Camping

Image by annethelibrarian via Flickr

Running hats are available in almost as many different styles, shapes and sizes as trail runners themselves. Well, maybe I should re-phrase that, trail runners are an extremely fit bunch who are mostly very lean (it comes with running up and down all those miles and miles of trails) but some “runners” are not quite up to that standard . . . yet . . . and need to practice more running round our local park in the early mornings – the earlier the better as far as I’m concerned, it’s enough to put you off your toast and eggs.

Running hats do need to fit well for starters, it’s pretty difficult to run with one hand holding your hat on, but what other features should you look for when you’re buying a new running hat, either for trail running or for running around the park;

• Running hats in the baseball cap style are good, particularly if they are well ventilated so that your head stays cool on your run. Baseball cap brims are great for keeping both the sunshine and the rain out of your face, both of which can be really annoying when you’re in the middle of a run.
• Running hats made from material with good moisture wicking properties are great, keeping the sweat away from your brow and speeding up the whole evaporation process.
• Running hats often incorporate a little reflective trim . . . brilliant for increasing visibility when you’re running in low light.
• Fleece or knitted skull caps are great for cold weather workouts, particularly if they also have the moisture wicking properties needed to help get rid of any excess sweat.
• Ever thought of running in the buff? No, you won’t get arrested for this, a buff is an innovative hat / scarf / bandana / neck gaiter / dust screen / sun-guard . . . which the most stylish of runners are wearing this season.

Those hats are great . . . I completely forget about the animal hats with furry ears. Watch out for them trail running in a few more years!

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many running hats together.