Outdoor Research Men's Sun Runner Cap

I have to throw in my two cents and say that I, a cyclist, love the Sun Runner Hat too. I was looking for headwear that would shade the back of my neck as that part is exposed to the sun even more than the average runner since I am leaning forward over the handlebars, especially on bikes with a drop bar (while runners are standing pretty much straight up).

My initial reason for buying the hat and trying it out were all the reviews that said it was cool and comfortable to wear. THEY WERE ALL CORRECT! The sunlight bounces off the light color (I got the white one). While the high crown, thin nylon material and mesh vents keeps my head from overheating. Even with the cape on, once you starting moving (either on foot or on a bike), the cape will act a little bit like a parachute and help swirl the air around your neck.

The only problem I have with the cap is something that runners/hikers won't have to deal with. I'm sure Outdoor Research never intended it, but the design and material of the cap makes it possible to wear UNDER my cycling helmet which is a Bell Citi/Metro. This combination protects me from head injury and the sun but can be extremely hot on 100+ degree days. But still, I'd prefer to risk heat stroke (that I can feel coming and prevent) rather than a sunburned neck (which, if you can already feel, is too late to prevent) that can lead to skin cancer.

I think one reviewer on another website said the bill of the hat was too short for their taste but I think it's the perfect length. A longer bill would block my vision when I drop low over the handlebars to be more aerodynamic. But it's still long enough to shade my eyes when the mid day sun is highest.

One reviewer here said the sweatband was enough to keep perspiration out of his eyes. Not me. I'm not sure if it's the hot central California summer (or maybe I just sweat a LOT) but mine is SOAKED in about 15 minutes so I'm wearing an Under Armor sweatband on my head IN ADDITION to my Sun Runner hat and Citi helmet.

I loved the hat so much that I also bought a khaki colored one for casual use since white gets dirty too easily. Without the cape, it's a fantastic everyday cap. But unless you're running, riding a bike or hiking up in the mountains, the CAPE is just too hot to wear. Even if you're washing the car or out for a walk, the air isn't flowing fast enough to keep your neck cool.

All in all, this hat is a great value and worth every penny.

I have been looking for a great sun hat and this is it! The removable cape on the hat is nice but my concern is sun protection and a reduction in sun bloc use. I don't like getting bloc on jackets, etc. as it degrades the material. I've tried several other sun hats, but usually the cape is so light that the slightest wind blows it up and back to the sides or top of the hat. The draw cord on the Sun-runner prevents this. It is a well-made hat and lightweight. I got the khaki color and the length of the brim is good for me. I've only had the hat a short time, but it feels great and does the job wonderfully. I spend most days in the sun and wind, or rain exposed to the elements here in Oregon, but I can honestly say that the Sun-runner provides great sun protection.

I use this hat while running, hiking, driving, walking, just about any time I'm outside. I get migraines, and sun glare is a trigger, so this does an great job in protecting my eyes without looking overly bulky.

It is much more comfortable than a regular baseball cap. The lightweight material makes you forget you're wearing it. The well ventilated material also allows sweat to evaporate pretty quickly, and keeps your head cool.

I only wish REI sold this without the drape, just the hat portion, since that's what I use most. I only use the drape when backpacking, when my neck will be exposed for long periods of time.

I would definitely recommend this. I even bought one for my sister who is an avid runner, and she loves it.

We do extended kayak trips in hot, saltwater conditions.I prefer caps over broad brimmed hats (they seem to blow off and bump into things more) but need sun protection, paticularly for my face and neck.I've worn my white Sun Runner on the ocean under hot sun for days on end. I swim with it on and I can tell you it is super lite and comfortable, drys very fast and the snaps and fabric have been unaffected by salt water. The bill length is 2.75". The removable shroud, which I remove for walking around town, is about 10.25" long. It's not cheap but it works well for sun and water and I can't imagine something better.Happy trails!

I am one of those active 30 somethings that lost my hair in my 20's. I constantly apply SPF to my head all of the time. I would wear caps sometimes but usually they became too hot to wear when it gets really warm outside.

This hat from OR is a perfect compliment to my OR rain hat that I have. I am very pleased with the quality and design of this runners cap. Is is very lightweight, very comfortable, and it breathes exceptionally well. The integrated sweatband is thin yet effective. The protection from the sun is wonderful. I feel protected wearing this cap.

I have had my sun runner hat for 5 years and have used it a great deal in a bunch of very hot areas (Arizona, Utah, Costa Rica, Caribbean Islands, etc) and it is still in great shape. The cape works very well and is a good length to keep the sun off your neck. The hat is light enough where I hardly notice it and even with the cape on it does not become hot to wear for extended periods of time. Also appreciate the fact the cape is removable for time you just want a cap. All in all, an excellent purchase.

Love this product. I have a beige for work (landscaping in SW Florida) and sailing/camping and a white for running and just hanging out. The light weight fabric has a cool feel to it and love the mesh for the ventilation that most shade caps don't have. This hat seems to drop the temp. 10+degrees when I put it on. The strap works great when the wind picks up. I am a hat lover that hardly wears a hat anymore.

I purchased this hat prior to a 50 mile ultra-marathon in the Florida Keys. I underestimated the intensity of the sun but this hat stood up to it and did an amazing job. It provided great protection from the sun, it breathed very well, and I was able to adjust it with ease while running. If you are going to be in extremely harsh sunny conditions I highly recomend this hat, it will not let you down.

I went back to the Sierra this year doing the South loop of King Canyon. I personally don't like to wear white brimmed hat. This cap is designed for hikers and runners; it protected me from harsh July Sun and mosquitoes. The latter usage(mosquito protection) was discovered by accident.

I definitely will keep using it for hikes to come - so long wide brimmed hats.

Not quite as nice, for my money, as it's soft-billed predecessor product; but the best available today. I wear it daily on my five mile hike to school, and pop on the neck cape whenever I'm hiking in sunlight. It's very lightweight, cool, versatile, and provides excellent protection from the Texas sun. It's good for about two years of hard, daily use. :-)