Review: My New Hat.

It's important to have the right equipment for every job. Just like how you don't take a knife to a gun fight, you don't show up to the ultramarathon with sub-standard running gear.

I've been tweaking my personal running arsenal in the weeks leading up to the Chuckanut 50k next weekend, and the following is a review of one essential piece of gear. I'll leave the talk of running shoes, GPS watches, hydration packs, etc. for other, less qualified sources. Today I want to fill you in on the details of my latest acquisition, my new cranial covering system.

On a recent trip to my favourite running store, Value Village, I found this beauty in amongst a wide array of toques, tams, bonnets and caps. The price point was acceptable, coming in at $1.49, not the cheapest hat in the store but I've never been one to scrimp when it comes to quality.

Front view, showing brim and logo.

The first thing I noticed was the extreme logo on the front. I assumed it to be the marketing brand of some sort of energy drink, gel or injectable substance. Some type of serious endurance product, no doubt (I think the Google on my computer needs updating, because it seems to think that the logo comes from a Thai rock band, but whatever.).

The next thing that jumps out at you about this hat is it's weight. This sucker is light! I probably shaved at least 0.5g off my previous race weight by upgrading from my former, much heavier headgear. The back of the hat is made from what appears to be some kind of space age fabric, or "mesh". When tested with my bedroom fan, the moving air went right through, unimpeded.

Testing ventilation with my axial-flow oscillator.

Not only is this hat stylish and functional, but it's also versatile. Another high-tech feature is the adjustable sizing module at the rear of the unit. There are twelve variations that can be not only set up before you toe the line, but also quickly adjusted mid-run. The locking strap-like device is easily manipulated even by the most race worn fingers.

Rear view, showing largest or "open" setting.

Last but not least is the hat's most technical aspect, the brim (or to use the industry lingo, the "beak".). This protruding shelf-like addition serves three functions. First, and most obvious, is that it acts as a handle when donning or doffing the hat. It's double stitched outer perimeter makes for great hand to brim traction even in the slipperiest environments. The brim can also be used as a shield for rain. The entire hat is 100% waterproof, as soon as it soaks up it's limit, not another drop will be added for the duration of the rainfall. Unbelievable technology. Not only does the brim act as a handle and protection from the rain, but it will also shield your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. This thing is totally UV protected.

View from the medial side (or is that the lateral side?) showing extensive length of the "beak".

In conclusion, I have to give this piece of equipment a resounding thumbs up. No doubt my performance next week will be off the charts, look for me and my new hat on the podium at Fairhaven Park, post Chuckanut!