I have found that an essential bit of kit, whether for hiking or city exploring, is a baseball cap. For many years I have lugged around my North Face cap which did the job. I then discovered the foldable wonder that is the Buff Pack Run Cap. It had its first thorough testing in the summer heat wave in Europe (39C!) while we were in Berlin.
Practical Caps
Although you would think that a baseball cap wouldn’t take much room when travelling, you would be surprised. The solid peak can be a bit of a pain. That or it ends up weirdly bent which then leads to some maintenance to make it look somewhat normal.
Being pasty and blonde, I have a tendency to turn into a tomato when the weather heats up. My fast walking speed doesn’t really help them crimson faced situation either. So hats have become my best friend, even though I have never really been a fan. This has all changed now that I experience the benefit of keeping the sun off my glasses and face so that I can continue my adventures.
Why is the BUFF Pack Run Cap different?
The solid peak I mentioned earlier also means that I can’t just stuff my cap into my pocket. This leads to either being stuffed into that odd shape again or hanging from my backpack. Neither of which is very practical when you’re in and out of the sun and shade. This is where the Buff Pack Run Cap comes into its own.
It is completely scrunchable and bounces back to the original shape. This is because the peak is made from neoprene so it is spongy and mouldable. I was able to squish it into my pocket (without a massive telltale bulge) or into my bottle pocket for ease of grabbing when the sun popped out again.
The main material, having been made for sporting, is also very breathable and wicking. Both Jit and I found that our heads didn’t get that characteristic hat itch you get with regular baseball caps. And a bonus was that my hair wasn’t completely flat when I took the Buff Pack Run Cap off. I am sure if you have longish hair you know that rimmed edge flat top look well. It is not flattering!
Suitable for small heads
I know that a few of my friends suffer from the small head affliction. This means that many ‘normal’ sized caps can be too big or have lots of adjustment strap dangling down the back. These bad boys are made for people like us! They are fairly small and stretchy with an elastic strap to adjust it. This means that it looks normal and fits like a tiny glove.
The price
I have to admit that I found the £27.59 price tag of the Buff Pack Run Cap to be a bit on the steep side – you know I am frugal! I did manage to find outs for half-price on Amazon though, meaning that I got two for £30 which made me feel a lot happier. There aren’t many choices of style when you shop this way, but we were in it for practicality over style, which you can probably tell from most of our outfits.
I chose the one with the huge Buff branding as I liked the brightness and bought the more muted one for Jit.
Results of the Buff Pack Run Cap
Well, honestly! I have started to carry my hat everywhere with me which I think is an excellent result. I used to be reluctant to packing the old North Face cap as it would take up room and take ages to dry if I got it wet – not to mention the hat hair. The Buff Pack Run Cap are the most packable hat I have ever seen and really practical.
My Buff Pack Run Cap has spent a good summer with me and considering it has been worn so often, is still as fresh as when it arrived. (Very, very, good at sweat wicking!)
Whether you are in the market for a practical hat or are minimising the kit you travel with, then I personally highly recommend you check out the Buff Pack Run Cap. You don’t need to be a runner for it either, it would fit perfectly under a cycle helmet and is great for us foot travellers too.