Good ball cap for hot days

Q. Last summer at Cub Scout day camp, the temperature hit 106 degrees. I like to wear a wide brim hat on days like that, but sometimes they just get in the way and a ball cap works better, especially when I’m out doing a lot of active stuff like running around or jogging. I find that most ball caps make my head feel hot and just retain more heat. I try soaking them in water and letting evaporation cool my head down, which helps a little, but I was wondering if you’ve come across any good caps that might have some ventilation in them.
—Jason Cookedhead, Stratford, Calif.

A. Yeah, I too sometimes prefer a ball cap on those really hot days, especially when it’s windy. Sounds like you need a high-performance baseball-style cap made with lightweight, quick-dry material and plenty of mesh venting. There are lots of options out there, many even equipped with sun-protective materials. Here are three that I like:

Patagonia Vented Longbill Cap ($25; patagonia.com)
Columbia Blood and Guts Freezer Ball Cap ($22; columbia.com)
Outdoor Research Swift Cap ($20; outdoorresearch.com)

Check This Out!

nmFreeWheeler // June 13, 2012 at 7:59 pm // Reply

I like to wet a bandana, put one corner over my head and the cap over it. Then the rest of the bandana hangs around my ears and the back of my neck giving sun protection with the cool wetness.

chicken little // March 22, 2012 at 9:34 pm // Reply

wrap some ice in a hankie on a hot day put it in your hat and it works wonders [expect odd looks]

coolman360 // March 9, 2012 at 7:38 pm // Reply

i wear a desert hat it is a ball cap that has some extra cloth hanging down in the back so it protects the back of your neck.

listen // February 20, 2012 at 7:24 pm // Reply

try a wet bandana around your neck that cools you off fast

cub scout // February 18, 2012 at 10:19 am // Reply

try putting a wet bandana on your fore head and put a thin hat on too

Awsome Guy // February 17, 2012 at 12:25 am // Reply

Try putting on a wet bandana. It works wonders, especially is there is a little breeze.

Sly Fox // February 14, 2012 at 11:32 am // Reply

Try a marathoners hat. They are very thin and light weight so they breath extreemly well yet offer excellent sun protection. You can also get a style that has the extended neck cover if you tend to burn easily on the back of your neck. Another great thing is they are relatively cheap too, about $6.00.