr123

Thanks, keep us posted. I'm curious about products like this too.

I recently experimented with a Brooks running hat during the hottest time of the day. I think overall it was beneficial in the direct sun, but in the shade I preferred no hat because the hat was blocking the wind and making me hotter than no hat.

2 years ago 07/04/2022 5:24pm EDT

re: rr123

The best hat would be a hat that comes with a button that when you push it the hat would disappear.

2 years ago 07/04/2022 6:07pm EDT

re: rr123

I have had multiple skin cancers, probably from the old running days shirtless and without a hat. Now, as an old man, I always wear a hat and sometimes an oversized hiking one. My neighbor, who had ear cancer, wears a hat like the ones mentioned. I don';t care how I look and you shouldn't either if it keeps you safe.

2 years ago 07/04/2022 7:13pm EDT

re: rr123

I've use the OR version linked earlier for a few years now, particularly when running out in west texas where there's very little cover. I'd have no reservations with recommending it for hot and sunny conditions, it's definitely been a value piece of gear for me

2 months ago 04/18/2024 5:22am EDT

re: sunnytexas

I need a cap for flies as I live near a swamp

2 months ago 04/18/2024 6:50am EDT

re: rr123

I always ran during the heat of the day, often in full sun. Now in my 50s, I've clearly sustained sun damage to the neck area and it's irreversible. If you're a younger person and you want to maintain a youthful appearance, covering your neck may help you prevent permanent skin damage to that sensitive area.

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