Hats are often worn on sunny days, but UV protection is actually necessary regardless of the season.
Of course, it goes without saying that hats are useful for preventing heatstroke.
But when you're camping, you might not know what kind of hat to wear.
What kind of hats are suitable for camping?
Roughly three types:
・Hat
・Cap
・Knit cap
Reading this article will help you understand:
・How to choose a hat for camping
・The benefits of wearing a hat
・Recommended hats
Once you've got your hat on and are fully protected from the sun, let's go!
Criteria for choosing a camping hat
Even though we say "hat", there are many criteria for choosing one, such as shape and material.
Let's look at the characteristics of each.
Hat shapes (caps, hats)
First, let's look at the shape of the hat.
Let's look at the pros and cons.
Caps suitable for camping
Caps only have a brim at the forehead, so it's important to be aware that your neck can get sunburned.
Some models have fabric attached to cover the neck, but this can detract from the design.
On the other hand, a major advantage is that there are many stylish designs that can be worn by both men and women, and they are versatile for both urban and outdoor settings.
- Easy to use in both urban and outdoor settings
- Stylish for both men and women
- Enjoy wearing them in various ways: shallow, deep, or backward
- Can be used for sports as well
- Does not protect neck or ears from sunburn
- Easily blown off by wind
Hats for camping
Many models come with a chin strap, so using the chin strap makes it less likely to be blown away by the wind.
Even models without one can often have a separately sold chin strap attached.
Another advantage is that the wide brim can reduce sunburn on the neck.
Be careful, as UV rays can still cause sunburn even on cloudy days.
This type has a design that is difficult to use in the city and looks best in nature.
- Less likely to be blown away by wind, some even have chin straps
- Excellent for UV protection and preventing heatstroke
- Blends well with the camping atmosphere
- More difficult to style than a cap
- Chin straps can make them look less fashionable
- Many designs tend to look out of place in the city
Knit hats for camping
While not suitable for camping in midsummer, they can be worn warmly and stylishly for spring, autumn, and winter camping.
A point to note is that once worn, knit hats are even more likely to mess up your hair than regular hats or caps, making them inconvenient to take on and off frequently.
Knit hats are popular across all age groups and offer the advantage of being easy to incorporate into a stylish look.
- No worries about being blown away by the wind
- Can be used stylishly by all ages
- Easy to use for both camping and city wear
- Prone to stuffiness
- Difficult to take off once worn, as it messes up your hair
- Hat easily absorbs the smell of smoke
By material (polyester, Gore-Tex, cotton)
Polyester
The advantages of polyester are its quick-drying properties and affordability.
So-called quick-drying materials are synthetic fibers, primarily polyester.
Prices generally start from around 4,000 yen, and many items are budget-friendly.
Although it dries quickly even when you sweat, light colors (such as gray) can show sweat stains easily.
Even a small spark can easily burn a hole in it, so be careful when using it near a bonfire.
- Dries quickly even when wet, reducing discomfort
- Affordable pricing
- Sweat stains are noticeable and can easily form when wet
- Weak to heat, so caution is needed when worn near fire
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is characterized by its waterproof and breathable properties.
Is there really that much of a difference?
I used to think so too.
Although not a hat, I own a mountaineering item that is half Gore-Tex and half polyester.
When I took it off after descending, the Gore-Tex part was unchanged, but only the polyester part had water droplets.
This surprised me.
The downside of Gore-Tex is that it can be expensive.
Gore-Tex is too expensive for me to buy...
Gore-Tex hats start from around 7,000 yen.
It's a bit out of reach.
So I get mine at outlets.
While not half price, depending on the item and season, you can often find them at a discount.
It's a product that provides more value than its price, as it can be worn comfortably regardless of the season.
Gore-Tex products come in various types, such as 3-layer and 2-layer, which can be confusing for beginners.
If you're unsure, it's best to choose the durable and comfortable 3-layer option.
Acquiring a Gore-Tex product will make you feel like you've joined the ranks of veteran campers.
•Waterproof and breathable, repelling rain and preventing sweat buildup
• Functionality that satisfies the desire to own
• The first step towards becoming a veteran camper
•Higher price
•Even within Gore-Tex, functions are subdivided, which can be confusing.
It's generally best to choose 3-layer
Cotton
Cotton is only likely to get a hole if a spark lands on it.
While direct contact with fire is not advised, the significant advantage is being able to enjoy a bonfire with peace of mind.
It's not as durable as leather, but it develops a unique character with use, making you want to keep it for a long time.
Cotton is a slow-drying material.
Wearing cotton underwear for outdoor activities is said to be a death wish.
When worn in cool weather when you're less likely to sweat, it's a very appealing material, including its texture.
Also, its tendency to wrinkle is a concern.
If you carelessly stuff it into a bag, it will wrinkle.
The washed-out look is cool though!
•Strong against sparks
•Pleasant to the touch
•Aesthetic aging and enjoyment of long-term use
•Dries slowly
•Prone to wrinkles
Choose water-repellent materials
Not just for hats, Gore-Tex is ideal for outdoor materials.
The higher price is a drawback, but the benefits are significant.
There are also water-repellent products made of polyester and cotton, which are sufficient for use in stable weather.
Utilize commercially available water-repellent sprays to maintain water repellency for a long time.
Disadvantages
Easy to lose
At campsites, it's easy to lose gear, not just hats.
