If I could choose just one hat to wear cycling, running or walking it would be the Rapha Merino Hat. The merino wool is soft and breathable. I have what I consider to be a rather large noggin and this hat fits me to a tee, yet it also fit’s Kathleen’s smaller noggin.
The Rapha Merino hat is made from New Zealand Merino (95%) and nylon (5%). The nylon is really needed to give it a little bit of a stretch factor. The Merino of course adds warmth, breath-ability and odor fighting properties of wool that make it odor-resistant. I have yet to smell the hat after a workout and go yuck. Even days later without washing it, the hat remains odor free, at least to my senses.
FABRIC
- New Zealand Merino:
- 95% merino
- 5% nylon
The hat is designed with a double thick headband and a single layer above the head band. This multi layer combo serves to help keep your ears especially warm, yet lets your head vent heat. The other advantage of the layering combo is it fits nicely under a helmet, without it feeling too bulky.
The Rapha Merino Hat was designed specifically for cycling, but like many products Rapha makes, they can have multi-use applications. I have found that as a runner/walker, the Rapha hat is probably the best running specific hat I have come across.
With most wool products I like to hang dry them after washing, but I have been known to throw them in the dryer by mistake or because of time. So far I haven’t had any issue with the hat shrinking, but your observations might differ.
Rapha Merino Hat Key features:
- Merino and Nylon blend for durability
- Quick drying
- Reversible
- Foldable earband
- Snug fit, perfect under a helmet
- Lightweight, insulating, breathable
- Easy to wash” – Rapha.cc
- Retails – $55
Bottom Line the Rapha Merino Hat is an amazing accessory that I love to use. The retail price tag of $55 might scare some away, but I can honestly say that if you purchase it, you will not be disappointed with how it regulates heat and make you a happy camper. Throughout the year Rapha puts on sales, so often you can pick up Rapha apparel at a discount. Right now the hat is selling for $31 and it’s very temping to pick up 2 pairs.
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