Protective hat recommendations, please

General cycling advice ( NOT technical ! )
Abradable Chin
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Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by Abradable Chin »

I would like a low-key hat to protect my eyes from the sun, and to keep my head cooler when cycling. Which ones don't blow off when going fast? I have a winter peaked cap and I find it requires the chin strap to be tight, else it inflates and lifts off.
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WorldWideWilby
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by WorldWideWilby »

A mtn bike helmet usually has a peak from the Sun. They are all vented to keep cool.

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millimole
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by millimole »

If you mean 'not a helmet' then I recommend a Visor Buff - like a Buff, but with a neoprene visor.

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my KFFOWI using hovercraft full of eels.
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Bonefishblues
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by Bonefishblues »

Ha! I didn't know that was a thing :D
tatanab
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by tatanab »

Walz caps come in cotton, wool or moisture wicking. I use the moisture wicking ones during the summer to protect my eyes from the sun and from sweat. US brand but available from several UK shops.
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deliquium
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by deliquium »

"Traditional' cotton cycling caps do it for me. Tight enough not to blow off but not constrictive - my head is possibly larger than average though? In the winter I have a waxed cotton 'Rapha' cap (with the branding removed :wink: ) and a WALZ wool cap - neither of which have caused any problems at speed or in Welsh gales
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Mick F
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by Mick F »

Yep.
Cotton peaked cap for me.
Doesn't blow off even coming down Gunnislake Hill at 45mph. :D

This is the one I'm using.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/morvelo-exclusi ... 5360697468
Screen Shot 2017-06-04 at 10.26.10.png
Mick F. Cornwall
reohn2
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by reohn2 »

I find cotton cycling caps become saturated when climbing and cold on descents,I use a synthetic North Face cap for cycling but care is needed on descents or in high winds.
The peaked Buff looks a good option
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Bonefishblues
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by Bonefishblues »

My plastic hat has a visor :P
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SimonCelsa
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by SimonCelsa »

I'm not sure what you mean by 'low key' but the Tilley hat gets pretty good reviews.

Bit of a cowboy style hat but keeps the sun off the eyes/nose & avoids the burnt turtle neck look of many elderly people.

I've had one for a few years and it's pretty bike friendly. It has a shoelace chinstrap which is good for 30mph when cranked up tight, pretty hard to breathe mind you but that's a minor failing. Comes with a lifetime guarantee reputedly and retains its shape even after prolonged scrunched up storage in the pannier. Quite expensive and you're paying for the name but I've found it pretty decent quality and worth a punt.

I would proffer a link but unfortunately am back at sea and our internet is poor,

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all the best, Simon
rmurphy195
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by rmurphy195 »

I have a folding baseball cap from Mountain Warehouse which works well, and folds up into a pocket when not in use. Very thin material so goes under my helmat OK with little need for strap adjustment.

As with any peaked cap a bit of a headwind can get under the peak and lift it off of course.

Mine cost a fiver in theier sale last year! https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/travel/clothing/anti-mosquito-clothing/travel-anti-mosquito-cap-p11808.aspx/beige
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[XAP]Bob
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by [XAP]Bob »

I use a baseball cap - although I use it more for rain protection than sun...
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Ruadh495
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by Ruadh495 »

Traditional flat cap for me. No chin strap and it stays on at 30+mph.
tatanab
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by tatanab »

rmurphy195 wrote:As with any peaked cap a bit of a headwind can get under the peak and lift it off of course.
Might be less of an issue with the Walz caps because they do not have a stiff peak (usually stiffened with a plastic insert) but have a soft fibrous insert which is more flexible. Not that I've had a cap of any sort fly off due to wind, and I've been using "flat" caps in winter months for almost 40 years.

Baseball caps - I find the peaks are too big, although they may be fine if you are a very upright rider.
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mjr
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Re: Protective hat recommendations, please

Post by mjr »

I use a legionnaire's hat from Mountain Warehouse, with the sun flap tucked into the hat when not needed. It has a shoelace chin strap to avoid being blown off by passing traffic.

I read somewhere that railway engineers hats are better, but I've never seen one in a shop.
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