While it might be due to my carelessness, I tend to lose hats frequently.
On days with weak sunlight or in the evening when I stop wearing it, it's easily misplaced.
As a countermeasure, it's good to use a chin strap to hang it behind your neck.
This also prevents confusion about whose hat it is.
Of course, it also prevents it from being blown away by the wind during use.
Be careful when children use chin straps, as they can lead to unexpected accidents.
No insulation
Except for knit or wool hats worn in winter, caps and hats lack the ability to trap air, making them unsuitable for winter camping.
They do offer wind protection, so wearing them on windy days can make you feel warmer.
Benefits of wearing a hat
Ideal for preventing sunburn and heatstroke
As you might imagine, hats are ideal for preventing sunburn and heatstroke.
Hat types cover the neck, making them more effective than caps.
Models with wide brims that cover the neck broadly are highly effective in preventing heatstroke, as they protect the major blood vessels from the sun's heat.
Additionally, they are effective for sun protection, so make use of them.
Exposure to the sun causes the body to consume energy to lower its temperature.
At an unconventional campsite, where you're already prone to consuming energy, receiving sunlight will further deplete your energy and make you more susceptible to heatstroke.
From this, it is clear that wearing a hat is very effective in protecting the body from the sun.
Injury prevention
Children often run around and fall.
This is especially true at campsites with uneven terrain.
If you're wearing a hat at such times, you can reduce the risk of serious injury from a fall.
My son has fallen in ways that looked like he'd bleed, but only ended up with a bump.
At those times, I always thought, "It's good that he was wearing a hat."
Stylish design
Hats are sometimes used as fashion items.
Caps, in particular, often have stylish designs and don't look out of place when worn in town.
Since they are also sold at apparel stores, let's incorporate them more and more.
Points to keep in mind
Keep it clean
Light-colored models show sweat stains easily, so hand wash them after use.
Hand wash in a sink using laundry detergent.
Wring it out so it doesn't drip and dry it in the shade.
Attach a chin strap
At campsites and other outdoor locations, sudden gusts of wind can occur, so a chin strap provides peace of mind.
Hat-style hats either come with one attached or have holes for a separately sold strap.
When using a chin strap, be careful not to wrap it around your neck.
• Keep it clean for hygiene and to extend its lifespan.
• Use a chin strap to prevent loss (be careful when children use it).
Recommended camping hats by type
3 Recommended Hats
Coleman Adventure Hat
Material: Polyester
Size: 58 cm
Many people probably associate camping with Coleman, don't they?
This is a polyester hat released by Coleman.
Since it's polyester, it dries quickly even if you sweat, so you can play vigorously.
Although sweat stains may be somewhat noticeable, the ease of washing is another excellent point of polyester.
【Columbia】Siccamooney Booney Hat PU5260
Material: Polyester, Cotton
Size: 62-63 cm
This is a British Special Forces model bush hat.
The brim is short, making it suitable for people with long faces.
The sunshade fabric at the back of the head is detachable with Velcro, so you can use it as you like.
【THE NORTH FACE】GORE-TEX Hat
Material: GORE-TEX, Cotton
Size: Not specified
A product that combines the feel and atmosphere of cotton with the functionality of GORE-TEX.
This is a highly recommended product that feels comfortable to wear and doesn't make you sweat easily.
By densely weaving cotton threads, wind resistance and pain resistance have been ensured.
It can be used in a wide range of situations, from camping to trekking and festivals.
3 Recommended Caps
Supreme Side Logo 5 Panel Cap
Material: Nylon
Size: One size (adjustable with adjuster)
This is a Supreme cap, a favorite among stylish campers.
It doesn't have a chin strap, but it's adjustable with an adjuster, so you can adjust the fit to prevent it from blowing off.
Of course, you can also wear it loosely for comfort.
The back is mesh, so it's not only stylish but also highly functional.
GRIP SWANY FP Camp Cap
Material: Cotton
Size: Free size (head circumference 60 cm adjustable)
The simple design with a prominent brand logo is cool.
Since it's cotton, sweat dries slowly, but it will mold to your body and develop character with use, making you want to use it for a long time.
It's made of flame-retardant material, so you can use it safely near a bonfire.
New Era New Era Cap Black Patch
Material: Cotton
Size: Free 56.8-60.6 cm (adjustable with adjuster)
The timeless design and cotton texture leave a good impression.
The unchanging silhouette, conversely, makes it easy to match with any outfit, making it versatile.
The price is also reasonable, so it would be lovely for the whole family to have matching ones.
Recommended knit hats (beanies)
When choosing a knit hat, it's important to pick one that is popular across all age groups.
Just because it's popular with young people doesn't mean adults should avoid it, and often in family camping, children will rate it highly.
Especially recommended is the "RoToTo" beanie, which has neatly defined roll-up cuffs.
If you prioritize affordability, the following knit hats are also popular:
However, they are mass-produced and common, and inevitably look a bit cheap, so if that doesn't bother you, they are recommended.
Summary of hats for camping
It's easy to imagine that wearing a hat during peak camping season is effective for preventing sunstroke and heatstroke.
On the other hand, sun protection is also necessary in spring and autumn, and hats are very effective.
Caps are easy to use in town, and hats enhance the outdoor feel.
Why not incorporate a hat as a fashion item, not just for its functionality?
